After a false start, the winter season is back on track for the Perumbakkam wetlands. After details of earlier agreements were washed away by a succession of harsh weather systems in November, the finer points of seasonal tenancy by long distance and local migrants are being signed anew.
In what are the occupants of the noseband for a sporting event, the migratory ducks are in the wintering grounds. They bring numbers and noise to wetlands. And this week, on the northern edge of the wetland, which tightly hugs the Sholinganallur-Medavakkam road, something is finally in place for quiet – signs of migratory ducks, much of what can be seen from the massive North Pintail road.
In late October, an influx of northern shovels was being headed for, but back-to-back weather systems saw the wetlands swell with water and early birds withdrew from view. Except for the blue-tailed bee-eater and a handful of resident bird species, the wetlands looked as stark as Thomas Moore’s “banquet-hall deserted”.
There are points to consider. How much will this banquet-hall be filled with a chorus of birds this season as it gathers pace? Will similar back-to-back late starts in the future disturb bird migration patterns, leaving part of the migratory population ready for other winter hangouts?
When the winter season arrived, unexpectedly good rains in June, July and August led to the accumulation of excess water in the wetlands. The more waterlogged a wetland is, the more likely it will be a curse to the vast majority of waterfowl – especially waders and dabbling ducks – who prefer the shallows. So, the first arrival at Perumbakkam would have already been scattered. This November in Chennai, which made it to the record books for being one of the hottest Novembers in 100 years, further scattered other batches of migrants moving in this way.
“With excess rain, and water to be found everywhere, you won’t find them in the same concentration in one place as in a dry year. The same number of birds – or even more – will be present but spread out over different wetlands. Of course The sudden rise in water level due to weather systems would have forced them to move to other places as well,” says ornithologist V Santharam.
Not good news for two “scattering” nosebleeds. Although the water level has receded this week, a lot of piped-down birdsong can be expected this season. There is strong scaffolding for this belief. Ducks and ducks are what make the Perumbakkam wetland a highly occupied place in winter. Unfortunately both are barely pin-ups for site loyalty.
A Hangout for Dabbling Ducks
- The Perumbakkam wetland has traditionally been known as a favorite hangout for dabbling ducks – including northern shovel, northern pintail, garganese, common teal, Eurasian pigeon and whistling duck – which prefer shallow water. In contrast, diving ducks need a depth of at least one to two meters to take a comfortable dive.
- “The Perumbakkam wetland is not suitable for diving ducks, but dabbling ducks find themselves at home,” says eBird reviewer Gyanskandan Keshavbharathi. “Diving ducks such as the common pochard and the tufted duck are drawn to deeper lakes, including Manimangalam and Siruthavur and Chemarambakkam. Even the Okkayam Maduvu channel is known to create common pochards with its depth.”
“Peregrine falcons such as flycatchers and raptors feel compelled to return to a single location, migratory season after season, habitually moving much of the covered ground, including perches. Ducks and ducks do not have the same commitment, their The place of choice is highly determined by the circumstances. As long as the conditions are favourable, they will return to the same winter field. When the situation changes, they easily transfer their loyalty to another place,” said eBird reviewer Gyanskandan Keshavbharti it is said.
He adds: “There is a high probability that between February and March, the winter season will begin in the Perumbakkam wetlands. Ducks and ducks may have settled in and around this area. Perhaps after a while, when the water level drops, they can come back. On the return migration, during February and March, the number of birds in this habitat is very likely to increase. But if the rains continue till January, one cannot be sure. ,
risk
Two rain-produced landscapes reflect elective and emergency surgery. Birds who arrive early to see the filled wetland will have enough reaction time to choose what are probably the best alternative locations. Those surrounded by inclement weather systems would have been in a less enviable position. Would some of these have settled for sub-optimal places?
Santharam says: “With the increased rainfall, I am sure there is enough food wherever they go – as we are not talking in the context of the Chennai region alone – they travel long distances to find alternative places. They are able to fly up to Tirunelveli too – likely. They could have dispersed and discovered profitable places. Due to rain there should be food in more places than before. Hence, the trend is some places but disperse and feed so that they do not have to compete with other individuals. Once water levels drop at a particular habitat and food is depleted, they will move to another location – they are sub-optimal Will not settle in places unless there is no other option.”
However, having a “buffet around” can take a toll on the birds.
Santharam explains: “Every time, they have to move from place to place, they have to expend energy. And if the unpredictability persists, some of them are also likely to be killed, in addition to the birds expending energy on movement. Although these are part of the natural cycle – our coast is known for cyclones, and they may have to be prepared for that.”
Answering the other unanswered question – would there be any long-term impact on winter turnout if a geologist continues to throw challenging conditions for a long succession of seasons – back to Gyanskandan’s observation about a lack of site fidelity among ducks and waders Go .
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