Right Click on all photographs to view enlarged version.
All photographs included in this narrative are by Mr. Kumar, artist and bird watcher, and whose paintings can be viewed on the paths of the Mountain of Medicine at the foot of Arunachala.
Bird Population at Tiruvannamalai
Those involved in afforestation work around Arunachala, believe that there has been an increase in the number of species found on the Hill and surrounding forests primarily as a result of the enhanced food base which is resulting from the increased green cover of this area.
There is currently 120 species of birds estimated in this area compared to only 20-30 species found a decade ago in the forest surrounding Arunachala. Some of the recent arrivals are: Small Minivet, Sirkeer Malkoha, Lesser-Spotted Eagle Owls, Eurasian Eagle Owl, Mottled Wood Owl, Paradise Fly Catcher and the Black-Headed Cuckoo.
Common species such Mynah, Swifts, Swallows, Yellow Billed Babblers, Parrots and Indian Rollers (Blue Jays) are seen in large numbers in the forests surrounding Arunachala and also in the town of Tiruvannamalai and outskirts.
Other species such as Red-Vented Bulbuls, Robins, Coucals, Doves, Barbets, Shikra, Bee-Eaters, Sun Birds, Warblers can also be viewed in increasing numbers on the Hill and to a lesser extent, increasing sightings of Peacocks, Golden Oriole, Red Whiskered Bulbul and Koels are being recorded.
The District Forest Office has been ordered to take up a preliminary survey of birds and thereafter with the help of experts conduct a detailed survey of birds in the area.
A local artist and bird watcher Mr. Kumar mentions he has noticed increasingly larger numbers of: Common Wood Shrikes, Painted-Spur Fowls and Gray Francolins. With winter-visitors like Blue Rock Thrush, Pitta and Forest Wag Tail seen around Arunachala this season. Mr. Kumar attributes the growth of species to increase in forest cover, reduction of forest fires and a ban on hunting.
Mr. Kumar is currently engaged at the Mountain Of Medicine painting beautiful representations of the bird and wild life found at Arunachala. The paintings with supporting information are displayed on the paths of the Mountain of Medicine sanctuary which is located on the NH 66 Chengham Road, half a kilometre west of Raman Ashram. All are welcome.
[With thanks to A.D. Balasubramaniyan]
