These storks fly in from five countries to nest inside an Indian army base

Danapur cantonment has, over the decades, evolved into a safe breeding ground where thousands of migratory birds return with remarkable regularity, according to Col Om Prakash. These species arrive from a vast migratory belt stretching across parts of India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Sri Lanka and Cambodia.

Among the seasonal visitors is the graceful Asian openbill stork, which arrives at the Patna cantonment between May and June for nesting. Each year, the birds build large communal nests on tall trees inside the cantonment area, and by the end of the monsoon they raise their young before the flocks gradually leave for the Himalayan foothills and other colder regions as winter approaches, Col Prakash said.

Interestingly, the population of the species increases during the return journey as juveniles born during their stay join the migration back. Over time, the cantonment has also developed an ecological park-like environment, strengthening its role as an urban biodiversity pocket.

Locals and birdwatchers estimate that around 3,000 birds arrive during the peak season, with the number doubling as young birds join the return migration — a rare example of coexistence in a heavily guarded military space.

Image: Wikimedia Commons/by PJeganathan