Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary

Each winter South India becomes temporary home to migratory birds from places as Canada. During this time, there may be over 75,000 birds and over 115 different species. Located about 90 km from Chennai, the Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary is an easy day trip. First recognized as a sanctuary in 1936 and formally declared a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1972, Vedanthangal is the oldest bird sanctuary in India.

In the early November morning, the lake was just beginning to awaken. A thin veil of haze still enshrouded the acacia and low trees, like sleepy eyes slightly obscuring one’s vision.  At first glance, the predominantly white bird population might lead one to conclude that there are only a few kinds. With the aid of binoculars or a large zoom lens, many types can be observed.  In one area, the Open-billed storks dominated, with a few Grey Herons (also from Bangladesh) interspersed. Higher in the trees, one could see Grey Pelicans (Australia). Painted storks from Siberia flew from some treetops back to their nesting spot, carrying some twigs in their beaks. Spoonbills took an early morning swim in the distance. Egrets of varying sizes were present in large numbers, their white feathers gleaming bright. In the rice paddies on the other side of the path were some Indian Pond Herons, holding ever so still. Egrets gathered around the ground just ploughed by the farmer and his two cattle. As the season progressed, more types of birds would join the party, adding splashes of color and size variances.

Just as we arrived, a large group of sari-clad women emerged from several large buses. They seemed to be on a much tighter schedule, so we let them go ahead of us. We still met up with some of the older ladies at the first two observation points. Some pointed at our binoculars camera, requesting to look through the lenses. Giving my camera to one lady, it soon was passed on to many more before I was finally able to get it back. It was obvious that many of them had never looked through a viewfinder before, but they obviously enjoyed the experience. A short while later, most of the group was gone. With the sanctuary largely to ourselves and a few others, the sounds of nature dominated. Different birdcalls were heard, all contributing to the informal symphony.  Thankfully, the annoying whine of mosquitoes was not heard, thanks largely to the pest-eating birds. Between the pleasant temperatures and lack of pests, our visit was unfettered. Reluctantly, we decided to move on, heading towards our second destination – Gingee Fort.

The Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary is largely successful due to the commitment and cooperation of the local population that has a symbiotic relationship with the birds. In turn for keeping the surrounding area free of noisy activities, banning bird hunting, and not boating in the lake, the villagers receive many benefits; naturally fertilized land (no need for artificial fertilizer or insecticide), far fewer insects, pests & rodents, and high crop yields.

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