Sopore, Oct 18: The chill of early winter has brought a spectacular seasonal spectacle to Hygam Wetland in Sopore, as over one lakh migratory birds from across the globe have descended upon the famed waterbody. Their early arrival this year is delighting ornithologists, photographers, and nature enthusiasts alike.

Wetland Officer Fayaz Ahmed said the flurry of feathered visitors is linked to early snowfall in Kashmir’s upper reaches, prompting birds to seek refuge at lower altitudes. “Hygam Wetland has always been a temporary haven for a variety of migratory species, including long-tailed ducks, geese, teals, and other rare birds. This year, the early influx of over a lakh birds is a positive ecological signal,” he said.

Situated along the Srinagar-Baramulla highway, Hygam Wetland is a c

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