Bird-watching at Thippayyanakere

In all, 145 bird species identified at the rejuvenated Lake

Mysuru: Thippayyanakere situated adjacent to Ring Road in Lalithadripura has become one more birding hotspot in Mysuru after Karanji Lake, Kukkarahalli Lake, Lingambudhi Lake and the Hebbal Lake. 

Hundreds of foreign birds have arrived at Thippayyanakere and city-based Mysuru Science Foundation and Aranya Outreach had jointly organised ‘Bird-watching’ programme at the Lake on Sunday last. 

It may be mentioned here that months ago, the Lake was rejuvenated jointly by Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Mysuru and District Administration. 

Migratory bird varieties like Northern Shovellers from Europe and North America, Black-winged Stilt from North Western India, Glossy Ibis and Common sandpiper from Europe and Central Asia were spotted during the bird-watching session and also 45 other bird species were also recorded. In all, 145 bird species have been identified in Thippayyanakere.  

Avid birder M.P. Saptha Girish, who was a resource person, explained to the gathering the importance of water bodies in conserving plant, animal and bird species. “We don’t have to build a Lake but we have to conserve the existing ones,” he said. 

Explaining the process of identifying bird species, he said that keen observation trait is important for any bird watcher. “Beaks, feathers, legs, tail, bird calls and wing span are crucial in identifying a bird species. The characteristics of bird such as shape and posture are the mostly used to identify birds. Mostly experts can identify a bird from its silhouette because this characteristic is difficult to change. A bird can also be differentiated using its tail,” he said. 

Over 30 bird-lovers were present at the Lake for the bird-watching session. R. Raju, Assistant Director, Information and Publicity Department, Dr. V. Savitha of JSS Hospital, Bhagawan, Head of Hari Vidyalaya, G.B. Santhosh Kumar of Mysore Science Foundation and others were present. 

Rejuvenated water body

The CII-Mysuru District Administration Lake rejuvenation project that was taken up under Corporate Social Responsibility initiative titled “Project Mysuru Water Positive by 2021,” stopped the flow of sewage water into the Lake, helped recharging groundwater and acted as sponges to control flooding and supporting bio-diversity.

The rejuvenation of Lake included prevention of sewage flow, de-silting, erecting of fences to give it a clear identity, removal of encroachments, planting of ornamental plants, gardens and laying of sitting and walking areas. The restoration works have now borne fruits as hundreds of migratory birds have landed up in the Lake to spend the winter months. 

Before rejuvenation, gallons of sewage water entered the Lake from Police Layout, Giridarshini Layout, Alanahalli Layout and surrounding areas. For the residents of Lalithadripura, Alanahalli and Nadanahalli, the Lake is the only water source.