After the showers, rare migratory birds arrive

Sources pointed out that the Nilgiris district was always known for the arrival of migratory birds from across the world. However, foresters and wildlife activists are surprised that the hilly areas have received very rare birds during this season. “In fact, many migratory birds are landing here for the winter season and they start leaving once the  summer sets in. 

However, I must say that the Ooty hills this year has received rare migratory birds like black and orange fly catcher, Tickell’s blue fly catcher and white-rumped shama,” says Vijay Krishnaraj, a bird watcher and the Nilgiris-based wildlife activist. He also added that he had sighted a few rare birds after five to seven years. 

B Ramakrishnan, Assistant Professor, department of zoology and wildlife biology, Government Arts College, Ooty, and a nature enthusiast, pointed out that they did not see such migratory birds at this time last year. “We usually see some migratory flycatchers and other birds which come here. But this year is special, as we have spotted some rare birds. We used to find such birds 10 years back,” he said and added that it was a clear indication that the birds were adapted to this hill station and they expected the same birds next year too.

Since the Reserve Forests (RFs) in the Nilgiris district have received showers in the recent days, it must have brought down the soaring temperature and given a cooling effect to the wildlife. “We were afraid that the summer heat will create animal-animal and animal-man conflicts. But the rains would have created puddles and pasture lands,” said a forester.