By AnupBiswas
Hafflong  : Hundreds of bird’s lovers from various parts of the state of Assam have started to throng every evening at New Tumbung village located near NEEPCO reservoir at Umrangso 112 km fro Haflong, as the Amur Falcons have started to arrive there from last October 7.

The Amur falcon (Falco amurensis) is a small raptor of the falcon family. It breeds in south-eastern Siberia and Northern China before migrating in large flocks across India and over the Arabian Sea to winter in Southern Africa. These migratory bird from Siberia and China, stops over at Umrangso in the central Assam district on their route to Africa.

Males are dark grey with reddish brown thighs and under tail coverts; reddish orange eye-ring and feet. Females are duller above, with dark scaly markings on white under parts, an orange eye ring and legs. Only a pale wash of rufous is visible on their thighs and under tail coverts. Their diet consists mainly of insects, such as termites; during migration over the sea, they are thought to feed on migrating dragonflies.

In early days these small raptors were reportedly killed for meat but after organizing awareness campaigns to provide safe passage to Amur falcons by Forest, NGOs and social activists, now a day, killing of Amur Falcon has stopped.

More over the Forest department has undertaken protection duties round clock during the period of their migration through Dima Hasao.

Joitholal Hojai, Range Officer said during the period of migration more than 10 forest staffs are engaged day and night to protect these birds in and around the roosting hub also organized series of awareness campaign among the people in regards to protect these raptors.

Meanwhile, the N C Hills Autonomous Council   has organized Falcon Festival from November 15^th  to 17^th to be held at Golf Course in order to create awareness among the masses for its protection and preservation.

Golongjo Thaosen, Executive Member, N C Hills Autonomous Council along with MACs Nojit Kemprai and Ratan Jarambusa has been camping there to supervise the preparation of the ‘Falcon Festival’.

Thaosen talking to the media said the festival in being organized to create awareness among the masses regarding the protection of Falcon, promoting tourism and to generate income for the youths while showcasing tradition, culture and ethnic food of various communities living in Dima Hasao. He while inviting people from other states to witness the Falcon Festival, take taste of various ethnic cuisine and enjoy bird watching informed that the preparation of the Festival is going on full swing and road communication was also restored, there is no problem of reaching Umrangso by road.