Aurangabad, March 4:
Due to the continuous decline in rainfall in the last few years, the nests of large cormorant (Pankavla) birds on the Sukhna dam had disappeared. However, due to good rains this year, the nests of several cormorants have blossomed on Sukhna again.
About 140 species of native and migratory birds are found at Sukhna lake. Till 10 years ago, many birds like ducks, herons, glossy ibis, teal, pochard and brahminy duck used to build nests here. Because of the abundance of water in the lake and the lack of human intervention, the thorny trees in and around the water made it safe for birds to nest. After that, however, the rain subsided several trees and bushes were cut down for firewood and farming. This reduced the number of birds as there was no space to build a nest. But this year, as the lake filled to its full capacity, the remaining trees have become nests for migratory birds.
If there is plenty of water and the surrounding trees and shrubs survive, we can see the nests of several birds. If birds are to survive, trees must survive. Birds are friends of farmers. This is because the calcium obtained from bird droppings is useful for phosphate crops. Small cormorants can be seen on Salim Ali Lake said, Dr Kishor Pathak, bird lover.