Berhampur: Bird census in four ranges under Berhampur forest division would begin from Wednesday with the arrival of winged guest from across the globe.
Thousands of aquatic feathered animals find the wetlands on the coast of Ganjam suitable for their winter sojourn.
The census would be conducted in Digapahandi, Berhampur, Khallikote and Samantiapalli ranges, it was learnt.
According to sources, eight locations each under Khallikote and Berhampur ranges, 11 under Digapahandi and four under Samantiapalli range have been identified for counting of birds.
The locations under Khallilkote range include Kalarabadi, Humma salt farm, Rushikulya river bouth, Rajghai, Khairakhama, Pathurinala, Champeighai and Kenduaghai.
Similarly, enumeration would take place at Wadasingi Sagar, Ghodahada, Talsagar, Khairabanka, Palaspur, Ambada Pond, Kalingadala Dam, Chakraborty Sagar, Khanikhala, Madanmohan Sagar and Bagala Pond under Digapahandi range.
In Berhampur range, the enumerators would be camping in at Tampara Lake, Routray Pond, Berhampur varsity pond, Govindpur Pond, Patrapur Pond, Chaitanyapada Pond, Samarjhool Pond and Antei Pond under Berhampur range and at Panda Sagar, Kalingadala, Mukundpur Sagar and Baghalati under Samantiapali range to count the number of winged guests.
Two forest officials would be engaged in each location as part of the census process and they would submit their reports after the job is over.
According to department sources, the number of birds visiting the division is on the decline.
Bird census in 2017 revealed that 13,051 migratory birds of 82 species visited the region. While 6, 460 birds visited Khallikote range, 4,403 came to Berhampur, 1,009 birds were in Digapahandi range and Samantiapalli range recorded the presence of 1,179 winged guests in the region.
The total number of birds that visited Berhmapur forest division in 2017 was less than the previous year.
In the year 2016, the division recorded the presence of 13,960 migratory birds while the year 2015 saw 13,834 birds in the region.
The warm climate of Ganjam coast draws varieties of birds to the region, said forest officials. PNN