The whiskered tern, locally called ‘Thimaha Fyalfyale,’ has been recorded breeding in Nepal for the first time at Jagadishpur Lake Bird Reserve in Kapilvastu. Dr. SK Singh, a physician and wildlife photographer, documented five chicks in two nests at the site. While accompanied by nature guide Anil Chaudhary, they observed 60-70 whiskered terns in the area. The discovery was significant as whiskered terns typically breed near seas and wetlands across Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia. Senior ornithologist Hemsagar Baral confirmed this as the first instance of the species breeding in Nepal, which could boost eco-tourism.
Last year, nests were also spotted at Jagadishpur Lake and near Koshi Bridge by wildlife photographers, but increased human activity caused the birds to abandon their nests. This year, stricter measures have been implemented to protect the breeding birds. Jagadishpur Lake is also home to other nesting species, like the black-winged stilts, adding to its appeal as a bird sanctuary. Chairman of ward 9 in Kapilvastu, Deepak Bahadur Gurung, emphasized the importance of maintaining a disturbance-free environment for the birds to rear their chicks successfully.
Jagadishpur Lake, a Ramsar wetland site since 2003, spans 157 hectares and has become a hotspot for birdwatchers. It supports a wide range of wildlife, including 167 bird species, 43 fish species, and other mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. With its rich biodiversity and favorable conditions, the lake has attracted various bird species for nesting. Whiskered terns typically lay eggs from July to August and migrate after rearing their chicks. The lake’s ecosystem, considered bird-friendly, offers a sanctuary for species like the endangered fishing cat and other rare birds.
