Wings of Wonder: Rare Sanderling Returns to Hokersar After 134 Years

Unknown Apr 02, 2026 1,050 Views

Birdwatchers in Kashmir are celebrating a historic moment after a Sanderling—a rare migratory bird—was spotted at the Hokersar Wetland near Srinagar for the first time in 134 years. The remarkable discovery, made by local bird enthusiasts Reyan Sofi, Mufeeq Ahmad Malik, and Mansoor Sh...

Historic Sighting:

On Thursday, during an evening birdwatching session at Hokersar, the trio noticed a small wader whose size set it apart from the more common Little Stint. After careful observation and comparison, they confirmed the bird as a Sanderling—a species last recorded in Kashmir more than a century ago. This is also the first time the Sanderling has been photographed in the region, making the sighting even more significant for documentation and research.

Significance for Jammu & Kashmir:

The sighting is being hailed as one of the most important ornithological records for Jammu and Kashmir in recent times. The birdwatchers have submitted their evidence to Indian Birds, a Journal of South Asian Ornithology, for authentication, underscoring the scientific importance of the find.

About the Sanderling:

Sanderlings are small, plump sandpipers, measuring 18–20 cm in length and weighing 40–100 grams. Known for their energetic behavior, they are often seen running along beaches, chasing waves as they forage for food. Globally, Sanderlings breed in the high Arctic tundra and migrate to coastlines across the world—except Antarctica—during winter. Outside the breeding season, they are highly social but become solitary when nesting.

Birdwatching Boom:

The sighting comes amid growing interest in birdwatching across the Himalayan region. The recent Himalayan Bird Count saw over 200 Indian birders participate, documenting more than 400 species, further highlighting the region’s rich avian diversity.

Outlook:

The Sanderling’s return to Hokersar after 134 years is a testament to the wetland’s ecological value and the dedication of local birdwatchers. As the record awaits formal authentication, the discovery is already inspiring conservationists and nature lovers to pay closer attention to Kashmir’s vital wetlands and their role in global migratory pathways.

Sources: Kashmir Observer, Tribune India, Bird Count India

Stay Ahead – Explore Now! EV Mobility Startup Trevel Raises $1 Mn Led By India Accelerator