Chennai: After a delay of two weeks, the state forest department on Monday opened the historical Vedanthangal bird sanctuary for the public to visit.
With Kancheepuram district receiving a lot of rain in the past two weeks, the arrival of migratory birds had gained momentum and about 5,000 migratory birds have arrived, foresters said.
The Vedanthangal sanctuary is us usually opened during the month of September, but this year the inaugural was delayed due to late arrival of certain birds, said Vedanthangal ranger G Subhiah.
“The previous migration season was affected by adverse drought and birds left the sanctuary in advance, but this year with the Kancheepuram district receiving good rains, we are hoping for a good migration and breeding of birds”, he added.
The sanctuary will be open for public from 7 am to 6 pm. According to Vedanthangal bird trackers, migratory birds including darter, cormorant, pelican, heron, ibis, coot and pelican have arrived at Vedanthangal and the adjacent Karaikilli bird sanctuary. Sighting of terrestrial birds like kingfisher, owl, egret are also better this season. “We are confident that the sanctuary will receive more than 25,000 birds this season and the nesting will be at its peak during December- January”, said Vedanthangal foresters.
Special arrangements for the winged visitors including strengthening of lake bunds, desiltation of lake, and cleaning up of adjoining water channels had been completed as per schedule. Soon after the monsoon, thousands of small fishes would be released in to the lake, to ensure adequate feed for birds, sources added.
