Latest news with #NatureTrust
Time of India
19 hours ago
- 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 .
CBC
09-05-2025
- CBC
Southwest Nova Scotia island a newly protected habitat
The Nature Trust of Nova Scotia says it has preserved an island in southwest Nova Scotia. It announced on Friday that Johns Island, just west of Central Woods Harbour, will provide 68 hectares of land to migratory birds. "Protecting the entirety of Johns Island is a perfect example of the kind of conservation success that makes a real and immediate difference to Nova Scotia's beloved birds," the nature trust stated in its news release. It noted Johns Island is "a critical stopover" along one of four main North American 'bird superhighways." The trust noted Johns Island — known locally as St. Johns Island — gives birds food and safe places to rest during migration. Johns Island is also a nesting site for several bird species at risk, the trust noted. It said a common eider colony found there is thought to be the largest in the province. The island is an important foraging site for the endangered roseate terns. It is believed great blue herons nest there. Protection of the island was made possible with support from the federal government, with additional funding from the Nova Scotia Crown Share Land Legacy Trust. Although Johns Island is now protected, the trust noted birds in Nova Scotia and worldwide are "still at tremendous risk." "Habitat loss is one of the main driving factors in their decline, making the Nature Trust's conservation work critical to their survival," the trust said.
