People on the banks of Kanchan Dighi wake up at the chirping of birds!

‘All the birds return to their nests-all the rivers-all the transactions of this life end’- this stanza of Jibanananda Das’s poem shows how closely birds and life are closely intertwined with life. Where there are birds, there is life in nature. Kanchan Dighi is now one of the oldest and most traditional Dighi (water- body) of Patnitala in Naogaon. The Dighi has an area of 14 and half acres. With the onset of winter, flocks of guest birds flock to the lake. This lake has now become a sanctuary for local and foreign birds. The people here wake up in the morning with the chirping of birds.

Going to the ground, one can see the free movement of birds, water play and the chirping of the mouth of the Dighi. Dighi area with various species of birds including Balihans, Saralihans, Pankauri, Pianghans, Pati Saral, Lengjahans, Chhannihans, Patikut, Shamukkhol. They are fluttering their wings over the clear water of the lake. As soon as evening falls, these birds take shelter in the trees of Dighi bank. Their noise creates a great inspiration all around. Only by being present there, one can understand how beautiful and aesthetic this is. That is why nature lovers flock to see this diverse scene every day.

According to the locals, hundreds of guest birds from different countries come here every winter. Besides, there are local birds like pigeons, green pigeons, squirrels and owls in every tree of the neighborhood. In the morning when these birds fly together in the sky in search of food, the sun seems to be hidden. The area across the Dighi became famous for the chirping of birds. When returning home in the evening, the bird lovers gather to enjoy the noisy scene. They have also developed a deep friendship with the birds. They wake up in the morning at the call of birds.

Sabita Rani, a resident of the eastern part of Dighi, said, "When the birds are gone, it feels bad. I don't think they will come back." When it comes back again, the mind is filled with joy. Every day many people come to see the birds.

Malati Rani said that when the birds are there, the whole Dighi keeps its mouth shut. But when they do not come again, the Dighi feels empty. These birds are the wealth of the country; it is the responsibility of all of us to protect them. So we should all keep an eye on the birds so that no one can hunt them.

Jahidul Islam, who came to see the birds, said that there are many species of birds here. I have not seen so many birds anywhere else. I was fascinated to see so many birds at once.

A visitor named Shahed said, I heard that many birds have come to this Dighi. That's why I came here to see these birds. Never before have so many birds been seen together. It was very nice to see.

Sumon Kumar, president of the Patnitala Biodiversity Conservation Committee, said that there are local species of birds here throughout the year and migratory birds come here in winter. The birds cannot be kept safe as the Dighi is leased for commercial fish farming. Comes in the evening and leaves again during the day. On behalf of our committee, we have warned the people not to hunt birds.

Upazila Livestock Officer Moniruzzaman said, "We always discourage people from hunting or killing birds." If a bird is injured, we provide medical care. We are keeping an eye on the birds so that no one can disturb or hunt them.