Date:17/06/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/06/17/stories/2006061719300500.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Winged visitors extend their stay in Vedanthangal beyond summer

P. Oppili

10,000 birds still in sanctuary include white ibis, grey pelicans, painted storks and cormorants

STILL IN TOWN: Migrant birds have extended their stay at Vedanthangal this year. — Photo: S. Thanthoni

CHENNAI: The winged visitors to Vedanthangal have extended their stay at the sanctuary beyond summer this season. As a result, the sanctuary is still open to visitors. The 10,000 birds still found in the sanctuary include white ibis, grey pelicans, painted storks and cormorants, besides local migratory birds such as egrets. Wildlife authorities said that last year the birds stayed till the end of May. So, the sanctuary remained open to visitors till then. The officials are planning to keep the sanctuary open till the end of this month.

It is usually opened to visitors in November and closed by the end of March or in mid April. But, last year, the sanctuary was opened to visitors only in December as the place received heavy rainfall in November.

So far, 2 lakh visitors, including children, have visited the sanctuary, said the wildlife authorities.

This season the wildlife authorities were able to collect Rs.10 lakh through the sale of entry tickets, the officials said.

In the Karikili Birds Sanctuary, close to Vedanthangal, there were not many birds. The forest department has a rest house at Vedanthangal.

Those who wish to visit the sanctuary and stay at the rest house should contact the Chennai Wildlife Warden's Office at DMS Compound on Anna Salai, Teynampet, or call 24321471.