A thriving sanctuary for migratory birds

The cacophony of migratory birds has reached its crescendo at Kodom bil in Sharsha upazila of Jashore. The wetland has become a sanctuary for thousands of avian travellers of different species.

The picturesque sight of these winged guests finding their winter sojourn at Kodom bil has attracted bird-lovers from all over the country.

Kodom bil is located in Durgapur village, some 8km north of Benapole port. The lake, measuring around 75 bighas (roughly 1,00,335 square metres), mostly consists of fish farms.

Bird-lovers are captivated by the chirping and tweeting of shoraeel, cormorant and donkur in Durgapur village. Visitors throng the sanctuary to catch a glimpse of so many colourful birds flocking together.

These winged guests come every year from thousands of miles away.

The people of Durgapur village say they remain vigilant and guard the guests of the sanctuary from poachers. At the same, the livestock services department at Sharsha upazila office monitors the migratory birds.

The spectacular sight of the flocks of birds crowding around Kodom bil draws a large number of visitors from nearby towns and villages. Some visitors told UNB poor transport system makes it difficult for them to visit the sanctuary.

Jashim Uddin, the upazila livestock officer, said migratory birds come to several wetlands in Sharsha upazila during winter. Many poachers trap and hunt the migratory birds with air-guns at many places in the upazila.

The local livestock department is vigilant for proper conservation of the migratory birds at Kodom bil and other places in the upazila, he added.