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Bhitarkanika gets a large number of winged guests

Kendrapara: The number of endangered migratory birds flocking to the wetlands of Orissa’s Bhitarkanika bird sanctuary has risen this year possibly due to lesser human interference in their habitat and congenial environment.

“The number of birds has increased to 1.30 lakh from 1.26 lakh last year and the figure would likely increase further as the flight of birds from Siberian and Himalayan region still continues”, Rajnagar Mangrove Forest Division (wildlife) Divisional Forest Officer Ajay Kumar Jena said.

Forest officials said Eurasian Pigeon, Ferugenius, Shobeller and other endangered species taking long flights from Sibreia, Ladakh, Lake Manosarovar and other Himalayan regions have come to Bhitarkanika for temporary winter sojourn as the Chilika and Bhitarkanika wetland locations are the favoured destination of such birds.

Lack of human interference, ideal climatic condition, cool breeze and vast expanse of water contributes to the liking of the winged species, wildlife officials said adding further research on their behavioural pattern is being taken up.

The species of local migrants like Large Egret, Purple Heron, Open Bill Stork, Grey Heron, Little Cormorant and Darter, Wood Pecker are also firmly ensconced along the tranquil environs of Bagagahana heronry of the sanctuary.

Noted ornithologist Dr Salim Ali made a chance discovery of Bhitarkanika habitat during a visit to the area in 1981. – PTI

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