From Kumuda H, Mysore: Naguvanahalli, perhaps the only breeding site for the Blue-tailed Green Bee Eater in Karnataka, would soon be declared as a conservation zone for these birds. Naguvanahalli, near Ranganathittu, where backwaters of Cauvery and Pashchimavahini meet, is a favourite habitat of these tiny winged-wonders. This place for long had been facing a threat from poachers, as well as alleged illegal sand mining. However, the long-felt demand to conserve this site has finally taken shape. The river bed with soft sand is an ideal place for nesting, where they build tunnel-like hole beneath the bed to lay eggs and raise chicks. These farmer-friendly birds come in hordes during breeding season - from January to May. " There were times, when thousand colony of these birds could be seen perching on electric wire feeding on dragon fly that affect the crops' said Deputy Forest Officer Narayanaswamy. Bird lovers throng this place as they can spot Kingfisher, White busted Kingfisher, Wagtail, Lapwing and Riverton besides Peacock in huge numbers. However, alleged poaching in this area, had caused these birds to migrate to other places, much to the disappointment of the bird watchers. The DFO said eggs and chicks of this species were poached by tribals and illegal sand extraction on the land (where the bird nests) had further posed threat. According to DFO Narayanswamy cases have been booked against bird poaching and sand mining in this area. There could be only 200 to 300 colonies of Blue-tailed Green Bee Eater left in this area, says a regular bird watcher here. Despite complaints made by the villagers to conserve this area, the Forest department was sitting pretty on the issue, till recently. Besides, the land being a revenue land and out of Forest Department's purview, it had not taken any interest in identifying this area as a bird habitat. However, now the the department has appointed villagers to keep a vigil in the area. Thwarted attempts Says Prakash, a villager-turned-bird watcher, "We have thwarted many attempts to poach the chicks by alerting the Forest Department. However, we do not have any support from the department', he rues. DFO Narayanswamy, a keen bird enthusiast, said a proposal has been submitted to the Mandya Deputy Commissioner to declare this area as a