Winged Reverie: A Symphony of Avian Wonders at Indian River Inlet, Delaware

Embarking on a birding journey to Indian River Inlet, Delaware, felt like a pilgrimage to a hotspot nestled in the heart of the first state. The drive from Philadelphia was not just a journey; it was a prelude to a wintery morning filled with avian wonders. As the coastal landscape unfolded before me, Indian River Inlet revealed itself as the perfect starting point for my birding escapade. A haven for Purple Sandpipers during late fall to early spring, this locale held promises of encounters with a diverse array of sea ducks. The cast included the elegant long-tailed duck, surf scoters, common eider, and the elusive harlequin duck – a rare treat for any birder's eyes.

My senses were heightened as common loons graced the scene, engaged in a mesmerizing dance of fishing near the river bank. Their feast on crabs unfolded like a ballet, captivating not only my eyes but also the watchful gaze of buffleheads, enchanted by the spectacle.

The symphony of nature continued as cormorants gracefully soared over the bridge, while a regal Bald Eagle adorned the blue sky, adding a majestic touch to the avian panorama. It was a day not just to watch birds but to celebrate the sheer beauty of life. Under the expansive blue sky, I felt a profound sense of freedom and appreciation for the wonders that nature generously shares. Life, indeed, is exquisite beneath the open heavens, an experience that never fails to uplift my spirit.

A Delightful Day at Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge

Last Sunday, I had the incredible opportunity to witness the elusive American Bittern, a secretive marsh heron and a species classified as endangered, at the enchanting Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge in Delaware. The wildlife drive through the park during the golden hours of the day was truly a mesmerizing experience, heightened by the delightful combination of the scenic drive and the refreshing breeze.

The captivating moment that made my day occurred as we meandered along the Delaware Bay shorelines. Amidst the serene surroundings, a pair of American Bitterns graced us with their presence. This encounter marked my first time observing these magnificent birds in their natural habitat.

Having ventured to various parks and refuges in search of the elusive American Bittern, the culmination of this quest at Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge was a rewarding and unforgettable experience. The tranquil beauty of the refuge, combined with the joy of discovering such a rare and endangered species, made for a weekend drive that will linger in my memories for a long time.

Our drive through the scenic refuge was a birdwatcher's paradise. Charming woodpeckers added bursts of color, while Snow Geese and elegant egrets graced the landscape. Ducks glided serenely on the water, and raptors soared majestically overhead. Each turn revealed a new avian wonder, creating an enchanting and memorable wildlife experience.

The allure of nature, the scenic drive, and the encounter with the American Bittern created a perfect blend, turning a simple weekend drive into an extraordinary wildlife adventure.

Promoting Environmental Responsibility in Tourism and Conservation in Bangladesh

It is imperative to nurture a collective responsibility for maintaining the cleanliness and health of our natural surroundings. How can we effectively educate our communities and travelers to foster a deep respect for our natural resources and actively contribute to their conservation? This responsibility extends beyond the government alone. As responsible travelers, each individual can play a vital role in safeguarding our national parks and enhancing our rich biodiversity. It doesn't demand a top-tier education or extensive training; it's about exercising common sense. The commendable appreciation our country's travelers demonstrate towards nature is heartening. Platforms like Facebook groups such as Travelers of Bangladesh and Tour Group BD serve as recognized forums where tourists, irrespective of age, share pertinent information and even organize tours spanning the entire country and beyond. Leveraging these opportunities, we can disseminate critical ecological insights among fellow wanderers, encouraging them to propagate this knowledge at the community level. Given the increasing number of individuals exploring the remotest parts of the country, venturing into the wilderness, and uncovering novel destinations, it becomes crucial to glean ecological sensitivity from local communities and disseminate this understanding among fellow travelers. A simple addition of one or two sentences in a post can make a significant impact. Our Mother Nature has endowed us with unparalleled ecological diversity, and it is within our capacity to do more for her. In this era of technological revolution, social media emerges as a valuable tool for knowledge exchange, fostering a heightened awareness of environmental conservation practices. Reflecting on personal experiences visiting national parks and refuges in North America, where self-payment for entrance fees was required, has underscored the positive impact of a well-established system. Observing people willingly paying without hesitation serves as a testament to the ingrained understanding of environmental responsibility. In the United States, where only 20% pursue higher education after high school, an impressive 95% are cognizant of proper conduct within National Parks. Instances of littering, such as throwing plastic items into the woods or out of car windows, are virtually non-existent. This prompts us to broaden our conversations to encompass the critical realm of environmental conservation, fostering a commitment to maintaining clean and healthy forests that enhance the overall visitor experience.

Puerto Rican Avifauna

Puerto Rican Avifauna

Mountain Stream Enroute to Paro Chu (River)

Sajek, Khagrachari Hill Tracts

Khagrachari Hill Tracts, the southeastern part of Bangladesh, also known as the 'Chengmi' state, is around 270 km from Dhaka and 2000 ft above sea level. As one of the country's most picturesque landscapes, hundreds of local and regional tourists travel there to enjoy its vast lush greenery. Our second objective of this trip was to listen to the soothing music of nature. Sajek, the most visited place there, is still 40 km away from the so-called minimum services for human survival (running water, electricity, etc.). However, that's the reason some greenery is still preserved. Considering its high value, miles after miles of teak plantation are taking over the natural forest covers. It was visible that to meet the tourists' needs, local influential people are logging trees and building new guest houses. I was surprised to see an elementary school powered by solar energy to run computers, motors, bulbs, and others.

The valley embraces three great mountain rivers - Chengi, Kasalong, and Maini. Due to security concerns and some military restrictions, I could only see the Chengi and a couple of streams inflowing water into it. The beautiful land of clouds, Sajek Valley, where clouds ☁️ from the Himalayan mountains get stuck as they flow downwind towards the Bay of Bengal. In any monsoon of my life, I'll walk on the cloudscape there 😄😄😄.

"Clouds come floating into my life, no longer to carry rain or usher storms, but to add color to my sunset sky." - Rabindranath Tagore.

The Magnetism of Spring in Bangladesh

Spring brings freshness to all aspects of life. "Pohela Falgun," the first day of spring, is a traditional festival in Bangladesh. Tuning into the colorful life with the flavor of spring is the festival theme. Bangladesh experiences six distinctive seasons in a calendar year, and Falgun marks the beginning month of the Bengali calendar.

Likings, favoritism, and fondness differ from person to person, species to species, and culture to culture. Plants, birds, insects, and the landscape of our villages come alive with a new blush. There is a unique blend in the rural structure of Bangladesh; residents come from different mindsets, residing together with diverse cultural, religious, and educational backgrounds. The originality of this season conveys harmony among all lives, regardless of religion, literacy, and societal standing. The varied season of 'Spring' is the most colorful and enthralling segment of the calendar year. The rural landscape begins transforming its facade with an incredible array of colors. The changes at this moment are unmistakably observable.

Shimul flowers (Bombax ceiba), symbolizing Spring in Bangladesh, enhance the rural landscape.

Shimul flower (Bombax ceiba), symbol of Spring in Bangladesh

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 The rural landscape: