Birdwatchers in Tamil Nadu were elated with the recent sighting of a Persian Shearwater near the Kanniyakumari coast, marking the first recorded appearance of this rare species in the state. This discovery further enhances the region’s reputation as a birdwatcher’s haven.
Kanniyakumari, already celebrated for its rich birdlife, has recently become a focal point for unusual avian visitors. Favorable weather patterns have drawn pelagic birds—typically found far out at sea—closer to the shore, providing unique opportunities for observation.
Among the first to spot a Lesser Noddy during this period were birdwatchers Bala Singh, Naga, and Anand Shibu, who visited the coast on a rainy Sunday. In the following days, frequent visits by Vinod Sadhasivan, Vidhya Ananthavel, and Anand Shibu yielded sightings of other rare pelagic species such as the Flesh-footed Shearwater, Brown Noddy, Sooty tern, Bridled tern, Parasitic jaeger and Wilson’s Storm Petrel. However, the Persian Shearwater stands out as a significant find, being the first of its kind spotted in Tamil Nadu.
Ocean storms often drive these birds closer to shore, where they seek refuge on rocks and in wetlands, underscoring the importance of preserving these coastal habitats to support both migratory and resident bird species.
This remarkable sighting not only highlights Kanniyakumari’s extraordinary biodiversity but also reinforces the need to protect its coastal and wetland areas for future generations of birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts.
Here is a newspaper article about the sighting of Persian shearwater in Kanniyakumari district.
