Thousands of birds arrive at sanctuary

NAGAPATTINAM: Thousands of birds from all over India and abroad have arrived at the Kodikarrai swamp lands bird sanctuary over the past few days, following heavy rains in the area.

Forest officials said a census taken in January 2008 had put the number of birds in the swamp at 95,000. the birds usually arrive during the October-March period, they said.

Meanwhile, District Collector Tenkasi S Jawahar, who visited the area, said spoonbills, flamingoes, caspian terns, pelicans, seagulls and sandpipers were among the birds sighted in the area.

He said more tourists would visit the area if the tourism department takes steps to provide facilities like shelters and drinking water supply for them near the sanctuary.