Birds are like illuminations or sudden revelations of the mind. They come out of the blue. There is a dramatic charm in their entrances and exits. They enchant and fascinate us with their fairy wings. They surprise us with their phenomenal voyages across oceans and continents.
More than fifty sand plovers were seen along with five Eurasian Curlews at the Thalangara estuary of Chandragiri river in Kasaragod today at 6pm. The Curlews seem to be here for the last couple of weeks. The big flock included Greater and Lesser Sand plovers that waded the mudflats and sand banks like creeping reptiles in the evening light.
The low tide had exposed the huge sand banks and the birds were vigorously wading through the mud and sand in search of food. As it was getting dark I could not use my camera effectively but I had a great time wading through the sandy planes chasing the running little birds.
Plenty of Common Sandpipers and Small Blue kingfishers were also seen. Reef Egrets and Pied Kingfishers are not uncommon here. The regular visitor may also chance to see a black bittern or a Great Egret.
A lot of plastic waste and illegal mining are marring this unique marine habitat. If protected it could lure plenty of migratory birds in future. But unfortunately the toxic wastes and pesticide residues, especially Endosulfan that get here through the river Chandragiri from eastern parts of Kasaragod is slowly but steadily killing this marvel of nature. Fortunately a police outpost is coming up here.
