As regular CFZ-watchers will know, for some time Corinna has been doing a column for Animals & Men and a regular segment on On The Track... particularly about out-of-place birds and rare vagrants. There seem to be more and more bird stories from all over the world hitting the news these days so, to make room for them all - and to give them all equal and worthy coverage - she has set up this new blog to cover all things feathery and Fortean.

Tuesday, 8 July 2014

After 3 years, the fairy bluebird spotted in Ooty

Lightmatter fairy bluebird.jpgUdhagamandalam: Ooty is vibrant with bird life with a variety of birds being spotted in the tranquil hills. Birders revel in the absolute range of colours, sounds and activity of birds that inhabit the area. The commonly spotted birds include gray jungle fowl, peafowl, spur fowl, gray partridge, quail and peacock. The best time for birders to visit is between October and June.
A few days ago, the Nilgiris had a rare visitor, the blue-backed or fairy bluebird as it is widely known. It was spotted at Sim's Park in Coonoor. With a very loud contact call which is song-like, consisting of a melodious series of whistling notes, fairy bluebirds travel around depending on the seasonal abundance of fruits, especially figs.

According to horticulture officials, the bird has been spotted in the Nilgiris after three years. An ardent bird-watcher in Coonoor, Samantha Iyanna spotted the rare bird at Sim's Park and was able to capture it in its natural surroundings. Horticulture officials say the bird may have been attracted to the fruit-bearing trees at Sim's Park during its travel.


No comments:

Post a Comment