Rise in rare migratory birds

Chennai: Excess rainfall may have thrown the routines of many people in the city topsy turvy, but not those of migratory birds whose numbers have risen compared with the past three years.

Many varieties of migratory ducks have been spotted not only in primary spots such as Vedanthangal, Pallikarnai, Karikili and Sullurpet but also across many lakes in Kancheepuram this monsoon season.

“There was a delay in their visits due to rains. But the water-filled lakes in the state are attracting more falcons as their number sees a rise this time,” said K.V.R.K Thirunaranan, founder, The Nature Trust.

Bird lovers Scotched speculation that the bird count may have gone down due to excess rainfall. “Most of this pelicans do deep water fishing. Some of them rely on the neighboring wetlands for feeding, if not for the sanctuaries. Full-fledged water bodies cannot deter their presence,” added Thirunaranan.

More than 20,000 duck varieties, including Northern pintail, Northern Shoveler and Garganey, were recorded in Sullurpet while 3,000 of them were recorded in Pallikaranai marshland. What enthralls the naturalists is their citation in unusual places in the city.

“Over 10 nests of Indian Cormorant were seen in Vaiyavoor Lake in Kancheepuram. They were noticed at the eastern side of Pallikaranai. Painted storks which usually visit post January at Vedanthangal are already seen (31 of them), thanks to the rains,” say the trust members.

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