Perungulam wetlands see early arrival of Siberian migratory birds

Migratory waterbirds, including species believed to have traveled from Siberia, have arrived early at the Perungulam wetlands in the Thoothukudi district of Tamil Nadu. The early arrival has attracted birdwatchers and local residents to the area.

Thomas Madhibalan, a researcher from the Muthu Nagar Nature Trust, noted that Perungulam is unique in the region because its bird season typically runs from July to October, whereas other ponds in Tamil Nadu generally see activity starting in October. The wetland serves as a critical refuge because it has retained water while other nearby tanks have dried up, drawing birds from three surrounding districts.

While species such as godwits, sandplovers, common sandpipers, and wood sandpipers have already been sighted, Madhibalan expressed concern regarding the deteriorating shoreline. He noted that the ruptured banks make it difficult for small wading birds to feed and called for increased government attention to the ecological importance of the site.