Vedanthangal

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Vedanthangal, view over the heronry
Photo by Wintibird

Overview

The sanctuary of Vedanthangal is about 80km southwest of Chennai (formerly known as Madras). Altough it covers only 2sqkm up to 30'000 birds nest here in good years. This depends upon the monsoon. A lot of rain means a lot of birds.

Breeding season starts in October and ends in March. Best time is December and January. If the monsoon was very poor and the tank empty, no birds will be there. The Forest Departement has cleared two channels in 2004, so that the tank should be filled now more regulary. Winter 2005 and 2006 were both very good years for the breeding birds.

Birds

Notable Species

The nearby area is worth exploring, especially the last 5km before Vedanthangal. You will find grassland and cultivation which harbours nice species like Indian Courser or Yellow-wattled Lapwing. It's worth to spend early morning here, as the

In the sanctuary itself you will find: Booted Eagle, Western Marsh Harrier, Oriental Darter, Little Cormorant, Indian Cormorant and Great Cormorant, Little Egret, Great Egret and Intermediate Egret, Black-crowned Night-Heron, Glossy Ibis and Black-headed Ibis, Eurasian Spoonbill, Spot-billed Pelican, Painted Stork, Asian Openbill and some ducks (usually they prefer Karikili Sanctuary, 8km from Vedanthangal). Asian Koel and Greater Coucal are singing in the trees.

Around the sanctuary Grey Francolin is quite common. Other birds to find are Indian Roller, Coppersmith Barbet, Spotted Owlet, Indian Courser, Yellow-wattled Lapwing, Cattle Egret, Ashy Woodswallow, Pied Bushchat, Brahminy Starling, Grey-breasted Prinia, Ashy-crowned Sparrow-lark, Indian Bushlark, Paddyfield Pipit, Richard's Pipit and Blyth's Pipit

Check-list

Birds you can see here include:

Great Cormorant, Indian Cormorant, Little Cormorant, Oriental Darter, Grey Heron, Indian Pond Heron, Cattle Egret, Great White Egret, Intermediate Egret, Little Egret, Black-crowned Night Heron, Asian Openbill, Black-headed Ibis, Glossy Ibis, Eurasian Spoonbill, Spot-billed Pelican, Brahminy Kite, Booted Eagle, Short-toed Eagle, Pallid Harrier, Montagu's Harrier, Western Marsh Harrier, Peregrine Falcon, To finish

Other Wildlife

To do

Site Information

History and Use

Vedanthangal has a long history as a reserve. Originally protected by the villagers, the heronry got legal protection already in 1798. It's now managed by the Forest Departement. The place is very popular with people from Chennai and overcrowded on weekends and holidays. You will get hundreds of requests to look through your scope!

Areas of Interest

The heronry is best overlooked from the embankment after the entrance. Just walk to the right and you will find the best spots. The area before the reserve is also very interesting and it's worth to spend some time there in early morning. Especially the last 6kms are worthwile for birding, just stop somewhere and take a short walk.

Access and Facilities

The sanctuary can be reached by car from Chennai. Depending where in Chennai you stay, you need between 1,5 and 2 hours to get there. Take the highway to the south, passing the airport, Pallavaram, Tambaram, Chengalpattu and don't miss the signpost to the right. From the signpost it's another 12km to the sanctuary.

At the entrance of the sanctuary are some foodstalls and a small exhibition. The sanctuary is closed on tuesdays, but access should be no problem then. A small entrance fee has to be paid (5RS, 25RS for camera) and then you are allowed to go to the embankment and the watchtower.

There is also a bus from Chengalpattu to the sanctuary. Chengalpattu can be reached by train from Chennai. There is a basic Forest Rest House where you can stay. Contact the Wildlife Warden in Chennai for reservation.

Contact Details

Wildlife Warden
Number 50
IVth Main Rd
Gandhi Nagar
Chennai 600 020
phone: 044-413947

External Links

To do

Content and images originally posted by wintibird

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