Top 7 Unexpected Birdwatching Locations In Chennai

Chennai is India’s 4th largest metropolitan city and the jewel in the crown of Tamil Nadu. Everyone knows it for its rich cultural heritage and delicious festivals, but did you know that this vibrant city has a lesser known hidden treasure – birdwatching spots. These places are perfect for nature enthusiasts as well. Coastal areas, urban parks, wetlands, marshes, and many other places serve as homes to a variety of birds. Plants and parks not only serve as a home for resident birds but several species of migratory birds are also seen in specific seasons of the year. This article will focus on seven surprising spots in Chennai and the unique features and species of birds that make them a must see place for all birdwatchers.

 

1.Pulicat Lake Bird Sanctuary 

Pulicat Lake lies around 60 kilometers to the north of Chennai. It is the second largest brackish lagoon in the country and is popular with bird watchers. It is one of the largest wildlife cresentation areas in the country with an area of over 759 square kilometers. It is home to more than 160 species of birds, both residential and migratory. The wedding and aquatic birds are able to thrive because of the vast stretches of water, mudflats, and the surrounding plant life. Thousands of flamingos visit the lake during winter season, filling the area with their pink plumage. Other amazing birds that can be seen are: painted storks, herons, egrets, pelicans, terns as well as the primary birds of pulicat lake eagles and flamingoes. Pulicat Lake is also a Ramsar site and because of its importance physiographically, there is no doubt that it takes a place of honor in our bird watching trail. The rest of the sites are a treat for all the bird lovers.

 

2.Guindy National Park

Located in Chennai, Guindy National Park is the smallest national park in India and is situated right inside a city. Even though the park is small, it is still able to attract many bird watchers as it contains over 140 different species of birds. The park contains deciduous forests, grasslands, and scrublands, which form a microhabitat for both terrestrial and arboreal birds. Some of the birds that can be spotted by visitors include the Indian paradise flycatcher, golden oriole, spotted dove, and the common kingfisher. Raptors like the shikra and black-winged kite can often be seen soaring above the canopy. Due to the easy access of this park, it is quite popular among urban birdwatchers who want an escape from the city’s noise.

 

3.Estuary and Creek of Adyar

Lurking along the southeastern shores of Chennai one can find the Adyar Estuary. It is one of the underappreciated treasures birdwatchers can explore. This estuarine ecosystem is one of the most important sites for migratory birds and was formed with the merging of the Adyar River and the Bay of Bengal. Some of the life that inhabit here includes sandpipers, curlews, plovers, gulls, and quite a few more that take shelter and feed in the mangroves and wetlands. With an increase of activity from the months of October to March because of birds migrating from  Siberia, Europe, and Central Asia for warmer weather, conservation efforts are being done to sustain and maintain this fragile habitat and ensure its future as a bird sanctuary.

 

4. Theosophical Society Campus

The Adyar campus of the Theosophical Society, which sits on 260 acres, serves as an ecological and spiritual retreat. It is home to various bird species due to the green cover, ponds, and trees which aid in urban wildlife spotting. Over 100 bird species have been documented, including the grey-headed fish eagle and Malabar pied hornbill. The calm nature of this campus enables bird-watchers to quietly capture the attention of these birds and observe them. Fruiting trees also appeal to frugivorous birds such as mynas, barbets, and bulbuls, adding more elegance to the campus.

 

5. Vettangudi Bird Sanctuary

Vettangudi Bird Sanctuary sits 300 kilometers south of Chennai yet makes this list because it is accessible via road trips. This not-so-famous sanctuary is part of Sivaganga district and consists of three irrigation tanks with water that is surrounded by cultivable land. During the peak migratory season, the Sanctuary houses thousands of waterbirds like glossy ibises, northern pintails, and garganeys. The serene environment helps birdwatchers peer into these species in their natural setting. It is a bit of a hassle to reach this sanctuary, but for those searching for a quieter, less crowded bird watching experience, it is well worth the effort.

 

6. Marina Beach and Foreshore Estate

Most people consider Marina Beach as a stunning tourist spot, but the foreshore region is a treasure chest for those interested in birdwatching. A multitude of seabirds and shorebirds are drawn to the intertidal areas and the rocky features that fringe the coastline. There are always a few little stints, red-wattled lapwings, and brown-headed gulls hovering and looking for food along the shoreline. Surprisingly, crows, kites, and sunbirds, who are all able to adapt to urban life, can be found near the Foreshore Estate as well. While many may overlook the area covered between industrial buildings of green, this portion surprisingly offers the best birdwatching. For those daring enough to look further, this iconic beach provides plenty of chances to appreciate nature.

 

7. Velachery Retteri (Lake)

Apart from being a freshwater lake in the southern suburbs of Chennai, Velachery Retteri has emerged as a potential birdwatching site in recent years. The community neglected and polluted the lake, but restoration efforts have made this lake into a thriving ecosystem, full of life. Nowadays, cormorants, darters, and moorhens are just a few of the waterbirds that can be spotted at the lake. Small trees and shrubs around the lake provide nests to minor birds which include warblers, prinias, and tailorbirds. The breathtaking number of bird species in the urban area never fails to amaze birdwatchers visiting Velachery Retteri. This lake is proof of how human intervention can help restore a degraded ecosystem and allow a harmonious coexistence between humans and wildlife.

 

Why Chennai is a Birdwatcher’s Paradise

As in the south of India, the position of Chennai, on the Coromandel Coast, as well as its nearness to the Eastern Ghats, make it rich in birdlife. Regular seasonal changes in the city also dictate the migratory movement of birds. Additionally, the variety of habitats around – coastal wetlands, urban forests, estuaries, and even freshwater lakes – make sure that every species finds their home.

 

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