How has the excess rainfall in Maharashtra affected the migratory bird population?

The excess rainfall in Maharashtra has caused the state's wetlands to be filled to the brim, scattering the migratory birds across smaller habitats instead of clustering around a few key wetlands. This dispersal has made it difficult for researchers to conduct their annual waterbird survey and monitor bird populations and migration trends.

What is the Wildlife Research and Conservation Society (WRCS) doing in response to the disruption of the migratory bird census?

The WRCS had planned to begin a waterbird survey and research on water quality and habitat conservation on November 1, 2025, but they have postponed the survey to December due to not observing many birds at the Ujani Reservoir so far. The excess water across several inland bodies is likely causing the birds to disperse and halt elsewhere.

What are the predictions for the upcoming migratory bird census in Maharashtra?

Meteorologists believe that active weather systems, including a depression over the east-central Arabian Sea, Cyclone Montha, and local low-pressure zones, may have contributed to delayed arrivals of migratory birds. However, the Srushti Conservation Foundation (SCF) has observed a good number of migratory birds already reaching Gujarat, with some sightings in Maharashtra as well. The excess water is causing the birds to disperse across smaller habitats, which could affect overall counts, but a clearer picture is expected to emerge in December.

Home / Environment / Flooded Wetlands Disrupt Maharashtra's Migratory Bird Census

Flooded Wetlands Disrupt Maharashtra's Migratory Bird Census

3 Nov

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Summary

Widespread water across Maharashtra's wetlands has scattered migratory birds
Researchers postpone annual waterbird survey due to lack of bird sightings
Excess rainfall may delay arrivals and affect upcoming bird census

Flooded Wetlands Disrupt Maharashtra's Migratory Bird Census

As of 2025-11-03T06:22:12+00:00, Maharashtra is experiencing one of its wettest monsoons in recent years, leaving the state's waterbodies filled to the brim. This abundance of water has posed an unusual challenge for the upcoming migratory bird census.

Typically, flocks of migratory birds tend to cluster around a handful of wetlands during drier seasons. However, the widespread water this year has caused the birds to disperse far and wide across multiple smaller habitats. Researchers say this dispersal is likely to reduce sightings, complicate surveys, and delay key studies that monitor bird populations and migration trends.

The Wildlife Research and Conservation Society (WRCS) had planned to begin a waterbird survey and research on water quality and habitat conservation on November 1, 2025. But they have not observed many birds at the Ujani Reservoir so far, and have now postponed the survey to December. Jayant Kulkarni, the head of WRCS, cites the excess water across several inland bodies as the reason for the birds likely dispersing and halting elsewhere.