Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary

A Valentine Moment!

On my recent trip to Chennai, India, I visited the Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary. It is one of the oldest bird sanctuaries in India, where between November and March, 40,000 migratory birds fly in to nest. Both the forest department and the surrounding farming communities have worked consciously to protect and preserve  the sanctuary. The best time to view the birds is in the evening between 4 and 6 p.m--it is truly spectacular to see thousands and thousands of  them fly in to settle for the night from wherever they had gone during the day. Despite all the bird sounds and the movements of the flying birds, it is a scene that is actually very serene and immensely peaceful.

That does not mean it was easy to take photos of them. The fading light and the distance posed a big challenge for my little point and click camera. Here are some photos I took of the fauna of and around the sanctuary. Enjoy.

Welcome Sign

Painted Storks in Thousands!

Bird's Eye View Indeed!

A Cow and a Bird

Look at that tail!

Herding Goats