Bird watchers, forest authorities and locals of Diviseema are celebrating the arrival of Ruddy Shelduck ( Tadorna ferruginea ) at the Krishna Wildlife Sanctuary (KWS). Ruddy Shelduck is widely known as Brahminy duck in India.
A flock of nearly 150 Ruddy Shelduck was sighted near the Puligadda in a backwater channel in Krishna district. Shelduck, which is considered sacred by the Buddhists in Tibet and Mangolia, has arrived in the sanctuary and preying in water bodies, backwater channels, water land areas and the Krishna river bed surrounding the sanctuary.
It has migrated from Europe, Central Asia and a large number of the bird could be sighted in Jammu and Kashmir in India.
According to local communities, sighting of a large number of Ruddy Shelduck was registered across the sanctuary and other parts of the wetlands in Diviseema area a decade ago. However, since the past two winter seasons many flocks of the duck have been visiting the sanctuary. “Better wetland ecosystem, availability of prey and safe water bodies in and around the Krishna Wildlife Sanctuary are said to be prime attractions for the migratory bird,” opined Allaparthi Appa Rao, who is documenting the arrival of the Ruddy Shelduck.
Mr. Appa Rao told The Hindu that the flock of Ruddy Shelduck was found preying in a backwater channel along with local resident birds.
The migratory bird is likely to be homebound by April end.
The local communities are hoping that Shelduck would come in large number in the next winter, given an absolute ban on poaching, which was one of the threats for the migratory birds a decade ago.
The increase in the mangrove forest cover around the KWS played a key role in attracting several species of migratory birds, apart from ensuring a safe place for local resident birds.
