GUWAHATI, March 23 � It is encouraging news for birders and nature lovers. Two rare species of avifauna were recently spotted and photographed in Pobitora Sanctuary, a one-hour drive from Guwahati city.
The new sightings have also created ripples among nature lovers, who have often been perturbed by the reduced sightings of birds in and around Protected Areas (PAs).
According to Devanga Mahalia, who was among those who saw and photographed the birds, those were Rupohi Sar or painted stork, and Kolamuria Aakuhi Bog or black-headed ibis.
Russell Lawson, a veteran birder from the US, and Devanga Mahalia, both were able to record the two types of birds.
The birds, revealed Mahalia, were spotted close to Kamarkuchi forest camp of Pobitora. The birds were seen around 8 pm, after which their features were compared with photos of illustrated guidebooks.
According to him, sightings of Rupohi Sar are quite rare in Assam. Well-known birdwatcher Dr Anwaruddin Choudhury had earlier documented a sighting. On the day of sighting, 18 Akuhi Bogs were seen feeding in the area.
Facing increasing threats, the detection of two rare bird species is a silver lining, conservationists feel.
