A waterbird survey in Palakkad, held from January 3 to 18, has shown a big increase in bird numbers. Over 4,200 waterbirds were spotted, covering 44 species. Lijo Panangadan, secretary of the Natural History Society of Palakkad, said there was a 22% growth in the waterbird population here. The survey involved 50 birdwatchers from across the district. It covered many locations such as Malampuzha, South Malampuzha, Kava, Vengalakkayam, Kampalathara, Kunnampidari, Mangalam Dam, Walayar, Kottekkad, Kalleppully, Kodumbu, Chulliyar, Kanhirapuzha, Bharathapuzha, Mayannur, and Kalmandapam. Among the birds, storks and cormorants increased, but duck numbers fell. The survey was done with help from Wetlands International, the Bombay Natural History Society, the State Forest and Wildlife department, and National and State Biodiversity Boards. Mr. Panangadan said, "We have recorded the Citrine wagtail in the district for the first time in 25 years during this survey." He added, "Similarly, the sighting of the rare Grey-headed lapwing within the town underscores the importance of conserving our water bodies." The Grey-headed lapwing is a migratory bird. It breeds in northeast China and Japan in summer. It spends winters in wetlands in Southeast Asia, including India, Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia.