Annual Bird Census Underway In Odisha’s Chilika, Hirakud & Bhitarkanika

Bhubaneswar: The annual mid-winter waterfowl census to assess the migratory and resident wetland bird population began on Saturday, focussing on three major wetlands – Chilika, Bhitarkanika and Hirakud – of Odisha.

While 21 teams equipped with census format, field guide on bird species, camera, binocular and, spotting scopes are making the count in Chilika, 18 each have been deployed in Bhitarkanika and Hirakud. Unlike previous years when waterfowl census was being carried out in a staggered manner between December and January, this year it is being carried out on a single day.

The counting is being conducted in Chilika Lake, covering Balugaon, Satapada, Nuapada, Tangi, and Rambha, and Hirakud reservoir of about 550 sq km with wetland of more than 700 sq km in Sambalpur, Jharsuguda and Bargarh districts. “The entire reservoir extending till Chattisgarh has been divided into 21 sectors for smooth counting and 32 teams with 70 birding experts entered the wetland this morning. It will be continue till 6 pm,” DFO, Hirakud Wildlife Division, Anshu Pragyan Das told the media.

She said that participants have been provided with binoculars, GPS and live-saving jackets.

Species such as Glossy Ibis, Purple Moorhen, Pintail, Godwit, Great Egret, Medium Egret, Bronze-winged Jacana, Black-winged Stilt, Cormorants, and various other birds have been spotted in these wetlands.

In the Chilika Wildlife Division, the migratory birds arrived in September, one month earlier than the scheduled time. Chilika Lake is the largest brackish Water Lagoon with estuarine character that sprawls along the east coast. It is the largest wintering ground for migratory waterfowl found anywhere on the Indian sub-continent, according to the Chilika Development Authority.