Fire at Perumbakkam wetland: Ground-nesting birds bear brunt
The Hindu
As the breeding season of ground-nesting birds is still in progress, they would have borne the brunt of it
A folk legend originating in the rugged Ural range of Russia has it that when the fire-fairy lands in a place and sweeps across it in a swirling dance, it is an indication that the ground holds gold. Last week, the fire-fairy twirled across a section of Perumbakkam wetland — not once, but thrice — and in striking contrast to the story from the Urals, the ground she danced on was suddenly robbed of its “gold”.
It is the season for ground-nesting birds to raise families and the eggs they lay are worth their weight in gold, as they broaden the perception about the Perumbakkam wetland.
It is a perception that is often grotesquely skewed in favour of waterbirds. The wetland does accommodate a staggering variety of other avian life, and a striking aspect of this hospitality is the expanse it offers ground-nesting birds when summer sets in well and truly.
The fire that raged on the western section of Perumbakkam wetland, first on May 28, and then afresh on May 30 and June 1 would have dashed these birds’ efforts to raise a family, as this patch is reportedly pregnant with their “golden” eggs.
KVRK Thirunaranan, founder of The Nature Trust, which works with the Conservation Authority of Pallikaranai Marshland, reveals that the breeding of ground nesting birds had begun and an impressive number of species have been using this section as their breeding site.
The most remarkable name on the list is the yellow wattled lapwing.
At the Perumbakkam wetland, this bird’s more public-loving cousin, the red-wattled lapwing, is a haunting presence. The red-wattled lapwing would be in the face ticking off bystanders with its panic-stricken calls delivered in perfect coordination with its frenzied sorties. The excitement is accelerated if the bird has a nest to defend on the ground.