World Migratory Bird Day is being observed (on 11th Oct) worldwide, with this year’s theme, “Shared Spaces: Creating Bird-Friendly Cities and Communities,” emphasizing the need for more inclusive urban environments. As migratory birds commence their autumn journeys, recent increases in bird counts at critical habitats have offered much-needed encouragement for ongoing conservation efforts.
Tracing the Epic Journeys of Migratory Birds
Nevertheless, these migrations remain threatened by expanding urbanization and the accelerating impacts of climate change. The Convention on Migratory Species (CMS), along with its partners, has stressed the importance of urban planning that considers both human welfare and biodiversity. The 2025 theme highlights the necessity of co-existence, advocating for practical measures such as the planting of native species, implementing window treatments to reduce bird collisions, and minimizing light pollution during key migratory periods.
India's Conservation Success and Challenges
Focusing on India—a crucial wintering destination for birds from Central Asia, Siberia, and Europe—the current migratory season is well underway. Recent census data from the Pong Dam Lake Wildlife Sanctuary, a Ramsar-designated wetland in Himachal Pradesh, indicate a record 153,719 birds spanning 97 species. Notably, the Bar-headed Goose population reached nearly 91,000 individuals—the highest count in over two decades. This increase has been met with enthusiasm by researchers and conservationists, particularly after previous years of population decline attributed to erratic weather patterns and warming winters.
India Shelter for Seasonal Arrivals
Beyond Pong Dam, several significant migratory bird habitats across India are preparing for seasonal arrivals. These include Chilika Lake in Odisha—Asia’s largest brackish lagoon, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary (Keoladeo National Park) in Rajasthan—a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Little Rann of Kutch in Gujarat—known for cranes and flamingoes, and Sultanpur National Park in Haryana—a favoured bird-watching site hosting species such as the Siberian Crane and Bar-headed Goose. In February, the Mahakumbh 2025 in Prayagraj featured a three-day International Bird Festival, providing opportunities to observe rare species like the endangered Indian Skimmer alongside flamingoes and Siberian Cranes.
Global Trends and Conservation Efforts
Globally, species such as the Common Crane and Red Knot continue to face significant conservation challenges. While adaptable species like the Peregrine Falcon have adjusted to urban environments, many others are increasingly vulnerable to habitat loss and anthropogenic disturbances. The Red Knot, for instance, is especially threatened by the development of coastal stopover sites vital to its migration.
The World Migratory Bird Day campaign underscores that ecological boundaries are artificial, and effective conservation requires collective action. Governments, communities, businesses, and individuals all play a role. Even modest steps—such as supporting native vegetation, reducing artificial lighting during migration, and participating in local bird-watching initiatives—can contribute meaningfully to the protection of migratory species. By fostering awareness and encouraging participation, it is possible to create a safer environment for these remarkable avian travellers.
