Chintapalli village is abuzz with the activity of painted storks camping in the village since early January, preparing their fledglings for a long migratory journey to their original habitat soon.
Hundreds of the migratory birds have made Chintapalli their habitat for their annual seasonal sojourn. The winged visitors, which have multiplied their population during their over five-month long stay in the village, have now embarked on the crucial task of enhancing the flight and hunting abilities of their fledglings.
A steady stream of visitors, including lens men, continues to pour into the village to capture a glimpse of the spectacular view of the colourful birds protecting their fledglings from sun and rain by stretching their wide wings in their nests atop tamarind trees. The view of baby birds taking a tentative flight while the parent birds hover above keeping a vigil their movements is a common sight in the village.
The sight of the birds, engaged in nurturing the crucial life skills of their young ones, is a pleasure for the villagers, especially children.
“We are fortunate enough to watch an important facet of the lifecycle of birds from close quarters and it's been a virtual life skills education experience for our children,” remarked M. Krishna Rao of the village. “These birds always remain vigilant and protect their fledglings from predators and the vagaries of nature,” he said.
Inspiration
“These birds are a source of inspiration for us to continue our journey undeterred by the obstacles,” he remarked. “There will be a huge vacuum after the departure of these feathered guests from our village next month,” said M. Mahesh despondently, a student of the local high school. The authorities should grow more tamarind trees in our village and create a safe atmosphere, free of poaching threat in the nearby water resources to attract more winged visitors next year, he added.
