A group of nature enthusiasts, photographers and students descended near Avaniapuram tank, one of the avian habitats on the outskirts of the city, here on Sunday to catch a glimpse of exotic birds.
Around 40 people led by a couple of birdwatchers and equipped with binoculars, telescopes and high-end cameras, braved bushy growth and a rocky terrain to take vantage positions to see the birds. They managed to spot at least 25 kinds of species, including migratory birds from Central Asia.
Kumaran Sathasivam, an expert birdwatcher, said, “Birds like Rosa Starling, Shoveller and Common Swallow were spotted near the waterbody.”
Later speaking at a presentation programme held in Thiagarajar College, Mr.Sathasivam said, “Bird watching is an exciting hobby. You don’t need cameras or expensive binoculars to become a birdwatcher. Sitting at a point for hours and noticing birds flying overhead itself is a great experience.”
Expressing concern over the dwindling number of common bird species such as home sparrows, he said the absence of trees was one of the prime reasons.
Before registration, the participants were given a brief introduction on the objective of the programme. Such events were being held to create an awareness of watching and conserving birds among the public, said P. Rajesh, convener, Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH). The bird watching programme was organised by the INTACH’s Madurai chapter.
