Flamingos at Pulicat Lake, Tamil Nadu

 

Pulicat Lake, located north of Chennai on the Tamil Nadu-Andhra border, is a brackish lagoon known for its rich marine life and habitat for numerous bird species. It spans about 60,000 hectares and supports numerous and rare birds all through the year. This water body  is classified as one of India's important Bird Areas for both photographers and bird lovers with a part of the lake designated as the Pulicat Bird Sanctuary that serves to conserve the aquatic life both habitat and migratory species found abundant here. 

The Pulicat wetlands houses over 60 species of migratory birds, the most notably are the greater flamingo and ruddy turnstone, which arrive as far as Europe and Siberia during the winter months.  

Our trip to Pulicat this March was primarily to sight the great flamingos, which are spotted from October to March/April. The vast salt pans are the only place these birds visit in Tamilnadu.  Apart from Pulicat these birds are seen at Kutch- Gujarat, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra and Chilka lake at Orissa in India. 

The Lake being a natural resource for fishery and shrimp cultivation is the main source of livelihood for the fisherfolk of the villages along the periphery. The fisherfolks and birds co exist with each other which in turn benefit this water body.  

Due to security reasons near the lake that particular day, we could set off on one of the boats only by noon, to get a glimpse of these graceful flamingos. 

The boat ride was by itself breathtaking, with the boatman taking us close to the spotted pelicans, flocks of terns and seagulls along the coast that is lined up with patches of mangrove trees. 

As we neared the Andhra Pradesh coast, the closest the Tamilnadu boats could reach, a huge white band spanning across a few meters contrasting with the deep blue waters was seen. Hundreds of flamingos far from where any boat can reach created the most picturesque sight, a sight which can only be experienced. 

Never would I have even imagined that such a huge number of these large birds migrate as far as Pulicat. Awestruck I captured with a maximum zoom on my DSLR overwhelmed with what we saw. The boats too dock at a distance so not to disturb these fragile bird. 

Constant disturbances prevent these migratory birds from resting and finding food, negatively impacting their breeding success during spring. The lack of rest during winter hinders their strength needed to breed and also urge them to move away to other places. 

After soaking in the amazing sight of these pink toned white birds, we headed back to the boat dock, vibing with the experience of witnessing the incredible nature at its best.

 

Bird Watching From My Balcony

 As songs of the birds, rise above the quiet and empty lanes of my community every morning, very few stop from their monotonous routine to discover the joy of birding. Bird watching is a pleasure for those, looking to connect with nature. 

We usually don't notice the birds but they have always been around us even in urban settings. When given the drop in noise level, the chirping of the birds are definitely heard more. Birding is a fun hobby and one of the best ways to experience wildlife in our own surroundings. It is a hobby that does not require any prior skills sets. All one has to do is look. 

I was astounded when I realized that there are more than 25 species of birds just around my home that can be seen from my balcony. What initially began as a leisure activity during my visit to the United States, has now evolved into a dedicated endeavor to document various species regularly on my Instagram page sumats_clicks. I use Google lens on my mobile to identify the birds captured with a Canon 55_250mm lens attached to a DSLR 600D camera. Nowadays, technology has significantly eased up bird watching by aiding us connect to this remarkable bird realm. Numerous studies and anecdotes tell us how bird watching helps in reducing stress and depression while enhancing concentration. It is kind of a meditation only here, it requires you to keep your eyes and ears open and concentrate.

                               

Observing birds from my third-floor balcony offers a serene beginning to my day. Moreover overlooking the trees at an eye level gives me an advantage to sight birds. I frequently encounter Purple-rumped Sunbirds and the Common Mynas and the vocal congregation of Yellow billed Babblers, Rose-ringed Parakeets and Red-vented Bulbuls. Among more boisterous species are the Coucals, Koels and the Drongos though they seldom emerge from their cover in the bushes. On occassion, I have observed a Shikra being chased by crows. But the Flame-backed Woodpeckers, Asian Bee- eaters, Pied Mynas, Spotted Doves and the Oriental Magpies are the ones notably elusive, as they swiftly maneuver between trees.

                               

Given that my balcony overlooks a waterbody, the diversity of the wildlife extends to aquatic species which include Moorhens, Jacanas, White-breasted Waterhens, Pond Herons and White-throated Kingfishers. With the favorable monsoon season this year I also sighted the arrival of Little Grebes, Grey-headed Swamp hens, Egrets and Cormorants. The pleasant weather conditions from November to February attracted the Golden Orioles, Rufous Treepies and the Coppersmith Barbets which has made its residency in the nearby tree. 

