Perumbakkam wetland plays host to migratory birds this season as other major spots turn dry

Despite Vedanthangal and Karikkili bird sanctuaries drying up early this year, the Perumbakkam wetland located adjacent to the Pallikaranai marshland has managed to retain its water level, thus attracting migratory birds this season, bringing cheer to Chennai-based bird watchers.

“The steady arrival of Flamingos to Perumbakkam has also attracted ornithologists and photographers. To sight Flamingos in close quarters one must travel up to Sriharikota or to Point Calimere in Nagapattinam,” explained a Forest Department official. By and large, the migration pattern of birds in north Tamil Nadu has been hit due to cyclone Gaja and monsoon deficit, but Pallikaranai has managed to do well this season, the official added.

Bird watchers are elated due to the arrival of Flamingos and Painted Storks in Perumbakkam and Pallikaranai areas. They usually throng Vedanthangal and Karikkili bird sanctuaries in Kancheepuram district, said  KVRK Thirunaranan, founder, The Nature Trust.  The high and low tide water level from the sea is helping Pallikaranai this season. Migratory birds which depend mostly on fresh water have started vacating the sanctuary and the birds that depend on brackish water (mix of salt and fresh water) are staying back. In Pallikaranai, Flamingos arrive during February and their stay extends till May, said Thirunaranan, who has been regularly documenting bird life in Pallikaranai. This season, the rare sighting of the migratory Gadwall has also been documented in Pallikaranai, whereas duck varieties like Garganey, Shovellers and Pintails have started vacating the sanctuary. “Glossy Ibis has started nesting and hatchlings of Painted Storks and Pelicans are already out. The water bodies in Melmaruvathur also received 1,000 migratory birds this season, the bird watcher added.

“The arrival of migratory birds in TN has dipped due to dry weather, but there are pockets where birds have managed to successfully breed. Tirunelveli and wetlands in Coimbatore have helped the successful breeding of birds this season when compared to north TN and delta region,” said professor Sai Saraswathi of VIT Nature Club, Vellore.