<i>Tree that serves as sweet abode of birds </i>

This silk cotton tree at Keutan village in Ranishankoil upazila of Thakurgaon district serves as a safe haven for a good number of local as well as migratory birds, making the area buzz with chirping and fluttering of the graceful creation of nature.Photo: STAR

A silk cotton tree at Keutan village under Ranishankoil upazila in the district has become a paradise for birds where hundreds of them twitter round the day.
The place is attracting a large number of visitors including bird watchers and bird lovers from far off places of the country.
As hunting of birds is 'completely forbidden' there, the number of native and migratory birds are increasing every year, said a villager.
Locals said they are determined to protect the birds. They alert the newcomers and visitors, prohibiting them from hunting.
During a recent visit to the spot, over 50 kilometres off the district headquarters, this correspondent saw three to four hundred birds busking in sun the gaily while a few of them flying in and out without any fear.
Several visitors were also seen there. Some of them were taking snaps of the birds while others trying to identify them.
Sajjadur Rahman, 38, of Islambag in Panchagarh municipality area who came with his eight-year-old son Nirvik, told this correspondent that it was really amazing to see hundreds of birds on a tree. "I brought my son to have a glimpse of this unique sight," he said.
Another visitor, Ferdous Ara of Hallpara in Thakurgaon municipality area, said, "I never had the idea that so many birds could stay on a tree. It is really astonishing".
Jadab Roy, 45, owner of the tree, said that four years ago, eight to ten birds locally known as pankouri started to stay on the tree in mid October.
"Initially we tried to drive the birds away as they used to excrete here and there and disturb workers on the crop fields. As the birds did not leave the place after repeated attempts, the villagers started to feel sympathy for them".
Since then the number of birds increased every year. The migratory birds join the flock in the beginning of Bangla month of Kartik (mid-October) and leave the place in Falgoon (mid-March), he said.
The rest of the time local birds usually stay there, Jadab added.
Md. Rabbani, 25, son of farmer Faizul Haque of the village said that the villagers now try to look after the birds as they have added to the fame and beauty of the village.
"It is a matter of pride for us that people from far-flung areas come here to see the birds," he said.
The chirping of birds in evenings makes the surroundings fascinating. During the day time, the birds leave the tree in groups and again come back gradually.
Around eight hundred to one thousand birds of different varieties, including those locally known as pankouri, samkel, bok and other varieties live on the tree.
"There is a tea stall near the tree. The owner of the stall raises alarm about the possible danger and local youths rush to the scene," Rabbani said.
Upazila Livestock Officer of Ranishankoil Dr. Md. Sirazul Haque said that he visited the area several times and talked with local people for ensuring security of the birds.
Contacted, officer-in-charge (OC) at Ranishankoil police station Firoz Khan said they were also aware of the birds.
We have given cellphone numbers to the villagers asking them to inform the police instantly in case of poaching and hunting, he said.