Capturing a Spot-billed Duck which landed briefly in the water and a Pied Cuckoo when looking out for the parakeets are moments every balcony birdie would dream for. 

  Nature's abundance surrounding our homes is frequently taken for granted as we constantly seek new and exotic experiences in distant lands. Spending a few minutes to pause from our chores and appreciating the gifts of nature around can provide us with a source of joy and calm on a daily basis.  

Dolphin's Nose, Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu

 

Kodaikanal is a hill station located in the Palani hill range of Tamil Nadu. It boasts of, stunning views and pleasant climate all through the year. 

Amongst the many tourist attractions at Kodaikanal, a must see spot is the Dolphin's Nose. It is perched at an altitude of 6,600 Ft, 8 km away from the bustling Kodaikanal town in Vattakanal village. The rock formation at the edge of this terrain resembles that of dolphin's nose, which is how this view point got its name.

Dolphin's Nose is a spot undisturbed, as it is quite secluded from the rest of the tourist places. To reach the view spot, one has to take a moderate level, 2 km hike downhill from Pambar Bridge. The scenic trail  passes through tall pine and eucalyptus trees. The rocky terrain is uneven and at times slippery, making the trek all the more adventurous. 

On reaching the viewpoint, the panoramic view is of sheer magnificence of nature. The deep valleys, misty skies, sparkling lakes, gushing falls, and all the lush greenery from the edge of this hill, is something to experience; the things that make Kodai so special. 

Gazing at the vast expanse of the pristine scenery, makes one feel connected to everything that the earth beholds. 

A trip to Dolphin's Nose makes one realise to take a break and to step away from the boring routine and rejuvenate by soaking, in the beauty that nature has gifted all around us.

Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary, TamilNadu

Way back in 1796 a group of soldiers decided it would be fun to hunt birds. The local villagers came across this scene and its dint go well with them. That's how a petition began to protect the birds from hunting and poaching. And that's how Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary was born, the first ever bird sanctuary in India. 

Painted strokes

                                            

Vedanthangal is in Chengalpattu district, Tamil Nadu and spans over 74 acres. It hosts over 40,000 resident and migratory birds, annually during the winter migration, both common and rare. The sanctuary's appeal to birds is due to the numerous lakes and mangroves, which provide adequate food and resting place to them.

Family of Spot billed Pelicans

   

It is a known fact that birds have been around for a long time, as they rarely change their migration pattern or path. It is thus obvious that even centuries ago this area had a healthy population of birds as it was a favorite hunting spot of the influential people. After the petition by the locals in 1796, Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary finally came into existence in 1858. It was officially established as a wildlife sanctuary in 1936 and since 2022, it boasts as a Ramsar site, a wetland of International importance for preserving and conserving ecological and biodiversity values. 

The story of Vedanthangal is a symbiotic relationship between the locals of the area and the birds. The locals are aware that the droppings of the birds fertilize the lake water that aid in the agriculture and hence protect them. In return the birds gain a safe nesting environment and food sources. It is also said that the locals of this village do not burst crackers or pollute the environment even during festivals so not to disturb the birds and their natural habitat 

Colony of Asian Open billed Strokes

                                        

Our day-trip to this sanctuary was beyond our expectation. A 2 hr drive of 75 kms led us to the lush green village, devoid of debris and noise. At the entry of the sanctuary we were glad to have a volunteer who guided us around and helped us spot  different birds. We could sight  Open-billed stroke, Ibis, Spoonbill, Painted stroke, Garganeys which travel from far off places like Myanmar, Srilanka, Siberia, and even Canada, Australia and many more in the short span of few hours we spent there. 

                               

Spotted owlets

                                             

For a birder or a photographer a visit to, Vedanthangal is a paradise on earth. For those who aren't will not go disappointed either as nature never disappoints. 

To be able to see thousands of these gigantic birds freely flocking and resting with their young ones in their natural habitat, painting the landscape with their vibrant colours is an experience not to miss ... and the trip to sojourn a lifetime..

Anhinga 

Black headed Ibis & Australasian Shoveler

Do visit my Instagram page for more pictures on birds at Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary and many more I've sighted over the year at different places.

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