Vellode Sanctuary Welcomes Migratory Birds

The Vellode Bird Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu is currently experiencing the arrival of its annual migratory bird population, a spectacle that commenced in November and will continue until March. This protected Ramsar site, established around the Periyakulam lake, provides a crucial breeding ground for numerous avian species.

The sanctuary offers an ideal habitat due to abundant fish, nearby agricultural foraging grounds, and suitable trees for nesting. Notable arrivals include the Northern Pintail and the Northern Shoveler, a duck species famed for migrating at altitudes exceeding 15,000 feet. Recent development initiatives have revitalized the sanctuary, drawing an increasing number of visitors.

Visitor numbers now reach over 200 on weekdays and climb to 700-800 on weekends, with significant interest from school groups. The Forest Department's conservation efforts include habitat enhancement and invasive species removal, positioning the sanctuary as a vital breeding site for wetland birds in the state.