The clearing of the water hyacinth at the sprawling tank, availability of copious water on the tanks, proper maintenance of ‘karuvel’ on the shores have all added to the sudden increase in the population of birds at the sanctuary at Vaduvur near here.
An estimated 23 varieties of birds — including 12 water birds — have been staying at the sanctuary for the past several weeks. “This is an unusual phenomenon witnessed this year and an estimated 20,000 birds have been noticed at the sanctuary this season,” says a Forest official.
Usually, September to December is the period when the birds from different parts hover here.
The development of habitat infrastructure is one of the main reasons for the increase in the population of the birds. “The growth of water hyacinth till last season hampered the habitat of birds.
But its clearing this season has facilitated the birds to stay here at various ‘karuvel’ trees,” Forest officials told The Hindu on Sunday.
The varieties include White Ibis, Black Ibis, Igrets, Night Heron, Pond Heron, Coot, Northern Shoveler, Pintial Duck, and Common Pochord. The presence of Glossy Ibis, which returns to the sanctuary only around 6 p.m. is an interesting and unique phenomenon.
A large number of bird watchers and nature lovers had been visiting the sanctuary to have a glimpse of various birds. Forest officials told The Hindu on Sunday that the presence of interpretation centre and the spotting scope had been facilitating the visitors to understand and appreciate the importance of birds.
“We have attached technical equipment using which the children and audience can have a glimpse of the birds, moving at a distance of 800 metres,” the source said.