Migratory birds make a comeback to the city

Bishwabijoy Mitra | TNN | Jan 5, 2019, 03:00 IST

This winter, Kolkata is once again waking up to the chirping of migratory birds who gave their annual visit to the city a miss for a few years before making a comeback this season. If birdwatchers are to be believed, this winter is special for two reasons — not only are several rare birds being spotted after a long gap, the overall spotting has also gone up.

Veteran birder Shubhankar Patra, who spotted a flock of 50 black-headed ibis in Rajarhat last month, said, “It was a very unusual and beautiful sight. For many years, it was difficult to spot even one black-headed ibis. So, we were totally taken by surprise on seeing a whole flock!” Birder Mitali Saha Deb was equally ecstatic on spotting a square-tailed drongo cuckoo at the Chintamani Kar Bird Sanctuary last month.

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Bird skeletons found in old Kolkata school

Kolkata: More than 20 bird skeletons were discovered during renovation work at a 177-year-old schoolhere, an official said Tuesday.

Workers drilling through a wall of the accounts office inside the 177-year-old La Martiniereschool building Monday evening found mud covered remains of mostly small birds.

“We have informed the Archaeological Survey of India and the Zoological Survey of India,” schoolsecretary Supriyo Dhar told IANS.

The renovation work began last Saturday and the bird skeletons were discovered Monday evening.

“The skeletons are all intact,” Dhar said.

Founded in 1836 by Frenchman Claude Martin, a Major General in the British East India Company’s Bengal Army, the institute’s buildings were constructed five to seven years prior to its opening.

“We are very excited with the discovery, especially since the school building is older than the date of its founding. It is a part of Claude Martin’s legacy,” said a teacher.

http://www.mizonews.net/nation/bird-skeletons-found-old-kolkata-school/

180 rare birds rescued, four held in Kolkata

At least 180 birds of rare species were today recovered during a joint operation here by the police and forest department personnel and four persons were arrested in this connection. 

During the raid, 151 munia birds and 30 of other rare species were recovered from them, they said. 

The four persons, arrested by the police, were trying to traffic the birds from West Bengal to neighbouring states. 

Rs 1.43 lakh was seized from the arrested persons while the birds were handed over to the forest department.

http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/180-rare-birds-rescued-four-held-in-kolkata-113091500722_1.html