Otteri lake overtakes Vedanthangal: Census

A census report released by the Arignar Anna Zoological Park (AAZP) authorities shows that as many as 7256 birds belonging to 31 different species were found in the Otteri Lake, which now wears a clean look after the December deluge last year.  

AAZP authorities had conducted a bird census at the lake on February 13 and to their surprise they   found a large population of migrant birds nesting there. The census officials said that 11 species of birds among those mapped in the region have been nesting at Otteri while other species came to the lake to feed. 

The census officials spotted Open Bill Storks, Grey Herons, White Ibis, Little Egret, Great Egret, Cattle Egret, Indian Cormorant, Little Cormorant, Night Heron, Pond Heron, Darter, Glossy Ibis, Common Moorhen, White Breast Water Hen, Dabchick or Little Grebe, Spoonbill, Spotbill Duck and Common Coot. “The Indian cormorants seemed to have made Otteri Lake their breeding hot spot. 

It is a healthy sign and says a lot about the better water quality and better availability of food in the region. It also offers a wonderful sight for bird lovers,” an official attached to the AAZP said. 

The Otteri Lake, with a surface area of 16 acres, has always borne the brunt of pollution and dumping of garbage affecting water quality. The lake has a water holding capacity of 3 million mcft.

AAZP authorities said tourists and bird lovers who visit Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary now also visit Otteri Lake to have a wonderful view of nesting birds. 

Officials said out 66 bird species found at Vedanthangal, 31 species could be spotted at Otteri Lake.  The migratory bird population which earlier used to flock to areas like Perungudi had to move out due to rampant development in that area. 

However, the rejuvenation of Otteri Lake has come in as a welcome change and is ecologically important for the migratory bird population, the officials said.