Migratory birds make a spectacular sight at Uppalapadu

Uppalapaadu in Guntur has become the hub for a variety of migratory birds from countries like Russia, Australia, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Myanmar

Guntur (Andhra Pradesh): After flying for several thousands of kilometres, hundreds of migratory birds come to Uppalapadu in Guntur to nest and breed. At this time of the year, one can see a rush of Siberian migratory birds at Uppalapadu bird sanctuary.

They fly all the way to Uppalapadu from the cold, arid Siberian region for breeding.

It was about 50 years ago when the villagers of Uppalapadu first noticed medium-to-large-sized, white cloured birds. Initially, the birds were only small numbers. Later on, more number of birds from different parts of the world started visiting the sanctuary.

They nest in the trees in the middle of the Uppalapadu pond, which covers an area of ​​about ten acres.

Birds from Siberia, Russia, Australia, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Myanmar migrate here to breed and return.

Different types of birds like the white stork, red-legged stork, dotted duck, lip-billed Stork, black-banged stork, snake duck, small-billed crow, drowning hen, white-billed waterfowl and black-billed hen can be sighted at Uppaladu during the breeding seasons.

The authorities have made special arrangements as the number of migratory birds is increasing every year. The State Tourism department has set up a watchtower for visitors.

Villagers and officials said that Uppalapadu being close to Guntur, has good potential for tourism development.