Asian openbill storks return to Chinthapally after four years
KHAMMAM: After a gap of four years, thousands of Siberian painted storks, locally known as red-legged storks, have been spotted at Chinthapally village in Khammam district.
The migratory birds arrive in the district for the breeding season, which begins in January and continues till August. They have built nests on tamarind and mesquite trees near a water body in the village.
Villagers expressed joy at the sight of the birds. Many believe that the arrival of the storks signals good rainfall and a healthy harvest season.
District Forest Officer Siddharth Vikram Singh issued an advisory seeking cooperation from locals and visitors to ensure the birds’ safety.
He cautioned tourists and birdwatchers against throwing stones at the birds or chasing them from their nests. “People should not shout or make loud noises. Silence must be maintained at the nesting site,” he said.
The officer urged villagers to inform the forest department if any bird is found injured.
“It is everyone’s responsibility, particularly the villagers of Chinthapally, to protect the Siberian painted storks that have migrated here after travelling thousands of kilometres,” Singh said.
