Injured migratory shorebirds and gulls in the Kadalundi-Vallikkunnu community reserve

During the study on the foraging ecology of the migratory shore birds of Kadalundi, several injured birds were observed. Detailed investigation revealed that out of 28 species of migratory birds recorded from the area under study, 16 individual shorebirds belonging to six species were found injured. All injured species belonged to distant migrant category. One Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus) was observed throughout the period of study. Lesser Sand Plover (Charadrius mongolous), Black-headed Gull (Larus ridibundus), Little Stint (Calidris minute), Grey Plover (Pluvialis squatarola) and Common Redshank (Tringa totanus) were other species of injured birds observed. Direct observation method was followed for the study during 2005 to 2012. The Kadalundi-Vallikkunnu Community Reserve is one of the most important wintering ground and stop-over for migratory shorebirds in the West Coast of India. Anthropogenic activities may be the major reasons attributable to the bird injury.