Mahakalapara: With the onset of winter, the picturesque mangrove forests of Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary in Kendrapara district have once again become a haven for migratory birds, particularly painted storks. The serene estuarine ecosystem, dotted with salt-tolerant hental trees, has turned into a vibrant breeding and feeding ground for both native and foreign bird species.
Following the recent Montha cyclone, large flocks of painted storks were spotted Monday near the Tanda forest, the fringes of the hental mangroves, and along the adjoining creeks. Known for their pink plumage and black-and-white tails, these birds feed on small fish, snails, crabs, and aquatic insects. They nest and rear their young within the mangrove cover, finding the area secure from human disturbance.
Forest department staff have established base camps across Gahirmatha to monitor and protect the birds. Painted storks have also been sighted at Hukitola Reserve Forest, Sasanpeta Forest, Launch Ghola Island, Shola estuary, and nearby sandy stretches.
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Environmentalists Samarendra Mahali, Biranchi Narayan Das, Laxmidhara Swain, and Gautam Gayan noted that the birds prefer the mangrove-rich zones of Kansaradia, Heta Mundia, Bhitar Kharinasi, Jamboo, and Kantilo for nesting due to their safety.
Gahirmatha Range Officer Kapilendra Pradhan said strict surveillance has been put in place and urged vigilance against local bird hunters who use poison traps as migratory activity increases.
PNN
