Every year, thousands of birds travel from all over the world to Nerul in Navi Mumbai, which is a seasonal haven for migratory birds. Photographers of wildlife, birdwatchers, and nature enthusiasts who want to see the yearly migration are drawn to the spectacle.

However, this season, the familiar rhythm appears disrupted.

Birdwatchers and photographers are worried and looking for answers because the flamingos, the undeniable stars of Nerul's wetlands, are arriving later than usual.

Wildlife photographers point to multiple factors behind the delayed migration, with habitat destruction and erratic rainfall emerging as key concerns.

According to wildlife photographer Seema Taniya, " See, flamingos, they should have come by now, but one main reason for flamingos to not come is the major destruction around this area. Especially around Uran, what we birded in the last season, at least till September – those sites have vanished now. So, there is major destruction and plus, there were erratic rainfalls this year. So, in their home grounds they have more food that is readily available. So, that probably must be the reason that they have delayed their migration. But I am sure they will come... In another 10-15 days they should arrive."

Experts claim that the region's bird life is complicatedly impacted by pollution. While flamingos are often drawn to polluted waters due to the presence of bacteria they feed on, the same pollution proves harmful to many other bird species.

Plastic waste, debris and sewage contamination are increasingly affecting coastal habitats, making them unsafe for several migratory birds.

She further added that, "Pollution has a very big role to play, especially when it comes to flamingos. Bombay is a very polluted city, so we have all the sewage getting into the sea and there is brackish water – flamingos get attracted to that. And the kind of cyanobacteria that is present in the sewage they eat that and they retain their pink colour. And there are some species which do not come because of the pollution.

However, there is a lot of pollution and debris at the coasts. So waders can't swim, they only have land and they feed on the shores. So, because of that, sometimes you see them walking over plastic bottles, shoes, bags...and threads get tangled in their beaks, and they even swallow the whole plastic bags."

Additionally, fewer migratory birds have been seen this season by amateur birdwatchers, who have noted that the delayed arrival may be related to shifting climatic patterns and increased pollution.

Meanwhile, a visitor, Darshan, says, "Right now, not many birds are visible. Maybe their peak time is in January and February. But their arrival is probably also getting affected due to the climate and pollution, etc."

As of right now, birdwatchers have little choice but to wait and hope that the skies and wetlands of Nerul will soon once more be filled with the sound of migratory wings.