SRINAGAR: In what birdwatchers are calling a historic ornithological event, a group of bird enthusiasts has claimed the sighting of a Sanderling — a rare migratory shorebird — at the Hokersar Wetland near Srinagar, reportedly the first confirmed sighting in Kashmir in 134 years.
According to reports in the media, the bird was spotted last Thursday by Reyan Sofi, Mufeeq Ahmad Malik and Mansoor Shayir during an evening birdwatching session. Hokersar, a designated Ramsar site, is one of the major wetlands in the Kashmir Valley and a crucial wintering ground for migratory birds.
“During an evening birding session to Hokersar, we encountered various wader species. While my friends were busy photographing other birds, I promptly directed their attention to a specific species that I had identified instantly due to its size difference from a Little Stint,” Sofi was quoted as saying.
Sanderlings (Calidris alba) are small, pale sandpipers that breed in the high Arctic tundra and migrate along coastlines across the globe, except Antarctica. They are known for their characteristic behaviour of running along beaches, chasing and retreating with waves as they forage for food in the wet sand.
Initially, there was some doubt about the bird’s identification. Shayir, one of the birders, admitted to being sceptical at first. “But after comparing the sizes and reviewing the photographs, we were convinced. This sighting is significant, representing one of the best records for Jammu and Kashmir and a new addition to the region’s checklist,” he said.
This is also believed to be the first time the Sanderling has been photographed in Kashmir, adding further weight to the claim. The group has submitted their record to Indian Birds, a peer-reviewed journal on South Asian ornithology, for authentication.
The last reported sighting of a Sanderling in Kashmir dates back to the late 19th century, though historical records remain scarce. If validated, the sighting will mark a major update to the avian diversity records for the region, reinforcing Hokersar’s importance as a vital habitat for migratory species.
The Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department has not yet issued an official comment, but conservationists hope the event will draw greater attention to wetland preservation and birdwatching tourism in the Valley.
