Although winter has not yet fully set in, the Rajshahi University (RU) campus has already come alive with the chirping of migratory birds.
As guest birds start arriving from the Siberianregion or European countries in search of a bit of warmth, the ponds on the university campus have turned into safe havens.
Two types of migratory birds are seen on the campus—one group that stays on land or tree branches, and another that stays in the water bodies. Many species of birds are seen on the waterbodies,and most of them are duck species such whistling duck, northern pintail, shoveler duck, and tufted duck.
These birds arrive on the campus during the winter season, and like every year, flocks of migratory birds are now visible this year too. The entire campus looks like a kingdom of birds.
Migratory birds are seen in several waterbodies, including the ponds behind Khaleda Zia, Taposi Rabeya, and Rahmatunnesa Halls, the pond beside Rokeya Hall, and the waterbody next to Shamsuzzoha Hall. Some birds are diving, some are flying across the sky, some hop from branch to branch before returning to water bodies, while others bask in the sun with their heads tucked into their feathers. Some are even busy competing to catch fish. Altogether, it seems as though a grand festival of migratory birds has filled the Rajshahi University campus.
Throughout the winter, these migratory birds will roam freely. Teachers and students of the university enjoy watching them, and many visitors from outside the campus also come to see the birds.
Bird experts say that each winter, intense cold begins to descend north of the Himalayas. As a result, regions such as Siberia, Mongolia, China, Nepal, and India experience heavy snowfall. Unable to withstand the harsh cold, thousands of migratory birds flock to South Asian countries, including Bangladesh, in search of warmth.
Professor Dr. Md. Anisur Rahman of the Department of Zoology at Rajshahi University say that tall trees, open waterbodies, and abundant food on the campus make it a preferred destination for migratory birds during the winter season.
“As the campus is a haven for birds, they even build nests here. Their numbers increase every year. This year too, flocks of migratory birds can be seen in the pond beside Rokeya Hall and in various other waterbodies. Migratory birds never lose their way. They return to exactly where they came from, using mountains and hills as natural markers for navigation,” he added.
Professor Dr. Md. Mahbubur Rahman, the Proctor of Rajshahi University, said that killing birds on the campus is strictly prohibited. The birds are not subjected to any kind of disturbance or fear. The university authority remains vigilant so that free movement of migratory birds is not hindered in any way.