Thiruvananthapuram: A migratory bird Saunders`s Tern, rarely seen in southern parts of Kerala, has been spotted at the surroundings of Veli lake, a major tourist spot near here.
The members of Warblers and Waders, a forum of bird watchers, found the bird variety, belonging to the Sternidae family of terns, during a recent survey.
A flock, comprising 13 Saunders`s Terns (Sternula saundersi), were spotted around the Veli lake and estuary, a major landing site of winged visitors, C Sushanth, a member of the forum, said.
He said it was the first time they could successfully photograph the birds and confirm the presence of Saunders`s Tern.
The bird variety, usually sighted in shallow tropical and subtropical inshore waters, estuaries, tidal lagoons and harbours, could travel up to 15 km offshore to feed.
The other major birds spotted during the survey were Sanderling, Bar-tailed Godwit, Whiskered Tern and Gull-billed Tern, he added.
