Extraordinary scenes are unfolding near Thoothukudi port where relentless rains have submerged salt pans, birthing a temporary paradise for birds. Environment officials hail it as an ecologically significant occurrence, with migratory species flocking to the unexpected oasis.
The heavy precipitation pooled water across expansive salt fields, shifting them from arid production zones to shallow lagoons brimming with food. A top forest official shared, ‘Birds gathering here on such a scale is rare.’ Rain-fed ecosystems now support larvae, small fish, and bugs, fueling a bird boom.
Dense clouds of Rosy Starlings have captivated onlookers, performing synchronized flights overhead. These hardy migrants journey from Eurasian breeding sites to southern India for winter. Staying in states like Tamil Nadu and Kerala, they signal habitat health through their numbers.
Omnivores par excellence, Rosy Starlings exploit insect-laden fields. Biologists note flocking’s role in predator evasion during travels. With potential for extended wetness, these pans might anchor bird migrations longer. This development spotlights how climate-driven rains can spark biodiversity surges in unlikely places, urging better integration of conservation in coastal industries.