For the much delight to nature lovers, a flock of flamingos was sighted in Yavatmal district in the fresh water of Bembla dam. This was not the first time when this species of migratory birds was spotted in Yavatmal district. Earlier too, flamingos were spotted by the bird lovers in Yavatmal. This year too, the people were waiting for the winged friends.
On Monday, their wait ended finally. Bird lovers and wildlife researchers, Dr Pravin Joshi and Deepak Dabhore spotted a flock of around 11 flamingos in the fresh water of Bembla. These birds are usually found in coastal areas or in places that have brackish water bodies. Nearly three years ago, these birds fly into the region because of drought in most part of Maharashtra, which led to depleted water levels in the water bodies usually frequented by them.
Flamingos mostly breed in Rajasthan and parts of Himayala region. These birds feed on blue or green algae, planktons and some other organisms. The birds are rare but have been previously sighted in other parts of Vidarbha including Akola, Amravati and cities like Mumbai, Pune and Nashik.
Dr Joshi said that flamingos are found in brackish water of coastal areas. For the last 2-3 years they have been spotted in the fresh water of Bembla, which could be a subject of study as there are chances that the fresh water of Bembla is turning brackish.
Change in migratory habits and search for water bodies with sufficient food too could be a reason behind their arrival in Yavatmal. Birds of various other species are also seen flocking here in the recent past.
