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Heavy rainfall over the past few weeks has resulted in accumulation of rainwater in the salt pans located in the suburban areas of Thoothukudi. These pans, earlier only used for salt production, now resemble water bodies.
The area has turned into a haven for various species of water birds, and the number of small fish, insects, and other aquatic organisms has skyrocketed. Usually, such sights of water birds feeding in large numbers in salt pans are rare. However, the conditions created by this year''s heavy rainfall have transformed the area into a favourable habitat for birds. Consequently, groups of birds can be seen landing in the salt pans and actively foraging for food, creating scenes that leave onlookers mesmerised. Their joyful, energetic movements while searching for food captivate nature enthusiasts and the general public. Additionally, over the past few days, the Thoothukudi district has also been seeing large flocks of Rosy Starling birds, creating stunning formations as they soar across the sky. According to Ornithologists, these birds arrive in southern districts as part of their winter migration from Northwest Asia and Eastern Europe. These birds take flight from their breeding grounds around September-October and arrive in the Indian Continent to stay till March-April. In addition to Tamil Nadu, these birds are known to flock to Gujarat, MP, Karnataka, Kerala, Telangana, and North India. The reasons for their migration range from weather preferences to food abundance. They are omnivorous birds who look for places where insects are likely to reside, often in grasslands and farm fields. Flocking together while migrating is also a way to confuse larger predators, and their murmurs create a serene environment. If this situation continues, the suburban salt pans of Thoothukudi are likely to remain an essential temporary gathering spot for water birds. (ANI)
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