Kendrapara: Migratory birds, which arrived at Bhitarkanika National Park in October for their winter sojourn, have started their homeward journey.
Divisional forest officer of Rajnagar mangrove (forest) and wildlife division Bimal Prasanna Acharya said every year with the arrival of winter, the water bodies of Bhitarkanika, the abode of avian species, wear a colourful look. Migratory birds fly thousands of miles to escape the harsh winter in Siberia, Afghanistan, Iraq, Northern Asia and some central European countries.
They generally stay in Bhitarkanika for about three to four months before starting their homeward journey after nesting and breeding in the park, Acharya said.
As per the recent mid winter migratory bird status survey carried out January 10 in Bhitarkanika National Park, an estimated 1,06,356 birds were sighted in the water bodies of the national park.
According to survey report, 87 types of species visited the park. While 81,874 birds have been sighted in Bhitarkanika National Park area, 24,482 birds were sighted in Mahanadi Delta, the DFO said.
This year, Northern Pintail ducks have come in more numbers than other species while Black-tailed Godwit have also come in thousands to save themselves from the harsh winter.
Apart from these two species, Brahmin Rudy Shell Duck, Curlew, Sand Piper and Bar-headed Geese also arrived in the national park in thousands, official sources said.
The Bhitarkanika National Park is considered as the transit point for the migratory birds. The birds return when the water bodies in the park dry up, Acharya said. PNN
