Chennai: As the migration season is at its peak across Tamil Nadu, the wildlife department, which has completed the integrated bird census, is now pinning hopes on recording the maximum number of migratory birds and species this season, thanks to the unprecedented floods in southern and northern districts of the State.
All field officers and biologists have recorded their census data and reports from north Tamil Nadu, particularly Chennai – Kancheepuram that comprises Vedanthangal, Karikili and Pulicat sanctuaries are encouraging, said city wildlife warden K. Geethanjali.
The objective of the integrated census is to ensure more accuracy while enumerating migratory birds in all prominent sanctuaries. The nearby water bodies were also focused this year to ensure a detailed documentation, she said. Bird population data, changes in migration arrival and nesting patterns have been tabulated and provided to the respective rangers. This year, more species were recorded in Pulicat and Vedanthangal sanctuary areas, said avid bird tracker and founder of Nature Trust, K. V. R. K. Thirunaranan. “The interesting part is that chicks have arrived early this year and we are hopeful that if the trend continues, there will be secondary nesting season for birds like open bill, a rare phenomenon,” he said.
“The migration of birds in Tiruchy and central region was also encouraging this season. This migration pattern is very important as it comes post-heavy Tamil Nadu floods and if looked in detail the census figures might throw surprises as ecology of birds and rain are interrelated”, said biologist A. Kumaraguru of Biodiversity Conservation Foundation.
“The bird census is usually not integrated or synchronised like animal census, but off late, more significance is given to birds and the results are encouraging. In the recent past, Tamil Nadu forest department is encouraging private volunteers and bird trackers to be part of the departmental census,” said Thirunaranan adding that apart from Painted Stork, Pintail, Egret and Flamingoes, movement of terns and gulls were interesting in Pulicat wetland areas.
