Andhra Pradesh: Bird rush at Kolleru

Machilipatnam (Andhra Pradesh), Mar 25: About 72,000 migratory birds belonging to 63 species thronged the picturesque Kolleru lake this season making it a favourite haunt for ornithologists and bird lovers.

''It is an amazing situation. This has happened after two decades,'' Divisional Forest Officer (Wildlife) S V Ramana told UNI at Kaikaluru town on the large number of birds visiting the place after a long time.

He said Pelicons were found in several areas of Madhavapuram, Chinayedlagaadi, Pedayedlagaadi and other island villages in Kolleru Lake.

Due to lack of sufficient tree cover in the lake area, these birds rested at Uppalapadu of Guntur district during the nights and returned in the morning for food.

The authorities were planning to grow trees in the lake area.

The season, lasting from September to March, saw a variety of migratory birds, including Gray Pelicons, Asian Open Billed Storks, Painted Storks and Glossey Ibises at the lake.

Migratory birds from Northern Asia and Eastern Europe, including Red Crested Poachards, Black Winged Stilts, Avocets and Common Redshanks were also seen.

However, they have started their journey back due to reduced water levels in the lake ensconced between two major river basins of Godavari and Krishna functioning as a natural flood balancing reservoir between the two deltas, he said.

It serves as a habitat for various resident and migratory birds besides sustaining fishing, agriculture and other related occupations of the island people.

UNI