Annual Bird Census At Hirakud Reservoir In Odisha To Begin From January 18

Sambalpur:  The annual census of migratory birds in the reservoir of Hirakud dam in Odisha district will begin from January 18.

The sources in Forest department sources informed that all arrangements have been made for the annual head counting of the avian population in Hirakud. The entire reservoir has been divided into 21 sectors for smooth counting. The winged guests started arriving in Hirakud Wetland, a Ramsar site since October 12, 2021, since October.

The headcount of the migratory birds has been increasing steadily over the last 15 years. Their number has been very impressive particularly in the last five years. Last year, more than 3.42 lakh birds of 112 species were spotted in the reservoir, the sources said.

Though the reservoir is about 550 sq km, Hirakud Wetland covers more than 700 sq km in Sambalpur, Jharsuguda and Bargarh districts and hosts a vast range of winged guests.

The avian species including Gadwalls, Mallards, Grebes, Eurasian Wigeons, Tufted Ducks, Pochards, Whistling Ducks, Sandpipers, Northern Pintails, Northern Shovelers, Gulls Terns and Bar-Headed Geese are normally sighted in the reservoir every year.

In recent years, Hirakud has become one of the preferred annual destinations for migratory birds. They cover thousands of kilometers to arrive at various destinations in Odisha including Hirakud.

Speaking about the bird census, Hirakud Wildlife Division DFO Anshu Pragyan Das informed the media that all arrangements have been made for the counting to start from January 18. She also added that they have sensitised the local communities and ensured every possible security measure for the avian guests.