Flaps, Chirps and hops, It's birdwatching season in the city

Pallikarnai Marsh, Namangalam Reserve Forest and Potheri Lake, all have one thing in common, apart from the environmental preservation they are known for. These places happen to be hotspots for bird sightings! Recognising that Chennai, despite being an urban space, still has a wide variety of birds, Kavitha Kirubakaran, an environment researcher with Care Earth Trust, a research foundation, tells us about the birdwatching scene in the city.
Ideal time for birdwatching
Birds are most active early in the morning up to 9am or late in the afternoon, from 3pm to 4pm. These are the ideal birdwatching periods, so plan your activities accordingly.
MORE BIRDS AFTER TWO YEARS:
Being part of the research foundation that organises annual week-long bird walks across the city, Kavitha says that this year, there have been more sightings after a two-year lull. She also adds that the year brought in hordes of people for birdwatching, from across the country and outside.
SPOTTED!
Kavitha says, “Migratory birds from Eurasia and Central Asia fly towards Chennai during late December; some rare birds also visit Pallikaranai and Nanmangalam at this time.” She explains that they have been organising bird walks annually for the past five years as a way to create awareness about bird activity in the city. Recently, the 5th edition of the Margazhi Birds Thiruvizha went on for a week in areas near Pallikarnaia and the Nanmangalam Reserve Forest.
Common birds found in the state:

Tips for birdwatching