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Winged guests keep off Flamingo fest
Bird lovers who flocked to the three-day Flamingo Festival which concluded on Thursdaywere a disappointed lot as few winged guests arrived at the Pulicat Lake due to change in weather conditions.
Nellore: Bird lovers who flocked to the three-day Flamingo Festival which concluded on Thursdaywere a disappointed lot as few winged guests arrived at the Pulicat Lake due to change in weather conditions.
In fact, the district administration made elaborate arrangements this year allocating Rs. 2 crore for the event. Huge amounts were also earmarked for cultural activities for entertainment of the bird watchers during the festival.
Highlights:
- Of over 1,500 bird species and sub-species in India and South Asia, about 350-400 are migrants
- Unfavourable weather conditions and environs are said to be main reason
However, this year only flamingos and painted storks arrived at the Pulicat Lake surroundings for feeding and breeding.
No other species has been witnessed by the people and Nelapattu area has not witnessed even a common crow let alone exotic birds, according to locals.
“Population of winged guests this year has come down by 90 per cent when compared to previous years. We think this is due to the unfavourable environs like low water levels, less food and lack of congenial atmosphere.
Only flamingos and painted storks visited the areas this time disappointing the bird watchers,” said a visitor K Sudhakar from Sullurpet.
Of over 1,500 bird species and sub-species in India and South Asia, about 350-400 are migrants. It is estimated that over 100 species of migratory birds fly into India, either in search of food or to avoid severe winter conditions of their native habitat. In India, the majority of migratory birds are winter migrants.
Local people said initial flocks from various parts of the globe arrived a month ago and gradually vanished after observing adverse conditions for their breeding.
They might have relocated to some other coastal habitats in the State. Very few flocks settled here in the areas. Ornithologists say migration is very common phenomenon and sometimes they prefer to relocate to other places for safety and comfort.
Migratory birds fly thousands of kilometres to find the best ecological conditions and habitats for feeding, breeding and raising their chicks. Weather plays an important role in migration.
When weather conditions at these sites become unfavourable, they try to fly to regions where conditions are better, scientists say.
In India, the winter migrants come from Asia Minor, Arabia, Central and North East Asia, East Asia and Europe. But many were not coming to the subcontinent since 2010 due to climate change.
Almost 80 per cent of migratory birds did not turn up in 2010 and the same situation prevailed this year too.
