Bar-headed Geese - A Metaphor for Existence

When disaster strikes, nature claims its own! Najafgarh Lake

Bar-headed Geese are a metaphor for existence, which is becoming more true today than ever! As a wildlife photography enthusiast, I have been fascinated by Bar-headed Geese flying in from Tibet, Central Asia, and Mongolia to the wetlands in Northern India. I have been photographing these birds for the past few years in some f the biodiversity hotspots in Gurgaon, hotspots that are fading away due to developmental activities. The first major Biodiversity hotspot is the Basai wetland which has now been swallowed by apartment complexes, bisected by a flyover that cuts across it, and a waste recycling plant at one end of the wetland. What is remarkable is that each year, in spite of the shrinking habitat, Bar-headed Geese continue to land on the ever-shrinking wetland. I often wonder if when this wetland is completely reclaimed by flats, these birds will land on their terraces and roofs and then if they will loot for weeds and succulent roots on the roofs. The photographs I am sharing in this post were taken this year in the month of March.

Bar-headed Geese adjust to the ever-shrinking Basai Wetland

The second Biodiversity hotspot that I have focused on is the Najafgarh Lake bordering the Chandu-Budhera village in Gurgaon. This area is again a very important biodiversity hotspot. The breaking of the banks of the Sahibi river led to the flooding of the entire area forcing people to abandon farms, homes and shops. It was indeed an environmental disaster waiting to happen, especially because of the lack of planning and improper drainage systems. The area turned out to be a haven for migratory birds like Bar-headed Geese. I have also spotted gulls in the area along with the usual Ducks. My second set of photographs has been taken from the Najafgarh Lake bordering the Chandu-Budhera village area. They were taken this year in the months of January and March.

Bar-headed Geese at the Najafgarh Lake - A metaphor for hope?

Bar-headed Geese are a metaphor for survival because their migration is an indicator that all is well. However, when they do stop arriving at their wintering spots in Gurgaon and other spots in the plains of Northern India, it will be indicative of the forthcoming environmental crisis. First and foremost, the migration of Bar-headed Geese depends on ideal climactic conditions, the presence of food, biodiversity hotspots on their flight paths, weather patterns, and many other factors. A disruption of all of these factors will disrupt the migratory patterns of birds that winter in the plains of Northern India.

Bar-headed Geese at the Basai Wetland, will there be a tomorrow?

It was indeed a surprise to see so many Bar-headed Geese so late in the year, both at the Basai Wetland and the Najafgarh Lake. The rising sun lent a warm tone to the whole scene at the Basai Wetland, and I couldn't help but marvel at the resilience of nature fighting back against the destruction of wetlands and biodiversity hotspots by us humans.

Bar-headed Geese spotted at the Basai Wetland in March 2023

The beauty of these birds lies in their sleek, aerodynamic shape, meant for long-distance flight. Don't be misled by their timid behaviour, because these birds are known to be the highest-flying birds in the world. Their stamina in flight is perhaps supported by the powerful muscles that drive their wings. These marvels of nature are also the subject of studies by Ornithologists and Environmentalists throughout the world. Their migration patterns, navigational skills and ability to fly at great altitudes where there is little Oxygen to breathe have all been a matter of speculation. Bar-headed Geese are known for their remarkable tolerance to hypoxic conditions.

Bar-headed Geese take to the air at the Najafgarh Lake

The Basai Wetland continues to spring surprises, especially in its final moments. I have almost stopped visiting it because very little of it really remains after the construction of a flyover, a waste disposal plant and the final stages of the construction of the Dwarka Expressway. However, on the 4th of March, while on the way to the Najafgarh Wetland I decided, on a whim to visit the Basai Wetland. It was, perhaps, the right decision because when I visited it, I was able to spot a sizeable number of Bar-headed Geese, warming up in the morning sun.

Bar-headed Goose stretching a wing at the Basai Wetland

Stretching a wing at the Basai Wetland