Uppalapadu Bird Sanctuary

The Uppalapadu, a freshwater tank situated in Uppalapadu village under Village Council (Gram Panchayat) revenue land, is small but very important for the globally threatened Spot-billed Pelican Pelecanus philippensis. The depth of the tank is c. 3 m. Uppalapadu is c. 8 km from Guntur town. The pelicanry is of recent origin, and nesting was first recorded in the winter of 2000

Uppalapadu is a place of bird migration and a village near Guntur City. It is also a reputed bird sanctuary. Home to around 40 species of migratory birds from Siberia including pelicans and white ibis, this sanctuary is equivalent to Pulicat Sanctuary in Nellore District. From countries like Siberia, Australia, Painted Storks, Spotted Pelicans and other birds migrate to this sanctuary. Many species birds including endangered Spot-Billed Pelicans and Painted Storks take refuge in this water tanks in the village. The bird population here is around 7000, however birds about 12000 were roost in this dwindling habitat through the year. But some initiatives have taken place such as adding artificial trees, local awareness, proper water supply to the ponds etc. The artificial trees are added in the pond on which the birds can perch in addition to the natural trees.

Plegadis falcinellus and Little Cormorant Phalacrocorax niger suddenly appeared in 30 acre wetland of Uppalapadu village and started breeding on large trees. In October 2001, 60 pairs of Pelicans were counted and 600 nests of Asian Openbill were seen. As the birds became established in the area, the villagers could not bear the increasing smell of guano. They also complained that the tank water was getting polluted due to the excreta and fish dropped by these birds. Some villagers uprooted trees to stop the birds breeding there, but others protested, so this was stopped. Finally, about 6 acres of the pond was apportioned to the birds by building a small bund. However, this was found to be too small.

According to the locals, October-November is the breeding season for the pelicans but this time they migrated to Uppalapadu about a month in advance. Apart from pelicans, the sanctuary is home to birds like cormorants, painted storks, openbill storks, grey heron, darters etc. Migration starts from July and the birds can be seen here till February. According to the locals, pelicans make way for the painted storks in December which also arrive in large numbers. While there seemed to be an endless sea of the avian beauties, the locals said that there were over 15, 000 of them at that point. But in general, September to February is touted to be the best time to visit.