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Migratory Birds Arrive Early in Chennai
5 Oct
Summary
- Grey-headed lapwing sighted two weeks early at Pallikaranai.
- Various shorebirds observed at Adyar estuary by birdwatchers.
- Nemmeli salt pans bustling with activity, including flamingos.
Chennai is experiencing an early influx of migratory birds, with the first signs of winter appearing on wings rather than cooler temperatures. Birdwatchers have noted the arrival of species from East Asia and beyond, signaling the commencement of the annual bird migration season.
The Pallikaranai marshland has welcomed a grey-headed lapwing nearly two weeks earlier than its typical October arrival, reaching the area around September 20th. This species, a long-distance migrant from East Asia, was accompanied by other shorebirds such as the terek sandpiper, lesser sand-plover, marsh sandpiper, and black-tailed godwit.
Further sightings include paradise flycatcher, blue-tailed bee-eater, and booted eagle on the IIT-Madras campus. The Adyar estuary has become a hotspot for birdwatchers, who have recorded Caspian terns, whiskered terns, Eurasian whimbrels, European rollers, and common greenshanks.
The Nemmeli salt pans are also alive with avian activity, with observations of a large flock of garganeys and over 600 greater flamingos. Birdwatchers are hopeful for a glimpse of the Demoiselle crane, a rare visitor that was spotted near Nemmeli towards the end of the previous birding season.
