Decline in arrival of migratory birds in Hunasinkere tank in Hassan

Hundreds of migratory birds of varied species have arrived at the Hunasinkere tank in Hassan, but there is a decline in their numbers. These birds fly from far off places to Hunasinkere in November every year and feed on the fish in the tank - but, their numbers are on the decline.
The arrivals include pelicans, painted storks, spoon-billed storks, purple moorhen and grey hornbills.
This has been reported in thehindu.com dated 29 November 2016.

AS a birdwatcher has revealed - spoon-billed storks are there in good numbers but there is a steep decline among ducks, purple moorhen, jacana and a few others.
Various factors could have contributed to this. Over the years the water level in the tank has come down because of decrease in rainfall. Moreover, there are more people living closer to the tank now. This reduces the space for trees on the bank. Consequently, less trees mean less of the birds.
Another aspect is that many local farmers pumping water from the lake to their land. Many private agencies take the water from the tank for construction work. Obviously, such activities disturb the birds and they shift to other locations.


Image courtesy wikimediacommons.org


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