odisha news: Bhubaneswar, (Reporterspen), Jan 18: The annual mid-winter waterfowl census to evaluate the population of migratory and resident wetland birds began on Saturday, focusing on Odisha’s three major wetlands—Chilika Lake, Bhitarkanika National Park, and Hirakud Reservoir.
Unlike previous years when the census spanned several weeks, this year’s operation is being conducted in a single day. In Chilika Lake, 21 teams equipped with field guides, cameras, binoculars, spotting scopes, and census formats are conducting the count across regions including Balugaon, Satapada, Nuapada, Tangi, and Rambha. Similarly, 18 teams each are deployed in Bhitarkanika and Hirakud.
At Hirakud, the 550 sq km reservoir and surrounding wetlands of over 700 sq km have been divided into 21 sectors. Thirty-two teams, including 70 birding experts, began the survey early morning, supported by GPS devices, binoculars, and life jackets.
Bird species such as Glossy Ibis, Pintail, Godwit, Great Egret, and Cormorants have been spotted. Notably, migratory birds arrived in Chilika a month earlier than usual this year.