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The cormorant lives in those high altitude areas, where the temperature drops several degrees below zero in winter and food almost ends. In such a situation, these birds start migrating towards warmer and food-rich areas in the early days of November-December. Nainital and surrounding lakes are no less than heaven for them.
Nainital: With the arrival of winter, Naini Lake is once again buzzing with its special guest. This time too, the migratory birds Cormorant (Great Cormorant) have reached the lake after traveling thousands of kilometers from the high and bitter cold areas of Tibet, Leh and Ladakh. Like every year, this time too these birds, famous for their black-grey feathers, long neck and sharp eyesight, have made the calm stream of Nainital their winter destination.
Foreign guests come from thousands of kilometers away
These birds are seen swimming in the afternoon
These days, in the lukewarm afternoon sun, a flock of cormorants is seen swimming comfortably and diving into the lake near the Mallital Library area of Naini Lake. Their specialty is that they can swim continuously in water for two to five minutes, due to which they can easily go deep and catch fishes. After hunting, they are seen sitting on the lake shore and sunbathing with their wings spread. These birds attract not only tourists but also photography lovers.
Forest department takes care
Bird experts say that cormorants have an old connection with Nainital. Every year, as soon as winter begins, they arrive here in flocks and migrate till February-March. The lakes of Nainital are rich in food, hence many other migratory birds along with cormorants also come here during this season. The Forest Department also keeps an eye on the safety of these migratory birds, so that there is no hindrance in their natural migration and food cycle. Local people and tourists are also coming to the lake shore these days especially to get a glimpse of these foreign guests. With the onset of winter, the presence of cormorants is adding to the beauty of Nainital, and the beauty of the lakes is at its peak.
