...on a different diet altogether

Fast food
Migratory birds are flocking to ghats of  temple towns, attracted by sweets and puffed rice thrown in the rivers by  pilgrims

Activists say  pollution, scarcity of food and declining number of wetlands are forcing birds to change their eating habits. It can be harmful to the birds
The birds usually feed on vegetable matter and fish

NEW DELHI: Thousands of migratory birds that fly in from the extreme climates of Siberia to find comfort in the environs of some rivers that pass through states like UP and Delhi have developed a liking for sweets offered at various temples in these states.

Birds are known to be secular by nature but they appear to be flocking only at the various ‘ghats’ at many temple cities, perhaps because of their penchant for sweets.

The changing food habits of these migratory birds, which include Brahminy Shelducks, Indian Skimmer and a few breeds of ducks, has emerged as a new concern for the environmentalists.

A group of environmental activists, who have set up an NGO called Saviours, noticed the unusual food habits among visitors, said to be detrimental for the flora and fauna.

“Take Brijghat where hundreds of pilgrims arrive every day even during off season and throw rice puffs in the river. They are eaten by the migratory birds,” says Rajmal, head of the organisation of mallahs (boatmen) at Brijghat.

The beautiful Brahminy Shelducks are a great attraction for the pilgrims who throw puffed rice in the midstream of the Ganges to see the birds dive in the water for them.

But what could be pleasing to the eyes might not be good for these species.

According to Swati Sharma, an environmentalist and general secretary of Saviours: “Scarcity of food in river and declining number of wetlands are some the reasons which force the migratory birds to feed on rice puffs and other types of prasad.

The birds generally feed on vegetable matter, molluscs, crustaceans, aquatic insects, fish, reptiles and phytoplankton. But increasing pollution in the Ganges and excessive use of pesticides and insecticides in farming have caused destruction of their natural food, forcing them to switch over to the fast food.”

Noted scientist SVS Rana says: “This switchover is not good for the long term survival of many species because such habits are against their natural character and genes.”
b_rakesh@dnaindia.net