Ahead of the yearly migration season, thousands of migratory waders and shorebirds have flocked to the Muttukadu-Nemmeli estuarine habitats close to Chennai. Covering thousands of kilometres from northern countries, the birds arrive by way of the Kovalam-Kelambakkam backwaters. A count up to 30 September 2026 recorded at least 5,568 waders and shorebirds in the estuary, among them 430 Greater Flamingos, over 890 Garganeys and more than 1,000 Little Stints. The estuary together with its salt pans and tidal waters forms a vital habitat for these visitors. Bird numbers are likely to climb further in October, which is the peak migration month.