BATHINDA, Dec. 25 -- The delayed start of the winter season has led to a slow arrival of migratory birds at Harike wetland and other spots across Punjab for the second consecutive year, experts and state wildlife officials said.

They are attributing the trend to warmer days and hope that avian guests from other countries will start arriving in large flocks in the next two weeks.

Kamaljit Singh, range officer, Harike wetland, said birds from 33 species, including Garganey, Grey-headed Swamphen, Red-crested Pochards, and Knob-billed duck, have been recorded.

"Census of the migratory will be held by the end of January. But it has been observed that the numbers at Harike are less this time. Last year, too, birds started landing here in lar...