Rare migratory bird spotted at Pulicat

Chennai: Much to the bird watchers' delight, rare migratory bird-Lesser Noddy has been spotted at Pulicat bird sanctuary in Chennai region. Birders say this is the first time such bird has come to Chennai after long years and they have been staying for a long time much after the migratory season. Further, the number of such species has increased to three from one found last one month.

According to bird watchers, Lesser Noddy is a pelagic bird, which would always be seen over the sea. But they were surprised to spot such species at Pulicat lake sanctuary.

KVRK Thirunaranan, an avid bird watcher and founder of The Nature Trust, said, "We have documented only one Lesser Noddy in last April. Subsequently one more such bird landed in the same place. Surprisingly, we have a few days ago found another Lesser Noddy." 

"It is a clear indication that Pulicat sanctuary has become a comfortable place for these rare birds and the forest department can take steps to protect these rare species," said another nature enthusiasist.

G. Vijayakumar, secretary of Madras Naturalists' Society, said, "it is really surprisng as to how such rare species have come to Pulicat lake. We can expect more number of such species in the coming days especially during the migratory season." It is a fact that wetlands and waterbodies in and around Chennai region started attracting different kind of migratory birds, he added.

Meanwhile forest department intensified monitoring birds from being poached. A senior forest official said, "Anti-Poaching Watchers are round the clock in all the wetlands and bird sanctuaries to protect the birds."