Crossing many countries, European ducks take winter vacation in irrigation tanks of Nirmal

Migratory ducks, Northern Pintails, native to European countries are now on a two-month long winter vacation in lakes of Kaddam forest range, crossing many countries and flying nearly 7,000 kilometres. They were spotted in two irrigation tanks in Kaddam forest range for the first time in the recent history of the district.

The birds would stay here for two months and return to their native countries for breeding. They usually migrate from Europe to Manjeera, Usman Sagar and other water bodies around Hyderabad in winter,” Khanapur Forest Divisional Officer U Koteshwar Rao told media.

Scientifically known as Anas acuta, the ducks breed in northern areas of Europe and across Palearctic and North America. They winter in Asia from December to January



of the calendar year. They belong to the Anatidae family and dabble on the surface of the water and filter out seeds and insects with their bills. They form large groups and associate with other ducks during the non-breeding season.

According to the FDO, the two lakes were created by the forest department by constructing check dams against streams recently. The lakes and certain parts of the forests have been attracting migratory birds and some rare bird species, cheering the foresters. Kaddam Narayana Reddy Project located in Kaddam mandal centre sees various birds in winter.

To his credit, Koteshwar Rao had shot images of nearly 100 bird species spotted in irrigation tanks, streams and the wild of Khanapur forest division in his two-year long stint.