Migratory birds flock to Sukhna lake, adjoining areas

The birds come here from Siberia, China, Afghanistan and the Himalayan region to escape the biting cold climate there, they added. Besides the sanctuary, these birds are also making their abode at water bodies in Botanical Garden and at Patiala-Ki-Rao lake in the city.

The migratory birds start arriving here in early November and stay till March or April, depending on the climatic conditions, forest officials said.

The migratory birds flocking to the district include Brahmi ducks, Common Pochards, Red-crested Pochards, grebes, geese, shell ducks, marsh ducks, diving ducks, rails, coots, stilts, hill kingfisher, mallard, pintail, cormorants, Siberian ducks, cranes, storks and sandpipers.

The wildlife department, meanwhile, has imposed a ban on poaching and on playing of loud music in the surrounding areas as it may disturb lifestyle of migratory birds, officials said.