While birders attributed the long-stay of raptors to proper habitations and non-poaching activities, forest officials say that such birds easily get food from water tanks and wetlands and they ensure that there is no human disturbance. 

However, the officials admitted that these birds in large number were earlier hunted by poachers.

According to bird watchers, the bird migratory season would be between September and April. Since temperature would gradually shoot up from April, many migratory species would return to their homelands within March. The raptor’s species includes Circus pygargus, Circus macrourus, Falco chicquera, Falco peregrinus peregrinator, Circaetus gallicus and Circus aeruginosus. 

Gowthaman Ganesan, member, The Nature Trust and a birder said, “We are continuously monitoring the movement of migratory birds and surprisingly observed the stay of raptor’s species in the grasslands, particularly in Kancheepuram district, which has more number of water tanks.” The avid bird watcher pointed out that this is an indication that the bird of prey (raptor) has found healthy habitations. 

Interestingly, raptors also found an opportunity to prey on garganey and little grebe birds that are present in water tanks and lakes near their habitations, Gowthaman explained. However, he expressed concern over the fact that since grasslands are being gradually converted into plots, such species may not visit the region. KV Sudhakar, president of Madras Naturalists’ Society (MNS) said, “Since all the tanks and wetlands are filled with water unlike last year, raptors take advantage of them for preying their food and the species may stay at least till the end of March.” 

When contacted by DT Next, District Forest Officer (DFO), Kancheepuram, Sachin Bhosale, said “It is a fact that raptors are seen in all the grasslands. Further, we have formed an Anti-Poaching Watch Committee to prevent hunting of these birds, which are vulnerable to poachers.”