English Language & Literature — CBSE Class 10 board question

(1) Every year, countless flocks of birds take to the skies in one of nature's most remarkable spectacles – migration. This incredible phenomenon involves the regular, long-distance movement of birds between their breeding and wintering grounds. Some species fly only a few hundred kilometers, while others travel across continents and oceans, covering tens of thousands of kilometers each year. (2) Migration is primarily driven by changes in seasons. When food becomes scarce during harsh winters, birds travel to warmer regions where they can find abundant insects, seeds, or fish. The Siberian crane, for instance, travels thousands of kilometers from the cold wetlands of Siberia to India's warmer lakes such as Keoladeo National Park in Bharatpur and Chilika Lake in Odisha. The Bar-headed goose, another amazing traveler, is known to fly over the towering Himalayas at heights where oxygen levels are dangerously low – a feat that astonishes even scientists. (3) How these small creatures navigate such long distances remains a fascinating mystery. Studies suggest that migratory birds use multiple cues : the position of the sun by day, the stars at night, and even the Earth's magnetic field. Some, like homing pigeons, possess a memory-based instinct that helps them return to the same spot year after year with stunning accuracy. (4) Unfortunately, migration today is becoming more difficult. Expanding cities, pollution, and deforestation have destroyed vital wetlands and resting areas. Climate change has disrupted the timing of migration, confusing birds about when to travel or breed. Many species arrive too early or too late, missing the right conditions for nesting or feeding. (5) Conservationists worldwide are working to protect these travellers. International cooperation is essential since migratory routes cross national borders. Protected wetland sites, bird sanctuaries, and awareness programs encourage people to appreciate and safeguard these winged wanderers. (6) Migratory birds are not just symbols of endurance and freedom; they are vital to nature's balance. They help in pollination, seed dispersal, and pest control. The survival of these birds is linked to the survival of ecosystems everywhere. Watching them reminds humanity of a powerful truth – the planet is shared, and the harmony of life depends on care, cooperation, and respect for nature's rhythms.