Bhubaneswar: The resident bird census began at Bhitarkanika National Park and nearby areas in Odisha’s Kendrapada district around 6 am on Friday.
“The census is usually conducted every year in the month of August-September. Four teams comprising 5 officials each, including a forester, 2-3 forest guards and protection assistant, have been engaged in the counting of birds in Kanika Range, Mathadia, Laxmiprasadia, Durgaprasadia, and Kaliabhanjadia, where it is being held for the first time,” said Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Bhitarkanika National Park Sudarshan Gopinath Yadav.
The counting will continue for five days until September 7, he added.
The avians, who flock to the park from various parts of the country with the onset of monsoon for breeding, build their nests on Bani, Gua and Kerua trees alongside the Brahmani river bed in Bagagahana, Mathadia and Durgaprasadia. Open Bill Stork, Little Cormorant, Intermediate Egret, Large Egret, Little Egret, Purple Heron, Grey Heron, Night Heron, Darter, White Ibis and Cattle Egret usually flock to the park during the monsoon as they get enough food here to raise their chicks, sources said.
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