Thousands of migratory birds have flocked to Talbaria Beel in Pakkoula village under Aria union in Daulatpur upazila of Kushtia.
Since the beginning of winter, this remote village has become a sanctuary for migratory birds.
Among these, the Openbill stork, Cotton Pygmy Goose, Lesser Whistling Duck, storks, swans, and other breeds of migratory birds have been coming to Talbaria Beel for more than two decades.
Small fishes and snails from the Beel are their main source of food.
The spectacular sight of the flocks of birds crowding around Talbaria Beel attracts a large number of visitors every year.
Sajedul Islam Rocky, one such visitor in Pakkoula village, told the Dhaka Tribune: "Lots of different breeds of migratory birds start coming from the beginning of winter, and stay till March.
"From morning to evening, the area echoes with the chirping and twittering of these birds," Rocky said. "Many come to see the beautiful sight of the flocks of birds taking to the sky, all at the same time."
Another villager, Arefin Shuvo, said the number of migratory birds used to be higher in the past.
"But after the water level started going down, a lesser number of birds has been coming here during the winter," Shuvo said. "The increasing number of tourists also disturbs the peaceful environment of the Beel, scaring the birds away."
After the Beel started to be used for fish cultivation, it caused a scarcity of enough food for the birds, Shuvo added.
Local Abdus Samad said the villagers always keep a watch to ensure nobody hunts these migratory birds.
Kushtia Bird Club President SI Shohel said that besides local birds, thousands of migratory birds arrive at the Talbaria Beel every year during the winter season and make it their temporary home.
