Sanderling Spotted at Kashmir’s Hokersar Wetland After 134 Years

In a rare and remarkable sighting, birdwatchers in Kashmir have reported spotting a Sanderling, a migratory shorebird, at the Hokersar Wetland for the first time in over 134 years. The discovery has stirred excitement among the region’s birding and conservation communities.

The sighting was made on Thursday by a trio of local bird enthusiasts — Reyan Sofi, Mufeeq Ahmad Malik, and Mansoor Shayir — during an evening birding session at the Hokersar Wetland Reserve, located on the outskirts of Srinagar.

“While we were observing various wader species, I noticed one bird that stood out due to its distinct size and immediately identified it as a Sanderling,” said Reyan Sofi. “It was notably different from the more commonly seen Little Stint, which helped confirm its identity.”

The Sanderling (Calidris alba) is a small migratory wader that breeds in the Arctic and winters on sandy beaches across the globe, but is rarely seen inland, especially in Kashmir. According to local ornithologists, this is the first recorded sighting of the species in the Hokersar Wetland since 1889.

The Hokersar Wetland is a designated Ramsar site and one of the most important bird habitats in the Kashmir Valley, attracting thousands of migratory birds each year. The appearance of the Sanderling underscores the ecological significance of the region and highlights the need for sustained conservation efforts.

Experts have called for thorough documentation and verification of the sighting, which could be a significant addition to Kashmir’s avifaunal records.