SEASONAL VISITORS: Birds from different parts of the world have begun flocking to Vedanthangal.

CHENNAI: Passionate bird-watchers seem to have a lot to look forward to this season. The Vedanthangal birds sanctuary, about 90 km south of Chennai, was opened up for visitors on Monday.

Wildlife officials said that at present nearly 10,000 birds including migratory ones such as grey pelicans, white and glossy ibises and darters have colonised the place, besides local migrants such as egrets and herons.

“A fortnight ago there was no rain and the place was almost empty. After the rain during last week, a good number of birds have arrived. Currently, nearly 70 per cent of the Vedanthangal lake has been filled up,” said B. Sugirtharaj Koil Pillai, acting Wildlife Warden. Birds such as rosy pelicans, spoon-billed and open-billed storks, painted storks will be arriving at the sanctuary by next month.

Officials said that the Karikili tank at the Karikili sanctuary, located about 10 km west of the Vedanthangal sanctuary had been deepened. This sanctuary attracted a large number of duck species from far off places. At present nearly 2,000 birds belonging to duck species have arrived here at Karikili, Mr. Koil Pillai said.

The State Wildlife Department has a rest house facility at Vedanthangal. A total of four rooms are available. While Rs. 500 is charged for a night’s stay in an air-conditioned room, it is Rs. 300 for the non air-conditioned rooms, they said. Bookings for the rooms have to be made at the Wildlife Warden’s office located inside the Children’s Park, Guindy premises. For details, call – 2230 1471.