Migratory birds arrive at Bhitarkanika National Park

Kendrapara, Nov 8 (UNI) With winter approaching, can migratory birds be far behind? Feathered species of various types have started flocking to the Bhitarkanika National Park for nesting and breeding.

Bagagahan, home to these birds in winter, spread over an area of 8.1 hectares in Bhitarkanika National Park, has slowly started wearing a colourful look, with flocks flying in from various parts of the world.

Divisional Forest Officer of Rajnagar Mangorve Forest (wildlife) division Prasanna Kumar Behera said species like sand piper, plover, ducks, goose, heron, cormorants, spoon bill and egrate have started thronging the branches of mangroves trees in the dense Bhitarkanika park areas at Barunei Muhana, Chataka, Praharajpur, Bagagahan and Raitapatia areas.

Every year, during November, migratory as well as residential birds throng the Bhitarkanika park for nesting and breeding.The park provides a congenial atmosphere for them.

As per last year, the annual winter bird census, conducted on December 8 and 9, an estimated 1.31 lakh birds of 135 species, including some rare and endangered ones, listed in the red data book of the IUCN, visited the park.

Birds fly thousands of miles to Bhitarkanika to escape the harsh winter in Siberia, Afghanistan, Iraq, northern Asia and some central European countries. They generally stay in Bhitarkanika for about four months, before starting their homeward journey.

Forest officials said birds choose trees like Guan, Sundari, Jagula and Bani in the mangrooves forest for making their nests.

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