Breaking: European Migratory Bird Recorded for First Time in Kinnaur at Rakchham Wildlife Sanctuary
RAKCHHAM, KINNAUR | AUGUST 7:
In a major boost to Himalayan biodiversity records, a Common Greenshank (Tringa nebularia)—a migratory wader that breeds across northern Europe and Asia—has been documented for the first time in Kinnaur district at the Rakchham area of the Rakchham–Chitkul Wildlife Sanctuary.
The landmark discovery, described as the district's first authenticated record, was made during routine wildlife monitoring by Block Forest Officer Santosh Kumar Thakur along with Gopal Negi and Alpana Negi, who successfully photographed and documented the bird.
The sighting has created excitement among wildlife experts and birdwatchers, confirming that the pristine wetlands and riverbanks of Rakchham are emerging as an important stopover for long-distance migratory birds travelling thousands of kilometres from Europe to the Indian subcontinent.
Wildlife expert Himanshu Chaudhary said this is the first documented record from Kinnaur Valley, adding that while the species had earlier been reported from neighbouring Spiti, including Rangrik in 2024, it had never before been recorded in Kinnaur.
The discovery enriches the district's avian checklist and strengthens scientific understanding of bird migration across the high Himalayas.
Himachal Pradesh's eBird coordinator Dr. Malyashree Bhattacharya confirmed that this is the first Common Greenshank record from Kinnaur on the eBird platform, calling it a significant contribution to citizen science and ornithological research.
Deputy Conservator of Forests (Sarahan) Ashok Negi, IFS, said the finding reinforces Kinnaur's importance as a high-altitude migratory corridor and reflects the success of sustained biodiversity monitoring by the Sangla Wildlife Range field staff.
Deputy Commissioner Dr. Amit Kumar Sharma, IAS, congratulated the Rakchham team, saying such discoveries highlight the extraordinary bird diversity of the region and indicate that migratory birds increasingly use Rakchham as part of their seasonal migration route.
Highlighting the scientific value of the record, Block Forest Officer Santosh Kumar Thakur said Rakchham–Chitkul serves as a vital stopover site, where migratory birds rest and replenish energy before continuing their transcontinental journey.
Every new documented species, he said, strengthens biodiversity research and future conservation planning.
Wildlife expert Ankush Thakur noted that the Common Greenshank breeds in northern Europe and Asia before wintering across the Indian subcontinent, usually inhabiting wetlands, riverbanks and shallow water bodies. Its presence in Rakchham further underscores the ecological significance of the sanctuary's fragile Himalayan wetlands.
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