LARGE ponds located in the Ancient Cultural Heritage Zone of Bagan-NyaungU, Mandalay Region, have become a seasonal refuge for migratory birds.

These ponds, filled with lo­cal and regional species, see an influx of wintering birds, as re­ported by birdwatching guides.

The Bagan-NyaungU area, which includes Ngathayauk and Bagan City is a relatively dry region with limited rainfall, but recent good rainfall has replen­ished the ancient ponds, leading to an abundance of water.

This, in turn, has created an ideal environment for the hibernating birds to arrive and feed. Local bird enthusiasts said that as the ponds’ water levels are still full into the winter sea­son, the birds have found their way to the area, especially to the large ponds.

The ancient ponds like Alanbagan Lake, Alel Lake, Laydaunt Lake, Nyaunglaphak Lake, Phoethudaw Lake (aka) Culamuni Lake, Oo Kyipway Lake, Shwenann Yintaw Lake (aka) Htein Lake, Shwehti Lake, Makyee Lake, Zeyyathut Lake, Mingala Lake, Phwa Saw Lake (Montein), Ko Mauk Lake, Kan­thit Lake, Kansoontaw Monas­tery Lake, Manukan Maywe Lake, Oak Phoak Lake, Sel Lake, Kanthitgyi Lake, Kyauky­oe Lake and Taungkyaung Lake, as well as other large and small ponds have filled with water.

Migratory birds have been seen visiting these ponds, pos­sibly resting during their trav­els. Local guides have noted that birds are often spotted perched on local plants around the ponds. In past years, these ponds received little water. But this year, they have stayed full, attracting more migratory birds. Ducks, geese and shorebirds have been observed resting there. Some birds are hard to identify without special camer­as, but birdwatchers have re­ported a high number of birds visiting the ponds this year.

In years with good rainfall, the ponds in the Bagan-Nyaun­gU area are usually replenished, providing a resting place for mi­gratory birds from late autumn to early spring. — Dipa Lin// KZL