Chennai:
Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary, a nearby getaway for the state capital and also a well known site for bird watchers from across the country, was reopened for visitors on Monday, as few hundreds of birds from abroad are already setting up their nests.
Located some 75 km from Chennai, the sanctuary spread over 30 hectare in Kancheepuram district is believed to be home to migratory birds such as pintail, garganey, grey wagtail, blue-winged teal, common sandpiper among others.
The sanctuary has been opened few weeks in advance, as few hundred birds have already come and the sanctuary would remain open till March next year, forest department officials said.
The sanctuary at Vedanthangal was set up in 1858 during the British regime and is open for visitors and bird watchers between November and March.
According to Tamil Nadu Forest Department, around 30,000 birds, including herons, egrets, storks, ibises and spoon bills come to this sanctuary.
Some 122 m above Mean Sea Level, the sanctuary is some 48 km inland of the Bay of Bengal in Kancheepuram district.