Chennai birders go on a guided walk around Pallikaranai marshland Updated: Updated: January 19, 2021 15:03 IST Birders young and old went on a guided walk around Pallikaranai marsh as part of Margazhi Bird Utsav 2021, documenting resident and migrant species Share Article Birdwatchers at Margazhi Bird Utsav 2021 | Photo Credit: Special arrangement Birders young and old went on a guided walk around Pallikaranai marsh as part of Margazhi Bird Utsav 2021, documenting resident and migrant species Margazhi concerts might have taken the virtual route in 2021, but there is still one utsav that saw in-person participation — the Margazhi Bird Utsav. The event coincides with the bird migratory calendar in Chennai’s wetlands. Pallikarnai marsh has an enviable heterogeneous hydrology and ecology, making it one of the most diverse natural habitats in the country. The biological diversity boasts 349 species of flora and fauna including 133 species of birds. The marsh supports over 40,000 birds at a time during the migratory season and over 5,000 birds during the non-migratory season. Come winter, the wetlands transform into a bird-watcher’s paradise as over 15,000 birds make special appearances.