Migratory birds from thousands of miles away began arriving at the Nelapattu bird sanctuary in Sullurupeta area in Nellore district in Andhra Pradesh during the past couple of weeks. It is felt that the recent copious rain would fill up the local pond as well as the nearby Pulicat lake, providing enough water and food for the winged visitors for this season.
Last year, the situation was different, as far lesser number of these birds were spotted at Nelapattu as well as Pulicat on account of lack of rain.
Both the south-west and north-east monsoons brought good rain this year, and this led to the return of the birds at these sanctuaries in time for their nesting season.
Grey Pelicans were seen settling down on the barringtonia trees in the sprawling Nelapattu pond. They travel in flocks and hunt collectively. They are said to have arrived from Central and South East Asian countries like Kazakhstan.
‘806 pelicans spotted’
Nearly 806 pelicans have been spotted till now and these birds will stay here for the next few winter months for breeding.
A number of other migratory birds like night herons and open billed storks have also arrived at the sanctuary.
“After the recent rain, enough water has percolated into the Nelapattu tank. In all, over 3,126 migratory birds have arrived here so far,” said T. Hima Sailaja, Divisional Forest Officer, Wildlife Division, Sullurupeta.
