Pampore, October 20, 2025 – As autumn hues paint the saffron fields of South Kashmir, Lalpora Lake in Pampore has transformed into a feathered paradise, drawing hordes of nature lovers and birdwatchers to witness the annual spectacle of migratory birds arriving in droves. Dubbed South Kashmir’s largest wetland, the serene expanse of water and reeds at Lalpora – part of the sprawling Chatlam Wetland Reserve – is now alive with the kaleidoscopic colors and symphony of calls from thousands of avian visitors fleeing the harsh winters of Central Asia and Eastern Europe.The influx, which began in earnest mid-October, marks the continuation of a centuries-old migration pattern along the Central Asian Flyway, one of the world’s nine major bird migration routes. Local ornithologists estimate over 5,000 migratory birds have already touched down at Lalpora Lake this season, with numbers expected to swell to 20,000 by November’s end.
Among the early arrivals are elegant Northern Pintails gliding gracefully across the water, vibrant Ruddy Shelducks with their rusty plumage, and flocks of Eurasian Wigeons foraging in the shallows. Rarer sightings, including the striking Common Shelduck – absent for several years – have sparked excitement among enthusiasts, underscoring the wetland’s role as a vital biodiversity hotspot.Parvaiz Yousuf, a renowned local birder and director of the Wetland Research Centre at the Wildlife Conservation Fund (WCF), described the scene as “a living canvas of nature’s resilience.” Residing in Lalpora Chatlam village since childhood, Yousuf has chronicled over 150 bird species in the Pampore wetlands through his pictorial guide on the birds of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. “These birds don’t just visit; they bring life back to our wetlands after the dry summer. The air fills with their calls – a reminder of Kashmir’s fragile ecological balance,” he said, binoculars in hand, as he led a group of amateur photographers on a dawn patrol.The surge in visitors to Lalpora Lake has boosted eco-tourism in Pampore, the saffron capital, with families and photographers setting up hides along the lake’s fringes. “It’s mesmerizing – the way the sun rises over the water, reflecting off the birds’ feathers. We’ve come all the way from Srinagar just to see this,” shared Aisha Khan, a schoolteacher from the capital, capturing shots of Gadwalls and Tufted Ducks on her camera.
Local authorities have ramped up efforts to manage footfall, installing temporary viewing platforms and waste bins to minimize disturbance, while patrolling against poaching – a threat that plagued the wetlands during the 1990s but has since been curtailed through vigilant wildlife protection.Experts attribute the robust arrival to favorable conditions this year: steady water levels maintained by recent monsoons and the Wildlife Department’s proactive desilting initiatives. Unlike neighboring wetlands facing encroachment from agriculture and urbanization, Lalpora’s 300-plus hectares remain largely intact, serving as a crucial stopover for species like the Northern Shoveler, Mallard, and Greylag Goose. “Pampore’s wetlands, including Lalpora, host a unique mosaic of resident and migratory birds, supporting over 100,000 waterfowl annually across Kashmir,” noted Wildlife Warden South, Tariq Ahmad, highlighting the region’s contribution to the valley’s total of 1.2 million migratory birds last season.Yet, amid the jubilation, conservationists issue a cautious call. Ongoing threats like habitat fragmentation and climate variability could disrupt future migrations, as seen in the fluctuating populations at nearby Hokersar and Wular Lake. Yousuf, who coordinates the Asian Waterbird Census for the Jammu & Kashmir Wildlife Department, urges community involvement: “Nature lovers flocking here are our best allies. Let’s protect this gift – for the birds, and for the soul of Kashmir.”As the sun dips low over Lalpora Lake, casting a golden glow on the rippling waters dotted with winged wonders, the wetland stands as a testament to Kashmir’s enduring allure. For now, the chorus of migratory birds echoes a promise of renewal, inviting all to pause and marvel at the delicate dance between sky, water, and wilderness.
