With the onset of snowfall in northern hemisphere, the wetlands in Kailali and Kanchanpur district have started receiving increasing numbers of migratory birds lately.

Birds flock to wetlands in Nepal and other lower mountainous areas primarily in search of safe habitat, food as well as hatching, as snowfall starts in regions like Siberia, said Hirulal Dagaura, member of Birds Conservation Nepal.

Duck and other birds of various species such as Maalak duck, duck with green head, Kajijure duck, Suirepuchhre duck, Kharakhare duck, Kal duck, Thulo Jalewa and Chakhewa among others are seen in the wetlands, he shared.

Wetlands here temporarily house migratory birds from Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan among others to escape growing cold there, he added.

According to him, migratory birds have reached Ghodaghodi Taal in Kailali, river basin area in Karnali, Puraini Taal, Kalikich wetland area, ponds within the Shuklaphanta National Park, Rani Taal, Sikari Taal, Mahakali, Chaudhar river basin areas.