Winged wanderer: Eurasian Whimbrel arrives in Chhattisgarh

Raipur: The Eurasian Whimbrel, a bird known for traversing thousands of kilometres from the Arctic tundra, has arrived at Chhattisgarh's Belaudi Dam for a stopover before continuing its journey towards the sea. Known for its curved beak and striped head, these birds pass through the state annually, as it falls on their migration route.
"Its migration route passes through India.To rest and satisfy its hunger after a long flight, the bird stops in Chhattisgarh for a while before continuing its journey. The Eurasian Whimbrel is a regular visitor to Chhattisgarh, passing through annually. The birds' presence has been recorded for many years by local bird enthusiasts and photographers," said wildlife photographer Raju Verma.
The bird has been spotted in Bilaspur, Raipur, and Patan areas. On Sept 7 this year, Verma had captured the bird in his camera by the side of the Belaudi Dam.
Belaudi Dam, situated in the Patan area of Chhattisgarh, is a reservoir that is well-known for attracting migratory birds, particularly during the winter months. The dam and its surrounding wetlands offer a suitable habitat for various species of waterfowl and shorebirds, making it a popular destination for bird watchers and wildlife photographers.
According to Verma, who has been actively involved in bird conservation efforts for the past five years, the migration of birds commences in Sept, and the wetlands of Patan serve as an attractive destination for these migratory species. In addition to the Eurasian Whimbrel, Common Sandpipers, Wood Sandpipers, and Green Sandpipers can also be easily spotted around Chicha, Belaudi, Santra, and Achanakpur dams from Oct to Feb. He also said that duck species will start arriving in the area soon.
In May 2024, a GPS-tagged Eurasian Whimbrel was photographed for the first time in Chhattisgarh near a reservoir in Bemetara district. The bird was captured on camera by bird enthusiasts.
The Whimbrel is renowned for its ability to traverse vast distances across oceans and continents, its unique physical features-- curved beak and striped head-- aid in hunting its prey, which primarily consists of insects and small creatures found near water bodies. To better understand the Whimbrel's migration patterns and preferred habitats, satellite tagging is being employed.
Belaudi Dam and many other water bodies in Chhattisgarh contribute significantly to local biodiversity conservation by supporting both aquatic life and bird populations, especially during migration seasons.