Vaduvoor Bird Sanctuary

Vaduvoor Bird Sanctuary is a 128.10-hectare area located in Vaduvoor lake, Mannargudi Taluk, Thiruvarur District, Tamil Nadu, India. The sanctuary is about 25 kilometers from Thanjavur and 14 kilometers from Mannargudi on the Thanjavur-Kodiakkarai State Highway 63. It was created in 1999.

The irrigation tank receives water from November to April every year which attracts numerous foreign birds from Europe and America. The sanctuary attracts more than 40 species of water birds like the white ibis, painted stork, grey pelican, pintail, cormorant, teal, heron, spoonbills, darter, coot, open bill stork, and pheasant–tailed jacana. The sanctuary is a favorite spot for migratory birds, and during the months of November and December more than 20,000 winged visitors reach this area. The sanctuary has basic facilities for tourists to stay overnight and enjoy watching the birds from the two watch towers.

Bird migration is a seasonal phenomenon. When the temperature escalates in Europe and in the North America, the birds move to more favourable climes. The wetlands in this region are quite suitable for the migratory birds as they provide suitable environment for food, shelter and reproduction. The farmers of this region also love the arrival of migratory birds, as the irrigation water becomes fertile once it is enriched with the excretion of the birds.

The state government has appointed officers for prevention of both hunting and poaching. Poaching and hunting is illegal and is a punishable offence. The villagers are aware of this and a friendly environment for the shelter of the birds prevails. The small town is a good agricultural land and rice is grown in plenty.