Discover the Magic: Puthalam Salt Pans Beckon with a Stunning Surge of Migratory Birds and First-Time Sightings!
Migratory birds have begun flocking to the salt pans in Puthalam, near Manakudy, signaling the start of the migration season. This year, the arrival of these avian travelers has been particularly notable, with new species being recorded for the first time at this vital habitat. The brackish-water salt pans of Puthalam have long been recognized as a preferred stopover and wintering ground for migratory birds, providing essential feeding and roosting opportunities. According to S. Balachandar, former deputy director of the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) and managing trustee of the Migratory Bird Monitoring Trust (MBMT), this season has seen a remarkable increase in bird populations compared to last year.
During a recent bird monitoring session for Forest Department officials, the MBMT team made a significant observation: a Common Tern (Sterna hirundo) that had been ringed in Poland 13 years ago. Balachandar, who has previously recorded a Common Tern ringed in Russia, noted that the salt pans’ strategic location in peninsular India makes them an ideal resting point for birds during their long migrations. He shared that a Curlew Sandpiper he ringed last year was later spotted in Pembrokeshire, Wales, illustrating the extensive journeys these birds undertake.
Further enhancing the significance of the site is the recent discovery of an Arctic Tern (Sterna paradisaea) at Puthalam, a first for the area as noted by independent bird researcher Anand Shibu. The Arctic Tern is renowned for its extraordinary migratory journey, covering nearly 70,000 kilometers between the Arctic and Antarctic regions. The following day, Shibu, alongside fellow birder Bagavathi Balasubramanian, recorded another first: the White-cheeked Tern (Sterna repressa), highlighting the salt pans’ importance as a hotspot for avian diversity. Additionally, in August, the rare sightings of the Red Knot and Red-necked Stint in the same region marked their inaugural records in Kanniyakumari district.
Shibu emphasized that the Puthalam salt pans are not merely a transient stop but a crucial winter habitat for various wader species. However, he expressed concern over the threats to this ecological jewel, citing unchecked garbage disposal and other environmental pressures. He urged for concerted conservation efforts to protect this vital site, ensuring it remains a sanctuary for migratory birds for years to come.
In a time where many migratory routes are endangered, the salt pans of Puthalam stand out as a beacon of hope for avian life, showcasing the intertwined relationship between migratory birds and their essential habitats. As the season unfolds, it promises to offer more exciting discoveries, reinforcing the need for sustainable practices to protect these fragile ecosystems. As we witness the flight of these remarkable birds, the call to safeguard their resting grounds becomes ever more pressing, ensuring that future generations can also marvel at their beauty and resilience.
Published – October 15, 2025, 05:11 PM IST.
Original Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Madurai/puthalam-salt-pans-witness-influx-of-migratory-birds-and-first-time-sightings/article70166444.ece
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Publish Date: 2025-10-15 17:11:00
