Birdwatching season off to a flying start in Tiruchi

The recent wet weather in Tiruchi and the delta districts has begun to attract migratory birds, giving birdwatchers ample reason to explore the region and record different avian species over the next few months.

“This year, regular terrestrial birds such as the Orange-headed Thrush, Golden Oriole, and Indian Pitta, have come in good numbers. Water birds have been noticed in plenty, especially sandpipers and plovers,” A. Relton, a birdwatcher, told The Hindu.

The birds help farmers by acting as natural pest controllers. “Terrestrial birds are good at insect control. Most of the butterflies and moths lay eggs soon after the summer season. Birds such as the Oriole and Flycatcher feed on the insects and minimise crop damage. Their droppings enrich the water used for irrigation. One can find these birds wherever farming is going on,” Mr. Relton said.

This year, a significant number of raptors such as Bonelli’s eagle, Booted eagle and Greater spotted eagle have been seen at Woraiyur, he said.

Birdwatching enthusiast V. Rajagopal said that number of birds was still low, and would increase within the next few weeks once the weather stabilises.

“The Orange-headed Thrush that travels from Himalayan climes was spotted at Rettamalai. It is said to return to the Himalayas for breeding every year. We spotted a pair of common snipes at marshy stretch between Uyyakondan and Sholanganallur,” he said.

Tiruchi has at least 12 good spots for birdwatching, said Mr. Rajagopal. “Usually, I explore the areas from Ponnagar, via the Collectorate up to Uyyakondan and Sholanganallur by walk at least once a week during the birding season. Kiliyur, Mukkombu, Butterfly Park, and Thayanur are good for group birding trips,” he said.

Flocks of flamingos and painted storks have started arriving at the Udayamarthandapuram Bird Sanctuary in Tiruvarur district, said an official.