This year Nepal has welcomed over 150 species of migratory birds from the northern countries, including Russia, according to a Nepalese ornithologist, Dr. Hem Sagar Baral.
Most species migrate to Nepal from China, Mongolia, Korea, Siberia and Central Asia.
“In the calculation we carried out in early January, it was said that over 150 birds reached Nepal this year, the scientist said.
“Among them are rare guests from Russia, which are white-fronted geese. Before, they were noticed in the area only once, and now they have been seen in the wetlands of the Pokhara and Koshi Tappu wildlife reserves.’’
According to the expert, the appearance of these birds in Nepal may mean that the climatic conditions of the tundra, which is their natural habitat, have deteriorated.
“If a bird that breeds in extreme Arctic regions comes to Nepal along with other species, this means that the weather conditions in Siberia become more challenging for them, he added.
“But now tourists and bird lovers in Nepal can enjoy seeing the birds, which are unusual for our climate."
It is noteworthy that in Russia this is the most numerous species of geese - the number of breeding pairs exceeds 50 thousand.
Another "Russian" is a bar-headed goose, which is registered here on a regular basis. According to ornithologists, this unique kind has to be seen at least once. This is one of the highest flying migratory birds, migrating over the Himalayas on its way. Bar-headed geese have been observed flying at 10,175 m, and yet the air there is so thin that it makes it impossible for a helicopter to fly there.
Many species of water birds from Russia regularly winter in Nepal - gadwalls, ruddy shelducks, mallards, teal, pintail, as well as several species of waders, thrushes, flycatchers, and even the booted eagle (Falconiformes), which is registered in the Red Book of the Moscow Region.
