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.

https://www.instagram.com/sumats_clicks?igsh=Zjl4MmZ3ZTE2a29v