Chennai's Pallikaranai marshland logged large numbers of native waterbirds before the 2026-27 migratory season. In August 2026, 3,091 common coots were counted, the highest August figure since 2014-15, along with a record 3,597 grey-headed swamphens and 252 Near Threatened oriental darters. The Nature Trust has monitored birds here with the Tamil Nadu Forest Department since 2012. The migratory season is expected to run from August/September 2026 to April/May 2027.