Kochi: Biodivercity of Kerala

// November 21st, 2010 // Eco Watch

Where sky and sea meet: Kochi city from the back waters

Migrants are back in Mangalavanam, the green mangroved bird sanctuary at the heart of Kochi city. Last Thursday (18 Nov. 2010) in the late afternoon I got a chance to step into this cool retreat. From the top of the watch tower I could see a lot of waders wandering around on the mud flats exposed by low tide.

Green Shank in Mangalavanam, Kochi

They were shanks: Green shanks and Red Shanks. There were more than eight individuals altogether. I was surprised to see a lonely Pompadour Green Pigeon close to the tree hut. Two Grey Herons flew across the water body with typical sound gestures. A Brown Crake was also wading in the muddy vegetation. A Magpie Robin was resting on the stilted roots of the mangrove.

Common Red Shank in Mangalavanam, Kochi

A few Little Egrets and a lonesome Dabchick were also seen in water. The forest guards informed me that Paradise Flycatcher is around but unfortunately the Pitta is absent from the compound now.