The Lost Inhabitants of Joka Birding Area
Broti Majumdar Chatterjee The grassland behind the Indian Institute of Management Kolkata, in Joka, was once a part of a Wetland Ecosystem, overing a huge area, which was once a home to many species of local birds, housed many rare migratory visitors in winter, as well as many mammal species. Staying in Joka outskirts, very near to this grassland zone, I used to visit with my father and his photographer friends to witness the vibrant greenery and various bird species during winter since my school days. The outskirts of the wetland had a sparse population mostly of fishermen. The local people eagerly greeted the arrival of the winged winter visitors. My interest about photographing birds and watching them with shared binoculars grew as years passed by. Every year Gangaram, the local fisherman greeted us with a bright smile and informed us about the arrival of Bluethroat, Rubythroat, Siberian Stonechat or some other rare species. Let me share the story of JOKA BIRDING AREA, a Paradise Lo...