Shrinking Wetlands find fewer airborne visitors in Gurgaon

This photograph was taken two years ago at the now-defunct Basai Wetland.

Last week when I visited the Najafagarh Lake from the Chandu-Budhera side, I was in for a great surprise! Out there in the distance were not less than four greater Flamingos. Spotting Greater Flamingos so late into the summer is most surprising. We all know Greater Flamingos are migratory birds that might be spotted during winter months in the northern plains of India. However, This article is not limited to Greater Flamingos but also about some of the larger birds that depend on wetlands for sustenance while wintering in India. It is pertinent to note that there has been a steady decline in the number of migratory birds visiting the remaining wetlands of Gurgaon over the past few years. The change in the environment has been rather drastic due to the rapid pace of development.

Greater Flamingos at the Najafgarh Lake-2024

Greater Flamingos spotted at the Najafgarh Lake in June-2024

Greater Flamingos at the Najafgarh Lake-2024

Greater Flamingos at the Najafgarh Lake June-2024

I have rarely spotted Greater Flamingos in Gurgaon. They were commonly spotted in what was once known as the Basai Wetland. Climate change and change in the ecosystem have resulted in drastically changed migratory patterns of birds. It is also important to note how disappearing wetlands, the rise in global temperature, and human developmental activities have affected wildlife in India.

Eurasian Spoonbills at the Sultanpur National Park-2024

Eurasian Spoonbills spotted at the Sultanpur National Park-2024

November and February are the usual months when Flamingos visit wetlands in India, like the  Chilika Bird Sanctuary. I have never spotted Greater Flamingos at the Sultanpur National Park. Wetlands are waypoints for migratory birds. Some of the late visitors, however, might visit the wetlands of Gurgaon as late as June. These birds are stragglers.

Eurasian Spoonbills have made the Sultanpur National Park their favourite wintering spot. I was able to spot a large number of Eurasian Spoonbills at the National Park. Unfortunately, the Sultanpur National Park is reeling under draught-like conditions and scarcity of freshwater sources. Human development activities have impacted biodiversity hotspots in and around Gurgaon.

Larger Native species of birds like the majestic Sarus Cranes, the pride of Gurgaon will soon be forced to migrate to other regions that have healthy thriving weltands. Food scarcity, draught-like conditions, and shrinking biodiversity hotspots are driving away some of the larger resident birds and migratory birds that visit the environs of Gurgaon.

Sarus Cranes Spotted at the Sultanpur National Park -2024

Sarus Cranes Spotted at the Sultanpur National Park -2024

Larger birds have been affected by climate change and the reduction in the number of wetlands in the country. Among some of the larger bird species is a resident bird that thrives on wetlands, and these are Sarus Cranes. Sarus Cranes are waders and I have seen them feeding on Molluscs, Snails, Frogs, Crustasians, and seeds. Larger birds require a protein-rich diet to survive which can be supplied by wetlands that support a healthy ecosystem. By the end of 2023 and the beginning of 2024, I  spotted fewer Bar-headed Geese, although there were quite a few Greylag Geese at the Sultanpur National Park.

Greylag Geese spotted at the Sultanpur National Park in April 2024