Heronries in Ernakulam and Idukki- Survey

Heronries.

Heronries are communal nesting places of large water birds, such as Indian Pond Heron (കുളക്കൊക്ക്), Great Egret (പെരുമുണ്ടി), Median Egret(ചെറുമുണ്ടി), Little Egret(ചിന്നമുണ്ടി),Cattle Egret (കാലിമുണ്ടി),Grey Heron(ചാരമുണ്ടി)        ,Purple Heron(ചായമുണ്ടി),Black-crowned Night Heron(പാതിരാകൊക്ക്)  ,  Great Cormorant(വലിയ നീർകാക്ക),Indian Shag(കിന്നരി നീർകാക്ക),Little Cormorant (ചെറിയ നീർകാക്ക),Oriental Darter(ചേരക്കോഴി),Glossy Ibis (ചെന്തലയൻ അരിവാൾകൊക്കൻ ), Woolly Necked Stork (കരുവാരക്കുരു) , Black Headed Ibis(വെള്ള ഐബിസ് ) etc.,. Usually they build nests on tall trees and reed beds near paddy fields etc. Kerala has about 15 species of resident and breeding water birds, many of which establish mixed colonies at the time of breeding. Protection of heronries is very important for the conservation and management of these species, many of which are an integral part of our agricultural ecosystem. Documentation of these heronries, information on the species breeding within our area and knowledge of the current status of our heronries are the first basic steps in the direction of chalking out a conservation strategy regarding these birds.

Cochin Natural History Society and Social Forestry Wing of Kerala Forest Department have (under the Green Partnership Programme) started   the data collection and monitoring of Heronries in Ernakulam and Idukki Districts. In the coming years this will help to protect their habitats which include Agricultural Lands, Wetlands and Woodlands.

We request all nature enthusiasts and bird watchers to help us in this effort. If you have come across any  Heronry(communal nesting sites on large trees and reed beds etc.), near your home, workplace or while travelling ,in Ernakulam and Idukki Districts, please contact and provide details to Vishnupriyan (Mob- 9446437410, cochinnaturalhistorysociety@gmail.com) on or before 20^th July.

Vishnupriyan K

Cochin Natural History Society