Tamil Nadu: With 5000 birds flying in, Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary opens to public

The Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary will open to visitors on Thursday, November 12 as the heavy rainfall in Tamil Nadu has attracted plenty of migratory birds. According to The Hindu, the Forest Department has stated that the 30-hectare Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary has received plenty of rainfall filling up the water reserve.

The Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary is located about 75 km from Chennai and is renowned among those who indulge in bird-watching. The sanctuary usually opens in November when the birds fly in and stays open till March the following year. The Forest Department states that nearly 30000 birds come by each year. These include birds like herons, egrets, storks, ibises and spoon bills.

There were around 500 migratory birds on Monday and about 2000 were sighted on Tuesday. However, now the count has gone up to more than 5000, state officials say.

On Wednesday, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Director, Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Vandalur, KSSVP Reddy and Wildlife Warden K Gitanjali visited the bird sanctuary to ensure that all facilities were in order for visitors.