It’s time for the chirping of pelicans at Kokkare Bellur near here. It’s also honey-mooning time for these birds on tree tops. The pelicans, migrating here from far and wide, lay eggs in the trees, help them hatch, nurture their bundles of joy, before flying off to their destinations.
Interestingly, English historian Jordon, has referred to the place in his book, 500 years ago itself. There is a care centre set up by the villagers for treating birds that accidentally fall off the trees.
While pelicans have already arrived, painted storks are expected to arrive in the village in huge numbers during the second week of January.
The fish in the more than 70 tanks in the bird sanctuary spread over 722.9 acres is the food for these birds. This time, however, scarcity of water could pose a problem. Villagers are demanding that water should be pumped into the Bellur tank from Shimsha river.
What has come as a dampener to lovers of birds is the fact that the numbers have seen a downslide this year, due to untimely rains and snowfall. Wildlife Protection Officer Srivatsa, is of the feeling that the planned ‘community protected bird sanctuary’ will develop Kokkare Bellur. While the villagers are alleging that the project will lead to their eviction from the sanctuary area, the forest department has assured the villagers that they will not be evicted.
Villagers say that the project doesn’t envisage the protection of the tanks or growing trees, and it is only aimed at making money.