Bountiful rains advance visit of winged guests

Nellore: Favourable weather conditions are welcoming the winged guests to Nellore district from other parts of the globe. Many rare birds have already started reaching Pulicat Lake areas due to sufficient rains and chilly conditions following thunderstorms in southern parts of the district.

The district which has been facing drought-like situation for the last four years is now witnessing good rains due to increased thunderstorm activity. Pulicat Lake area is also experiencing rains for the last one month and the local water bodies are also receiving water.

Pelicans (Gooda Baathu or Konga) have already reached Nelapattu areas to enjoy their breeding time. The birds from other parts of the globe generally visit Nellore district during mid-winter, but this season they started arriving early at the lake.

Gooda Bathu (Pelicans), Neeti Kaki (Phalacrocorax Niger) and open-billed storks in limited number have already started visiting the lake areas. The bird sanctuary draws the attention of many species like painted stork, babblers, white ibis, spoon bill, open billed stork, spotted billed pelican, micro-carbo niger, night heron, little cormorant, coot, waders and other species of flamingos.

Around 80-90 species of migratory birds visit the lake region for spending their breeding time every winter. They return to their native lands along with their babies after completion of the season.

The natural phenomenon is that a flock of birds visits the place initially and observe conditions for convenient stay and send signals to other birds. Local people are considering the flocks of birds present now are part of the observing team for inviting others. The bird population has been very low for the last two to three years due to no significant rains in the district and also adjoining places in Tamil Nadu.

This year, birdwatchers started visiting places in Doravari Satram mandal where the famous Nelapattu Sanctuary is located in September itself to enjoy the spectacle. "Forest areas in D V Satram mandal are now lush green due to rains and the local tank is also filled with rainwater.

Officials set up parks, an environmental awareness centre, and other facilities to attract children. People from Nellore, Sullurpet, Chennai, Gudur and Tirupati are visiting the places and thus reflecting a festive atmosphere," said a retired employee R Krishna Murthy from Doravari Satram.

Further, forest officials have constructed wooden houses at a cost of Rs 2.3 crore for stay of the visitors. Thus the accommodation facilities have been improved to accommodate more number of visitors this time. Still, they have to be made accessible to the birdwatchers.