Chennai’s Nemmeli wetland, usually quiet, is buzzing this winter as more than
16,000 migratory ducks have arrived. Bird watchers say this is the biggest
gathering of birds in the region in years, making Nemmeli a very popular
spot for birding.
Experts are excited by the large number of birds. Ornithologists say the
ducks include five types of long-distance winter migrants: garganey, northern
pintail, Eurasian wigeon, northern shoveler, and common teal. These ducks
travel a long way from Russia and nearby cold regions, flying over the
Himalayas to reach India and escape harsh winter conditions. Their arrival
marks the start of the winter season for Chennai’s wetlands.
Chennai district forest officer V A Saravanan said that such large groups
are rare in Nemmeli. “This many ducks are seen only in Nemmeli. Even
Pallikaranai marsh has fewer ducks this season,” he said. Despite
heavy traffic and fishermen entering the wetland, the birds still
prefer Nemmeli.