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Time of India
22-06-2025
- Science
- Time of India
At Kovalam creek, marsh sandpipers show up early and flamingos arrive in hundreds
Chennai: Bird enthusiasts in the city reported an early sighting of marsh sandpipers at Kovalam Creek, weeks before their usual Aug arrival. The area also hosted at least 300 greater flamingos, generating interest among the local birding community. Kovalam Creek holds significance as the only site where greater flamingos were recorded by birders in the past six years, they said. The Nature Trust founder, K V R K Thirunaranan, said flamingos are not typically seen in June. "This period usually brings pelicans, painted storks, egrets, and resident species such as Indian spot-billed ducks, cormorants, and grey herons. Marsh sandpipers are an unexpected element this year," he said. Some birders said these sandpipers are non-breeding birds that have not migrated to northern latitudes and may have remained in the creek. "That is a possibility. It can be established only after a detailed observation and study," Thirunaranan said. He said ample food sources and a reduction in poaching could be contributing to the birds' continued presence. Additionally, around 50 red-rumped swallows were seen at Pallikaranai marshland — a substantial increase from the usual single-digit counts. "This is quite an unusual pattern for this time of the year," he said, suggesting the early and higher numbers could be related to shifts in weather or habitat.
Time of India
15-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
Indian jackal spotted for 1st time at Pallikaranai marsh
Chennai: Bird watchers at Pallikaranai marshland were surprised last week when they spotted an Indian jackal, marking the first-ever recorded sighting of the species in core areas of the wetland. Chennai district forest officer V A Saravanan confirmed the sighting and said jackals are known to adapt well and coexist alongside human settlements. Wildlife experts previously recorded jackals in several parts of Chennai, including the islands behind Theosophical Society, Blue Cross Road, Besant Nagar, Guindy National Park, and Nanmangalam Reserve Forest. With this sighting, Pallikaranai marshland now joins the list as a habitat for the elusive species. Conservationist K V R K Thirunaranan, who has been monitoring the marsh's fauna for years, said, "This is a positive sign of improving biodiversity." Another key factor contributing to the presence of jackals here is the abundance of food. The marsh provides ample prey, including fish and crabs. Notably, jackals have been observed feeding on African catfish, an invasive species. Their predation helps control the population of this invasive fish, contributing to ecological balance. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với sàn môi giới tin cậy IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo The arrival of the jackal signals the marshland's growing role as a sanctuary for urban wildlife and adds urgency to the call for its protection. As urban sprawl threatens green spaces, sightings such as this highlight the ecological significance of wetlands and the complex interdependence of species that inhabit them, say experts. While jackals are primarily nocturnal hunters, they may become active during the day when females feed their newborns. G Kamaraj, a biologist from Vandalur Zoo, said jackals were once found in large numbers, especially in rural areas where paddy fields were abundant. They play an important role in the ecological food chain by controlling the rodent population, which forms a significant part of their diet. This, in turn, helps farmers reduce crop loss. Even today, their wailing howls can be heard in the countryside — a reminder of their quiet presence near human habitations.
Time of India
14-06-2025
- Time of India
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. Follow more information on Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad here . Get real-time live updates on rescue operations and check full list of passengers onboard AI 171 .
Time of India
04-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
As migratory birds fly home, native species thrive in Pallikaranai marsh
Chennai: Pallikaranai marsh is alive with the flutter and calls of native birds now that migratory visitors have taken flight. In recent weeks, native species have been engaging in their breeding rituals across the wetland. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now According to Chennai forest officer V A Saravanan, a wide range of birds, including pied myna, purple heron, lesser and fulvous whistling ducks, Indian spot-billed duck, purple and common moorhens, egrets, and common kites, were observed beginning their breeding activities. Among these, the Indian pied myna is drawing attention. Birder K V R K Thirunaranan says that this species, once rarely seen in the area, showed a promising rise in numbers. First recorded in the marsh in April 2018 as just a pair, the pied mynas have now grown to more than 15, with expectations of the population reaching 30 this season. This breeding season, their nests can be spotted near human settlements. Originally found in more often in Andhra Pradesh, the Indian pied myna gradually expanded its range into Tamil Nadu's wetlands over the past decade. Now they are seen in flocks as large as 30. However, unlike the more assertive common myna, the pied myna is known for its reserved nature. Breeding season of the Indian pied myna spans a longer period than many native birds, lasting from March through Sept. Similarly, this time a large number of black kites were also recorded in the marshland, which is a surprise, said Thirunaranan.
