It's raptor time at Pallikaranai marshland now
Chennai: It's raptor time at Pallikaranai marshland, as flocks of black kites, black-shouldered kites, and shikras have taken over the skies following the departure of breeding birds like cattle egrets.
Among them, black kites dominate in number.
Nature Trust founder K V R K Thirunaranan, who has been monitoring bird activity here for 15 years, said these raptors arrive from Kerala with the onset of the southwest monsoon and return once the northeast monsoon begins in Tamil Nadu.
This seasonal rhythm signals a dramatic shift in the marshland's birdlife, revealing the ecological dynamism of the wetland. Chennai district forest officer V A Saravanan said the raptors usually begin arriving in April in small numbers, peaking in August.
"However, this year, their numbers were unusually high right from the beginning," he noted.
Raptor researcher C Sasikumar from Kannur, Kerala, said the migration of raptors from north Kerala to Tamil Nadu has been documented since the 1940s.
"An early birdwatcher had recorded this movement, which continues even today," he said.
Interestingly, while raptors from north Kerala migrate as soon as the southwest monsoon hits, their counterparts in south Kerala tend to stay put despite the rains.
This year, the southwest monsoon hit Kerala in the third week of May, prompting immediate movement of the birds.
Thirunaranan pointed out that many believe the garbage dumping yard near Pallikaranai attracts raptors, especially black kites, due to the easy availability of food. But he observed that while this may be a factor, it is not the primary reason.
"One can see them resting not just near the dump but across every tree and open space around the marsh. They occupy the entire landscape, which is quite unique," he said.
As the marsh transforms into a raptor haven, birdwatchers are keeping their eyes on the sky for the spectacular seasonal show.
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