Vedanthangal, Karikili await rain ahead of new season

According to the regional meteorological department (RMC- Chennai) – Kancheepuram, Chennai and Tiruvallur have received deficit rainfall of -2, -14 and -25 in the past three weeks ending on October 20. Though, the State has managed to record surplus rains during this season, the greater Chennai has been deprived of the usual normal rainfall. 

“Bird watchers and ornithologists in north Tamil Nadu are waiting for fresh spells of monsoon rain as most of the bird sanctuaries in the northern region need more fresh water for an effective migration,” said K V R K Thirunaranan, founder, The Nature Trust. Pallikaranai and Pulicat have started attracting the first set of early migrants like grey-headed lapwing, wagtail and northern shovelers. 

Flamingoes in small numbers are also frequenting wetlands of Pallikaranai and Perumbakkam, he said. Commenting on the arrival of birds of prey, Thirunaran noted that large predators like the greater spotted eagle, booted eagle, peregrine falcon and marsh harrier have arrived on time at Pallikarnai marsh this year, he added.

“The season at Vedanthangal and Karikili is yet to gain momentum due to low surface water in the sanctuaries. Few local migrants have arrived and by November, Vedanthangal will witness the migration of winged visitors,” said wildlife biologist A Kumaraguru, who visited Vedanthangal on Saturday. In case if the deficit rainfall continues in Kancheepuram, the foresters should think about other options to engage the birds. Like the opening of additional storm water channels and creating small troughs that can hold water to support a minimal population of birds,” Kumaraguru opined. By next month, fishes will be introduced in Vedanthangal to ensure an extended stay of breeding birds, the official added.