Chennai: For many tourists from Chennai, the East Coast Road (ECR) is synonymous with scenic drives and picturesque locations. However, hidden along this stretch are vital wetlands that transform into a paradise for migratory birds, attracting birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike.
Four prominent sites along the ECR—Nemmeli salt pans (abandoned), Kovalam Creek, Muttukadu backwaters, and Kelambakkam wetland—host thousands of migratory birds each year. These water bodies often serve as the first stop for these winged travellers before they move on to places like the Pallikaranai Marshland or Perumbakkam Wetlands.
“The migratory season from October to March is spectacular,” says birdwatcher K.V.R.K. Thirunaranan, who monitors these locations. “At times, the birds stay until the water bodies dry up.” Species like Eurasian Wigeons, Lesser Flamingos, Pallas’s Gulls, Greater Flamingos, terns, plovers, and kestrels frequent these wetlands in large flocks. Thirunaranan recently observed over 7,000 birds at a single site during peak season.
Beyond the well-known locations, the wetland behind the temple at Thiruvidanthai stands out as a pristine habitat. According to biodiversity researcher Ranjit Daniels, the area’s native flora, such as lilies, and its abundance of fish create an ideal feeding ground for flamingos and spot-billed pelicans. “Unlike urban wetlands, this site remains unpolluted, free from invasive plant species and urban encroachment, making it a magnet for migratory birds,” Daniels explains.
Kovalam Creek, another key location, supports a high population of fish and prawns, which attract not just birds but also local fishermen. During adverse weather conditions when sea fishing is banned, fishermen rely on this creek. Flamingos, often believed to feed only in shallow waters, have been observed swimming in the creek and catching fish—an unusual sight that fascinates birders like Thirunaranan.
The region was not always a haven for these birds. More than a decade ago, poaching posed a significant threat, with traps set during the migratory season. However, the growing presence of birdwatchers has helped curb this issue.
To further enhance the experience for visitors and ensure the protection of these avian guests, birders suggest setting up informative boards and increasing patrols by anti-poaching watchers. Such measures would not only safeguard the birds but also enrich the experience of those who come to witness these winged travellers in their natural habitat.
The ECR’s hidden wetlands are more than just a visual treat—they are vital ecosystems that deserve recognition and conservation. For bird enthusiasts and nature lovers alike, these sites offer a unique opportunity to connect with the wonders of migration and biodiversity. MSID:: 116508677 413 |
Four prominent sites along the ECR—Nemmeli salt pans (abandoned), Kovalam Creek, Muttukadu backwaters, and Kelambakkam wetland—host thousands of migratory birds each year. These water bodies often serve as the first stop for these winged travellers before they move on to places like the Pallikaranai Marshland or Perumbakkam Wetlands.
“The migratory season from October to March is spectacular,” says birdwatcher K.V.R.K. Thirunaranan, who monitors these locations. “At times, the birds stay until the water bodies dry up.” Species like Eurasian Wigeons, Lesser Flamingos, Pallas’s Gulls, Greater Flamingos, terns, plovers, and kestrels frequent these wetlands in large flocks. Thirunaranan recently observed over 7,000 birds at a single site during peak season.
Beyond the well-known locations, the wetland behind the temple at Thiruvidanthai stands out as a pristine habitat. According to biodiversity researcher Ranjit Daniels, the area’s native flora, such as lilies, and its abundance of fish create an ideal feeding ground for flamingos and spot-billed pelicans. “Unlike urban wetlands, this site remains unpolluted, free from invasive plant species and urban encroachment, making it a magnet for migratory birds,” Daniels explains.
Kovalam Creek, another key location, supports a high population of fish and prawns, which attract not just birds but also local fishermen. During adverse weather conditions when sea fishing is banned, fishermen rely on this creek. Flamingos, often believed to feed only in shallow waters, have been observed swimming in the creek and catching fish—an unusual sight that fascinates birders like Thirunaranan.
The region was not always a haven for these birds. More than a decade ago, poaching posed a significant threat, with traps set during the migratory season. However, the growing presence of birdwatchers has helped curb this issue.
To further enhance the experience for visitors and ensure the protection of these avian guests, birders suggest setting up informative boards and increasing patrols by anti-poaching watchers. Such measures would not only safeguard the birds but also enrich the experience of those who come to witness these winged travellers in their natural habitat.
The ECR’s hidden wetlands are more than just a visual treat—they are vital ecosystems that deserve recognition and conservation. For bird enthusiasts and nature lovers alike, these sites offer a unique opportunity to connect with the wonders of migration and biodiversity. MSID:: 116508677 413 |
