Now, a book to identify birds

CHENNAI: If you have always wondered how to identify the hundreds of different birds that are seen in the marshlands and water bodies in the city, here’s the answer. A book titled, A Pictorial Guide to the Birds of Pallikaranai Marsh, was released in the city on Thursday, a day that was observed globally as World Wetlands Day.The book is designed as a handy reference guide for amateur bird watchers and nature lovers. At least 110 species of birds, which are found in the Pallikaranai Marsh, have been pictorially represented along with descriptions pertaining to status, habitat and food habits of the species.The Pallikaranai Marsh is not all about birds, environmentalists would argue. But they would agree that the sheer diversity of species of plants and animals, including birds, that the swamp is home to, makes it a unique natural habitat in the country. That the Marsh supports 121 different species of birds is common knowledge today, thanks to a detailed study by Care Earth that was made public a few years ago, as part of the campaign to save the Pallikaranai Marsh. The swamp area is today a Reserve Land, a step closer to being declared a reserve forest.“The guide book only furthers the cause of the conservation of the marsh,” said Dr Jayashree Vencatesan, Managing Trustee, Care Earth. “While informing people of the different varieties of birds found in the marsh, the book also helps create awareness on the treasure trove that the marsh has to offer to the people of the city,” she added.While the pictures and the content for the book have been provided by Care Earth, the Forest Department has published it. S Kalyanasundaram, Conservator of Forests, Chennai Circle, who collaborated with Care Earth to bring out the publication, said that the publication would arouse interest in the marsh among people.The book also lists  the ongoing activities at the marsh, including demarcation of the boundary and construction of a compound wall, removal of weeds, construction of a fully equipped Interpretation Centre, tree planting and pollution monitoring. Copies of the guide book can be had from the Forest Department.