March 20th this year was a special day for the young naturalists as they had the opportunity to visit the Kotte, Beddagana,
proposed Bird Sanctuary and Biodiversity Reserve Site.
They were
accompanied by
resourceful adult members of the FOG ( Field Ornithology Group of Sri Lanka, University of Colombo ) and the day was spent very usefully,
learning about the wetland habitats, identification as well as drawing of resident and migrant birds, threats to the habitat and
principles of conservation.
The hands on experience of using optics such as binoculars, spotting scope proved to be new and
exciting to the young bird watchers. The field note book printed for them by FOG exposed the children to taking notes or sketches about the plant, animal and the bird life.
A day spent with the birds, butterflies and the
dragonflies brought the kids pleasure, relaxation and it was a joy to watch their little footsteps in the much needed pathways of conservation.
The Beddegana wetland which is a part of Diyawanna Oya, had been a birds paradise for decades. It is well known to bird watchers nationally as well as internationally as a rare migrant birding site. The beautiful resident bird
population uses it as a breeding site. There is so much natural variation that this site which has easy access from Colombo is invaluable to the young naturalist.
The scenic environs
consist of an already existing network of bund roads, waterways, marshy areas and deep water
bodies with diversely enriched fauna and flora.
The Department of Wildlife Conservation has already gazetted this area as a nature reserve. The area also is the preferred
location for Kotte residents for their daily walk and relaxation.
Already the co-existence of a significant number of butterfly species in this habitat denotes that their conservation also would be
possible. The
lakeside paths lined by various wild flowers
provide the nectar required and the host plants
naturally existing in the marsh also help. The home gardens on either side of the site provide the garden flowers and the fruit trees, most of which are hosts as well.
The forty six acres of this precious wetland is owned by the Urban Development Authority and in
coordination with the Ministry of Environmental affairs under the expert advice of Prof. Sarath Kotagama (FOG – University of Colombo) a project has been designed to make it a bird sanctuary and a biodiversity park in the near future.
Presently this site is faced with multiple
ecological threats
recognized as well as
unrecognized. The vulnerable migrant and
resident birds may decide to quit the location if controls are not imposed.
Urgent measures have to be taken to conserve this very important urban treasure of natural beauty before it disappears from the eyes of the many
generations to come.
The co-operation of the
neighbours becomes
essential in this effort. A beauty, and "fresh air lung" next door is without doubt an advantage, gives value to the residents and makes a contribution to the national efforts of
conservation.
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