Bad weather delays nesting of migratory birds at Kolleru

Officials make arrangements for safe stay of birds. According to Wildlife Management Division, Eluru, there was no disturbance to the Pelicans, which did not return to their homeland after the breeding season.

The first flock of Painted Storks that arrvied the Atapaka Birds Sanctuary of Kolleru Lake and started nesting. - A file Photo.

The delay in arranging nests at Kolleru Birds Sanctuary at Atapaka is not letting the migratory birds such as Painted Storks and Pelicans to settle down. The bird watchers blame the recent Hudhud cyclonic conditions and the northeast monsoon rains.

“Painted Storks numbering hundreds have arrived before the severe cyclonic storm — the Hudhud. The prevalent weather conditions are unfavourable for these birds to arrange nests on trees at Atapaka,” Chief Conservator of Forests, Wildlife Management Division, Eluru, S. Sreedhar told The Hindu .

The birds are busy identifying trees to arrange nests as a part of the breeding season — October to April. “Several flocks of Painted Storks are on their way to reach the lake. War-footing arrangements are made for their safe stay,” Mr. Sreedhar added. The number of Painted Storks reaching the lake has been increasing every year for the last five years.

According to Wildlife Management Division, Eluru, there was no disturbance to the Pelicans, which did not return to their homeland after the breeding season. “We have arranged permanent nests at a portion of the lake at Atapaka during the Hudhud cyclone.

The Asian Waterfowl Census, aimed at enumeration of birds of Kolleru Lake and other migratory birds in winter season, would be done in January. This census would give a clear picture of perfect number of migratory birds flying down to Kolleru Lake. The 2014 census reveals that nearly 1.8 lakh Pelicans and Painted Storks have visited the Kolleru lake during the winter much to the delight of the bird lovers.