Wings Over Kinnaur: How a Quiet Himalayan Dam Became a Winter Haven for Migratory Birds
As winter cloaks the high Himalayas in snow, a quiet transformation is taking place in Himachal Pradesh’s remote Kinnaur district. Along the icy curves of the Baspa River, the man-made Kuppa Dam in Sangla Valley has become an unexpected sanctuary — not for people, but for wings in flight.
Each year, as temperatures plummet in the Trans-Himalayan and upper Himalayan regions, flocks of migratory birds descend upon this tranquil reservoir near the Rakchham–Chitkul Wildlife Sanctuary. This season, nearly 20 species have been spotted — from the elegant Mallard and Eurasian Wigeon to the elusive Ibisbill and the vibrant Plumbeous Water Redstart.
“These birds are long-distance travelers,” explains Deputy Ranger . “They leave behind frozen lakes and rivers in search of food and gentler climates. Kuppa Dam offers both — a mild winter and a buffet of insects, larvae, and aquatic plants along the riverbanks.”
Most of these feathered visitors arrive in November and linger until March, when the snow begins to melt and the call of the north beckons once more.
Forest Officer notes a promising trend: “Our surveys show a steady rise in bird diversity here. Kuppa Dam is quietly becoming a key wintering ground in the region.”
Experts believe this shift is part of a broader ecological story. As new aquatic ecosystems emerge — shaped by artificial reservoirs and glacial lake outburst floods — migratory birds are exploring new routes and habitats, even in the steep terrain of Himachal’s higher valleys.
The result? A growing buzz among bird watchers, photographers, and eco-tourists. The Sangla Valley, usually hushed in winter, is now alive with the flutter of wings and the click of camera shutters.
Still, environmentalists urge caution. “This is a fragile ecosystem,” they warn. “We must balance tourism with conservation to protect these birds’ feeding and nesting grounds.”
For now, though, as snow dusts the ridges of Kinnaur and the Baspa River flows quietly below, the arrival of these winged visitors marks a hopeful new chapter — one where nature, resilience, and beauty converge in the heart of the Himalayas.
