In a thrilling discovery for bird enthusiasts and researchers, a Whimbrel, a migratory bird with a GPS tracker attached, was spotted in Berla of Bemetara District. Geo tagged birds were seen previously in India but this is the first for Chhattisgarh and also probably first photographic record of this bird after being tagged in La Reunion. First sighting in India after it was tagged. This bird is known for its remarkable endurance and incredible navigation skills, having traveled an astonishing distance of 4,000-6,000 kilometers to reach the region. The Whimbrel’s journey is being closely monitored through TAG tracking, aiding researchers in studying migratory patterns and climate change. The Whimbrel, a coastal bird known for its distinctive curved beak and striped head, routinely embarks on long migratory flights across multiple oceans and continents. Originating from the Northern Hemisphere, the Whimbrel feeds on insects and other creatures found in and around water.

 

The bird was first captured and ringed on November 16 at Réunion Island, its wintering place. After being GPS tagged again on March 7, the Whimbrel remained at Reunion Island until March 22, after which it began its journey, stopping at various locations including Mauritius, Socotra Island near Yemen, and the Indus Delta in Pakistan. It arrived in Balaghat Madhya Pradesh on May 17 and subsequently moved to Chhattisgarh, which is also its last reported location. The GPS tracker attached to the Whimbrel, known locally as “Chhota Gong,” is part of a broader effort to conserve this remarkable species. The cost of tracking a bird with GPS can be around one million rupees or more. The bird, named Merlene by Professor Mathieu Lecorre of the University de La Reunion, is part of the LIMOIO, French acronym for French acronym for “ecology and conservation of migrating waders of the western Indian Ocean,” project initiated by the French Office for Biodiversity.

 

The sighting of WhimbrelMerlene marks a significant event for Chhattisgarh, as it is the first photographic record of a geo-tagged Whimbrel-Merlene in the state. The presence of this bird suggests that Chhattisgarh could be an important migratory route for waders, highlighting the need for the protection and conservation of local water bodies. Birders and researchers, including Dr Himanshu Gupta, Avinash Bhoi and Jageshwar Verma, who took the spotted the Whimbrel after receiving information from the India President of Ebird and researchers, have expressed excitement over this discovery, emphasizing the importance of keeping these habitats safe for future migratory visits. The Whimbrel is currently on its way to its breeding grounds in northern Siberia.

 

This journey underscores the incredible migratory capabilities of the Whimbrel and the importance of international conservation efforts. Researchers and bird enthusiasts will continue to monitor Whimbrel’s journey, hoping to see its return and further migration patterns. The successful tracking and sighting of Whimbrel would not have been possible without the efforts of Ebirders, fellow birders, and scientists. Special thanks are extended to the French Office for Biodiversity and the researchers involved in the LIMOIO project for their dedication to the study and conservation of migrating waders. The community is encouraged to keep an eye out for Merlene and continue supporting efforts to protect migratory routes and habitats.