The avian guests of winter have started arriving at the backwaters of the Tungabhadra dam near Hagari Bommanahalli in the district.
Vijay Ittagi and his fellow bird-watchers have seen the brown-headed gull, greater flamingo and bar-headed goose, among other migratory birds, in the backwaters and captured them on camera. Tungabhadra backwaters are recognised an important bird area by the Bombay Natural History Society.
According to experts, the Tungabhadra water is clean and food (mostly fish) is available in plenty. The climatic conditions are also conducive for migratory birds, which feel safe because there is no hunting activity in the area, thanks to constant vigil by bird-watchers and nature lovers.
As the backwater stretch is very long, and at present the water level is high, spotting birds is slightly difficult now. The species and numbers can be assessed after January, when the water level will recede.
There have been reports of birds being sighted in waterbodies located in other parts of the district and also in surrounding districts.
