The Ghoda Ghodi Lake area in Kailali, Nepal, has seen a rise in bird activity in recent years, making it a popular destination for bird watchers and nature enthusiasts. Recognized as a Ramsar site in August 2003, the Ghoda Ghodi area is considered an ideal habitat for migratory birds, thanks to its abundant food sources and balanced temperature, attracting thousands of visitors annually.
The lake area, known for its favorable conditions, has been particularly bustling with the sounds and movements of migratory birds this year. Dr. Hemsagar Baral, a prominent ornithologist, explains that birds from the northern polar regions, including Siberia, Mongolia, Northern China, Russia, Korea, Japan, and Europe, migrate here to escape the freezing temperatures in their native lands, where lakes and ponds freeze over. These birds seek a suitable environment with favorable temperatures and abundant food, making Ghoda Ghodi an ideal destination.
“In the extreme cold, birds struggle to adapt and often migrate southward to warmer regions like Nepal,” says Dr. Baral. “During this time, the weather in Ghoda Ghodi becomes favorable, and there is plenty of food available, which draws migratory birds here every year.”
Bird migration to Ghoda Ghodi typically starts in the last week of September and continues through December. According to Hathan Chaudhary, president of the Nepal Birdwatchers’ Association, around 153 species of migratory birds visit Nepal during this period, with most being species of wild geese. These birds return to their breeding grounds in April.
Field officer of the Bird Conservation Network, Hiralal Dagaur, highlights that thousands of birds travel long distances from different countries to reach Ghoda Ghodi and other nearby wetlands, including Mahadeva, Loukaha-Boukhaha, Chiraiya, Nakarod, Koilahi, Soniya-Rupiya, and Jamhata in the lower Karnali region. “These migratory birds have been coming to Ghoda Ghodi and surrounding areas for decades,” he adds.
According to Daya Ram Chaudhary, president of the Bird Conservation Network in Kailali, there are nine migratory flyways globally, with two passing through Nepal. Most migratory birds, especially waterfowl, follow the Central Asian flyway and reach Ghoda Ghodi. Species such as the Northern Pintail, Gadwall, Mallard, Teal, and Shoveler, along with other waterfowl, are among the migratory birds seen in the region.
Ghoda Ghodi Lake, situated alongside the East-West Highway, is a serene and safe haven for various rare bird species. The lake’s conservation efforts have played a significant role in preserving endangered aquatic species, butterflies, and other rare birds. As a result, it was listed as a Ramsar site in 2003, recognizing its ecological importance.
The area is home to critical international bird species, including the bar-headed goose, which breeds exclusively in Ghoda Ghodi Lake. Additionally, rare species like the Himalayan vulture, white-rumped vulture, and the common crane also reside here. The presence of these species makes Ghoda Ghodi Lake a vital area for global bird conservation.
In recognition of its significance as a bird sanctuary, the Ghoda Ghodi area was declared Nepal’s first “Bird Sanctuary” on 27th Falgun 2078 (March 2022), further emphasizing its importance as a sanctuary for migratory birds.
This natural sanctuary continues to be a critical refuge for endangered species, making it a prime location for birdwatching and an essential part of Nepal’s biodiversity conservation efforts.
Source: RSS