Chennai: Even though the Chennai region has not received much rainfall from the northeast monsoon, migratory birds are settling in Chennai's Pallikaranai marshland and the Pulicat lake bird sanctuary. Delighted bird watchers expect more groups of birds in the days ahead.
According to bird watchers, since there was no rain, in the beginning, they doubted the arrival of migratory birds. Contrary to their hopes, such birds started grounding in Pallikaranai gradually and also occupying the Pulicat lake. Bird watchers exude confidence that more birds will arrive.
Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, KVRK Thirunaranan, an avid bird watcher and founder of The Nature Trust, noted, “The Nature Trust has documented cotton pygmy goose in the Pallikaranai marshland for the first time. Birds like the comb duck, grey-headed lapwing and other kind of predator birds like the greater spotted eagles, Indian spotted eagles and osprey have arrived on time.” This shows that the Pallikaranai marsh has a comfortable bio-diversity, he added. However, he said that the Chennai region needs more rain to keep these birds to stay for a long time. “Over 53 migratory species have been documented,” the bird enthusiast said.
G. Vijayakumar, another bird watcher and secretary of the Madras Naturalists' Society said that the Pallikaranai marsh needs water. “If there is no water, migratory birds will not stay longer,” he said.
G. Subbiah, Forest Ranger Officer (sanctuary range) said, “The Pulicat bird sanctuary has a large number of migratory birds like the greater flamingos. As far as the Vedanthangal bird sanctuary is
concerned, we will open it if there is rain.” The famous sanctuary which is open for public from June to May, has no water, forcing officials to close it, he noted.
Similarly, a district forest official at Chennai, said that they were taking measures to protect migratory birds.
“Anti-poaching watchers are guarding the birds from being poached and we expect more birds. Even though there is no rain, Pallikarani has gradually been receiving more birds regularly,” the official said.
