There has been sharp decline in the arrival of migratory birds in the Point Calimere, Kodiakarai wildlife sanctuary in Tamil Nadu this year. Out of the total of 247 varieties of birds found to be visiting the sanctuary regularly, this year only about 63 species have arrived. Official sources said that the census by the district forest department has revealed that there was nearly a 50 per cent decline in the arrival of birds at the sanctuary compared to the previous years. The decline was suspected to be due to the high rainfall received in the region during the north-east monsoon season, as a result of which the lagoons in the area were overflowing. Shore birds find it hard to catch their prey in overflowing lagoons.