There is nothing more beautiful than looking at what god has created in this amazing world and one such god creation is birds. It is now said that about half a dozen migratory birds have arrived at Pallikaranai wetland in Chennai now after the rains. Soon this place would be full of many bird watchers and other wildlife or bird enthusiasts.
It is superb to note that birds like ruff, common sandpiper, wood sandpiper, green shank and black-tailed godwit were the first migrants who have arrived in Pallikaranai wetland now. This was confirmed by Mr. K.V.R.K. Thirunaranan belonging to Nature Trust (started in the year 1997). On the Thoraipakkam- Pallavaram radial road side of marshland, these migratory birds could be seen now.
It is important to note that Mr. Thirunaranan recorded a dozen common sandpipers, about 2 dozen wood sandpipers, one green shank, 20 ruffs, 2 black tailed godwits etc. He hinted that the right time to watch these migratory birds is before 8 am in the morning or before dusk. He explained about the need to have binoculars to watch these birds in Pallikaranai wetlands. Information is these birds are known as waders.
It has been pointed out by Mr. Subbaiah, Chennai district forest officer that his department has taken up work of raising a passage on which more than 2500 saplings have been planted. These saplings have now grown into small trees. Information collected is these small trees have become important attraction for fulvous whistling ducks, spot billed ducks etc and these birds have colonised this part of marshland in Pallikaranai.
He mentioned about how see through barriers have provided the protection to the saplings. Important point is in the months of April, May and June marshland here has become bone dry and water returned to this marshland after the rains in July and August. The presence of water has attracted many birds now.