Those looking for the ideal weekend getaway spot can head for the historical Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary in Kancheepuram district. The sanctuary is currently full of birds and the season is at its peak, say wildlife sources.

Over 30,000 birds have arrived so far and the number will go up, say sources adding that the sanctuary is now a visual delight for nature lovers and bird watchers.

“The migration of birds during this season is overwhelming and the enumeration process of the birds is still going strong; the final tally can only be ascertained by the end of the season,” City wildlife warden Karuna Priya said. To ensure better breeding of the birds, a sufficient quantity of fish has already been released and all routine works are in place to ensure the stay of birds, the official added.

“The migratory birds are well-settled and a few of them, including the Grey Heron, are in bleeding plumage”, said founder of The Nature Trust K.V.R.K. Thirunaranan. After the recent spells of rains the lake is brimming and almost all the trees in the sanctuary are full of birds, he added.

“So far about 30,000 birds have arrived and the species that are now recorded in large numbers include Grey Herons, Painted Storks, Egrets, Pelicans, Darters, Pintails and Shovellers,” forest department sources said adding that the sanctuary was colourful with the colonisation of the painted stork.

Vedanthangal, the oldest bird sanctuary in the country measuring around 73 acres, has a history of more than 300 years. Realising the ornithological importance, the British government had announced the lake as a bird sanctuary and it was established in 1858 by the order of the Chengelput district collector.