Monsoon magic works as winged visitors flock to Point Calimere

“The rain will induce micro organisms and this in turn will increase the number of insects that are preyed upon by the nearly 2 lakh birds that have flocked to the saline swampy lands of the sanctuary,” added the Ornithologists.  

Of the 274 bird species that are in the sanctuary presently, shore birds, wader birds, flamingos and sea gulls have been spotted in large numbers by the bird watchers. ‘The accumulated rain water while converging with the saline swampy lands will boost the feed availability for water birds. Especially, brine shrimps will make the visitors extend their stay in the habitat. Considering the feed availability, we expect a high turnout this year, said the researchers. Based on the study carried out by ornithologists, a majority of the water birds have arrived from Iran, Iraq, Australia, Cyberia, Sri Lanka and Russia. 

Termed as energy house for birds, Ornithologists said that the feed here will energise the birds and help them travel long distances and reach their destination as far as Australia and South East Asian countries. “They usually cover not less than 5000 km,” they added. 

“Since cold weather prevails in their native lands, they migrate to Point Calimere which is obviously warmer. This year’s moderate rain fall is an added factor that has given the eco-system in the region a boost,” said Vedaranyam Forest Ranger Ayub Khan Though there are 50 variety of Waders, little stints are the familiar ones in Point Calimere. Little stints come here all the way from the Arctic region. As they are light (15 to 25 grams), we cannot spot them that easily with naked eyes from the shores as these birds usually stand in the water logs around the sanctuary, said the ranger.  

Also, 3,000 Pin tail ducks, 50, 000 flamingos from Iran, 20,000 Marsh Sandpipers from Central Russia, 15,000 Ruff birds and 2,000 Pelicans and Painted Stark have turned up at the Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary this year. Ayub Khan said that the season is at its peak now and the migratory birds will stay till the end of February.