Migratory Birds Flock To Odisha Capital For Winter Sojourn

Bhubaneswar: With the onset of winter, migratory birds have started flocking to the Kuakhai River bank and nearby areas in Bhubaneswar for their annual sojourn.

According to sources, species like Little Cormorant, Kingfisher, Pelican, Falcon and Albatross start arriving in November and stay put for four months till the end of February.

The sources said a small number of birds arrives in November and the number increases from mid-December.

Also, avian species like Common Pochard, Red Crested Pochard, Great Duck Bill, Great Crested Grebe, Little Grebe, Pond Heron and Painted Stork fly down to Chilika, Mangalajodi, Bhitarkanika and Hirakud reservoir in Odisha from Caspian Sea, Baikal Lake, Mongolia, Central and South East Asia and Himalayan region every year due to the presence of large number of wetlands, soothing climate and availability of food.

At the same, nature lovers cautioned that these birds faced the threat of poachers and the Forest Department should ensure their protection.

“This is the bird mating season and the Forest Department should take care of their safety, especially against poachers,” said Prasanna Mishra, a veterinary doctor.