A variety of migratory birds that spend the winter in Meiktila Township, Mandalay Region, have been arriving at Meiktila Lake (North) this year, said U Soe Win Oo, executive of the Myanmar Bird Watchers Association (Upper Myanmar).
“Various hibernating birds have been arriving around Meiktila Lake (North) since last December. This year, I saw only the usual number of birds. They will stay here until February,” U Soe Win Oo said.
The migratory birds are spotted wintering at the wetlands in the northern part of Nandawgon Ward, Kalamakyun, Oakhneboke, Innpatlet, Kyaukpyugon and Ywama villages this year. Some are also seen near Tayokegate and Paukchaung in the southern part of Meiktila Lake.
Nearly 20,000 hibernating birds of 40 species, including Whimbrel, Black-winged stilt, Mandarin Duck, Grey-headed swamphen and Eurasian coot, usually visit areas around Meiktila every year.
Wintering and migratory birds usually roam in the regions of Indawgyi and Moeyungyi wetland wildlife sanctuaries and Inlay Lake, Paleik Lake, Taungthaman Lake and Sunye wetlands. — ASH/TH
