Vedanthangal bird sanctuary open to public

Sources said that the sanctuary would usually be opened by the end of September but since the number of birds was considerably low, the officials waited for the arrival of migratory birds in large numbers. 

G Subbiah, Bird Sanctuary Range Officer, told DT Next that there are around 5,700 birds in the sanctuary according to a recent survey. “Since this bird sanctuary is famous in the state, we expect that the number of visitors including foreigners, will increase in the coming days,” he said and added that migratory birds from other countries like Iran, Iraq and Australia have settled here and the sanctuary would be open till May 2018.

Officials also said that last year cyclone Vardah destroyed many trees, the main factor why the birds didn’t arrive early. “Worse still, the Vedanthangal lake went bone dry and the recent spell of rain filled it up attracting more birds,” said another official. The officials also added that they are monitoring the movement of humans and anti-poaching committee is working round the clock.Birds, including migratory ones such as grey pelicans, white and glossy ibises and darters, have come to the sanctuary, besides resident birds such as egrets and herons.