Kasaragod: A new notification for all bird lovers - tweets will ring out all day in Kidoor soon. The village is all set to get the biggest bird sanctuary in Kasaragod. Kumbala Panchayat will cooperate with other government agencies to create a vast social platform with unrestricted access for the avians.
The natural beauty of Shiriya River will be part of the sanctuary. Ornithologists have identified 174 kinds of birds in the village.
Many a flying beauty
Thirty-eight types of migratory birds facing extinction including the grey-headed bulbul, Indian black ibis and oriental darter have been spotted here. It is also home to many exotic species like the great Indian hornbill, Malabar white-headed starling and Indian rufous babbler. A rare bird seen in plenty here Orange-breasted Green Pigeon is an added attraction.
Every year eight camps are held here in association with the Kumbala Panchayat. Kidoor Bird Fest, held by Social Forestry and Kasaragod Birders last November was well received. The sanctuary will boost tourism in the area that has attractions like Kumbala Fort and Ananthapuram Pond Temple.
A nest for birders
The district collector will oversee building of a large dormitory for birders here using Rs 70 lakh. The District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) is making a blueprint for a three-storey building on a 10-acre revenue department land. The building that can house 150 people will use environment-friendly materials too. An open air theatre too is planned, said DTPC president Biju Raghavan.
Observers own village
Kidoor has the highest number of birders in the district. eBird, world largest online database by bird observers, has listed 160 different kinds of avians from Kidoor. Lead observers in the village include school teacher Raju Kidoor, MSc student Maxim Rodrigues, Prasanth Krishna, Rayan Pradeep and 10th grade student Glanda Preetesh.
