BETTIAH, Jan. 9 -- As the cold wave tightens its grip and temperatures continue to fall, districts across northern Bihar have emerged as major stopovers for a diverse array of migratory birds arriving from across the globe during this winter.

According to forest officials, the dipping mercury and the region's favourable wetland ecosystem have begun drawing winged visitors from as far as Russia, China, Mongolia, and several European nations to Gopalganj, West Champaran, East Champaran, Muzaffarpur, and Sitamarhi districts. "Yes, several parts of Sitamarhi district-particularly the wetlands and stretches along the Bagmati river-are witnessing an influx of migratory birds. Preparations are underway to count their numbers and identify the sp...