The storks are colourful, large birds with yellow beaks, white breasts, black outline and a touch of bright red in the tail. The sounds of the birds -- flapping of wings and their squeaks and the characteristic clattering of their beaks -- fill the air. And the whole village watches the feathered ``friends'' in fascination.

Adding to the large presence of painted storks and their young ones is a sizeable population of grey herons. The villagers are thrilled. This is the first time they have seen so many storks. Usually, a few grey herons have been visiting the village since six years. The painted storks have been coming since three years.

``We have seen them in ones and twos in the paddy fields and by the lake side. But this time, it's wonderful!'' they said.

Ninetamarind trees in the villages have been taken over by the feathered visitors. The villagers had gathered to protect the trees and the birds which belong to the endangered species.

The painted storks were first spotted by the team from Wilderness International -- a group of environmentalists. The environmentalists have called upon the government to declare the village as a bird sanctuary. They have also urged that fishing in the nearby lakes and tanks be controlled so that the birds are not deprived of their food.