Pelicans heaven in Andhra Pradesh
Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary is one of the largest Pelicans heaven in South-East Asia located in Doravarisatram mandal in Nellore district. The number of migratory birds visiting to Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary has increased. Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary Forest officials release fish seedlings in Pulicat Lake to raise feed for the birds. About 76 bird varieties, including breeding and roosting migrants, visit Nelapattu every year. The sanctuary near Nelapattu village is a heaven for rare and endangered species of birds for both breeding and roosting.
More than 1,000 pelicans breed here and winter migratory birds like Flamingos Samudrapu Ramachilukalu, Grey Pelicans, Little Cormorants, Spoon Bills, Open Bill Storks, Night Herons, Egrets, Ducks, Waders and several other species roost here. The availability of large fresh water body in Nelapattu village, presence of good number of ‘Barringtonia Acutangula’ trees and the reserve forest surrounding the Nelapattu tank serve as good source of nesting for the birds.
Due to the increase in population of migratory birds to the area, Pelicans, Painted Storks and Little Egrets formed three new breeding places at Uppalapadu in Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh. Pulicat Lake (near SHAR) and at Monapalem village in Nellore district. Birdwatchers noticed some rare species like Eurasian Oyster Catcher, Pallas Gull, Heuglin’s Gull, Grey-headed Lapwing and few others near Pulicat Lake. There is no bird hunting in this region and the locals believe that the arrival of the winged visitors will bring good rains and harvest in the district.