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 (SH-63). It was created in the year 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, Pintails, Cormorants, Teals, Herons, Spoonbills, Darters, Coots, Openbill Storks, Pheasant-tailed Jacana, etc. The Sanctuary is a favorite spot for the migratory birds and during the months of November and December, more than 20000 winged visitors reach this area. The sanctuary has basic facilities for tourists to stay overnight and enjoy watching the birds from the two watchtowers.

Bird migration is a seasonal phenomenon and when the temperature escalates in Europe and in North America, the birds start seeing a location that will be suitable for survival. The wetlands in this region are quite suitable for the migratory birds as it provides a 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 was enriched with the excretory of the birds. The state government had appointed officers for the prevention of both hunting and poaching. Poaching and hunting are illegal and it is punishable offenses. The villagers were aware of this and a friendly environment for the shelter of the birds prevails. The small town is good agricultural land and rice is grown in plenty.