Tue Jan 28 09:34:33 UTC 2025: ## Tamil Nadu Birders Document Decline in Migratory Birds Amidst Record Rainfall
**Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu – January 28, 2025** – The annual Pongal Bird Count, coordinated by the Tamil Birders Network and Bird Count India, has revealed a decline in migratory bird populations in Tamil Nadu. Over 300 birdwatchers across the state participated, documenting over 300 bird species. However, copious rainfall and the unscientific de-silting of water bodies, which destroyed natural vegetation, were cited as contributing factors to the decrease in migratory birds, particularly ducks. Untreated sewage entering water sources is another growing concern.
Despite the overall decline, several birders reported unusual sightings. Sugunapuramjungle, a government high school teacher, documented 45 species at Ponnuthu and 60 at Perur Lake, but noted a significant drop in migratory ducks. He also spotted the rare brown-breasted flycatcher.
Surendhar, coordinator of the Puducherry Birders Network, and his team surveyed 52 lakes across three districts, recording 129 species but fewer water birds than in previous years. They observed the migratory red-throated flycatcher and the Eurasian spoonbill, but notably, no pelicans.
Kalaiselvan, an executive member of the Salem Ornithological Foundation, recorded 130 species across 20 blocks, including the vulnerable white-naped tit and the rare Marshall’s iora.
Vinod, founder of the Kanniyakumari Nature Foundation, and his team observed a significant reduction in water birds like northern pintails and northern shovellers, but also documented the unusual sighting of a white-bellied sea eagle in a forested area.
Eswaramoorthy, a wildlife enthusiast, participated in his first Pongal Bird Count, documenting 95 species along the Cauvery and Noyyal rivers, including the Eurasian moorhen and lesser-whistling duck.
While the data highlights concerns about habitat degradation and the impact of human activity on migratory bird populations, the Pongal Bird Count also underscores the growing participation of citizen scientists in conservation efforts and the importance of environmental education. Participants emphasized the need for cleaner water bodies and the preservation of natural vegetation to support birdlife.
First Piper 