Chulannur Peafowl sanctuary

Chulannur pea fowl sanctuary stretches over 3.42 sq kms. It was established 2007 . it comprises related forest divisions in districts of Thrissur and Palakkad ensuring the long term protection of the natural populations of the pea fowl  occurring in the area and its natural habitat.The sanctuary was renamed as Chulannur wild life sanctuary dedicated in memory of sri Neelakantan  K K noted ornithologist of Kerala.

KK NEELAKANDAN was born at Kongalakkodu a small village in Kavassery ,palakkad district of kerala.Neelakantan was a bird watcer belonging to the old school. He noted down each and every observation meticulously and published many of the observations in the Journal Bombay history society.however Neelakantans magnum opus KERALATHILE PAKSHIKAL catapulted him into fame.

The book contained anecdotes as well as tips on the finer points of bird watching.That  promoted the cultre of bird watching.He passed away in 1992

We can reach there by travelling Ottappalam – Thiruvilluamala-Naduvathupara-Chulannur route .Its just eight kilometers away from Thiruvilluamala. We can also reach there by taking  diversion from Alathur onNH 47  and then via Kavassery –Tharoor palli-Chuulannur route.

As we reached there a grey horn bill with its flapping sounds perched on a tall tree.The hornbill was gulping worms  turning its  neck as a blacksmith uses   his fork.It appeared as a link between bird and reptiles.its really an ancient bird!.

later in the deciduous and  semi decidous forests patches we heard  a broken tweee  tweee sound falling continually upon our ears.We were surprised to find a new bird without tail wings and fully developed wings , Jt didn’t move from the spot.

Ornithologist Ramakrishnan Kumaranelloor  identified it as a  young one of cuckoo bird.which is yet to reach adult hood.

As we walked along the rocky patches , a balded bird head popped upon  a tree of unknown origin.The bird remained on the branch for a long time. It was a small bird with a size less than that  of a Mynah. a strange  balded bird indeed . It was a  rare kind of wood pecker..Pygmy wood pewcker ,a rare variety.

Bee eaters were abundant in  a valley close to the granite stretches.Later  I could spot a bird that could nt recognize yet.

Seventy five species of  avian community have been  spotted  in  the sanctuary. These include Black headed cuckoo shrike,black rumped flame back,crested tree swift,Chest nut headed bee eater,white cheeked barbet,ZittingCisticola,mottled wood owl.

The sanctuary with its deciduous patches and  rocky areas  offer an ideal habitat for peafowls.The sanctuary area supports more than  sixty seven peafowls;. Most of the peafowls venture into the paddy fields close to the sanctuary.In addition to these.the sanctuary supports  small animals like jungle cat ,Asian palm civet,Grey mangoose,Indian pangolin,wild boar are also present in the sanctuary area.