A recent bird count revealed the wetlands had more than 10,000 birds of more than 100 species.
What’s it about? 10 water bodies in the Red Hills range of the Tiruvallur forest division has more than 10,000 birds from 112 species. These wetlands are close to farmlands that bring up insects and earthworms that the birds feed on. Naturalists say the water bodies in this range should be better protected since the number of migratory birds is increasing.
- The census was conducted in several lakes, including Vengal, Kavanur, Alli, and Pennanur Pettai. At each water body, eight members, including two forest foot soldiers, conducted the census.
- Among the species spotted were the Northern pintail, white-rumped shama, Indian pitta, and Asian brown flycatcher. The census showed migratory duck called the cotton pygmy goose was spotted in one of the lakes.
Who said what? One of the survey’s participants, KVRK Thirunarannan, said last year’s census recorded only a few resident birds. Range Officer A Clement Edison said despite the water bodies not being declared sanctuaries or protected, they still host a large number of bird species.