DEHRADUN: Bird enthusiasts are buzzing with excitement after two pairs of Pallas's fish eagles, a majestic raptor known for its stunning aerial displays, were spotted in the Asan Ramsar site in Dehradun district on Monday.
The Pallas's fish eagle, also referred to as the sea eagle, is classified among the world's most endangered species, with only about 2,500 individuals documented globally. Measuring up to 84 cm in length, this magnificent eagle boasts a wingspan that can reach approximately 215 cm. Bird lovers are thrilled by this rare opportunity to observe such a unique and elusive creature in its natural habitat.
As the winter season begins at the Ramsar site, a significant influx of migratory birds arrives from Siberia, Europe, Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, and the high Himalayan regions. During this time, the majestic Pallas's Fish Eagle can also be spotted soaring through the skies of the Ramsar site.
However, it is noteworthy that its numbers have never been observed to exceed two at any given time. For the first time, two pairs of Pallas's Fish Eagles have been spotted at the Ramsar site, said Pradeep Saxena, a bird expert and forest ranger.
Traditionally, one pair has nested in a tall tree within the forests of the Forest Guard Training Institute in Rampur Mandi for many years.
"However, this pair did not return to the nesting area four years ago. Two years later, one bird was sighted in the nesting region, and since then, it has been observed flying in with the influx of migratory birds," said Saxena.
Despite these sightings over the past four years, the eagles have not established a nest in the area. Now that two pairs have been seen at the Ramsar site, bird experts are hopeful that they may begin nesting once again.