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Chennai Wetlands See Unprecedented Flamingo Sightings
22 Jul
Summary
- Greater Flamingos are now year-round residents in Chennai wetlands.
- Juvenile flamingos, a first, are prominently sighted at Pallikaranai and Kovalam.
- Other usual bird habitats like Kazhuveli and Arikkalmunai are devoid of flamingos.
Greater Flamingos, typically transient visitors, have established a year-round presence in Chennai's Pallikaranai Marshland and Kovalam Creek. This marks a significant ecological shift, with both locations now hosting juvenile birds, a first-time occurrence for these sites. Over 100 flamingos are currently at Kovalam Creek, while Pallikaranai hosts approximately 25, with the young birds often remaining deep within the marsh.
This unusual residency contrasts sharply with other well-known bird habitats. Kazhuveli, a usual sighting spot near Marakkanam, is reported to be completely dry this year, with no birds observed. Similarly, the lagoon near Arikkalmunai, recently designated a Flamingo Sanctuary, currently lacks any flamingos. Instead, a lesser-known lagoon at Valinokkam has become a magnet for nearly 500 resident flamingos.
Adding to the mystery, typical migratory waders like Common Greenshanks, Redshanks, and Marsh Sandpipers are notably absent from their usual spots. This widespread change in avian presence has left ornithologists and birdwatchers observing and waiting for further explanations.
