Gania: With winter approaching migratory birds have landed on the swamps of Satakosia gorge of river Mahanadi at Badamul under Gania block in Nayagarh district.
Winter is the loveliest time to visit Satakosia gorge. Ripples of the flowing river coupled with melodic chirping of country and migratory birds provide an unforgettable experience to nature lovers at this gorge sanctuary.
The gorge, paradise to several winged guests from across the world, gears up to welcome migratory birds that come from far off Caspian Sea, Lake Baikal, remote parts of Russia, central and South East Asia, Ladakh and Himalayas.
The gorge is home to several country birds like graylag goose, water hen, king fisher, sand parrot, ruddy goose and little cormorant.
According to an ornithological study, early snowfall in their native areas prompts these birds to migrate to safer places including Satakosia gorge. Among these avian guests are northern pintail, gadwall, karmarent snipe, geese, whistling duck and pochard duck.
The study says the birds come to Satakosia for food and its favorable environmental condition. While some of them make their nest on the sandy banks of the Mahanadi, others live on trees and bushes at the Mahanadi river. They eat small fish, snails, frogs and reptiles of the gorge. Every winter, the scenic status of the gorge is elevated by the presence of indigenous varieties like Indian jimmer. According to DFO Anshupragyan
Dash, the birds come during winter from Chambal of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. They leave in flock and each flock comprises 50-60 birds.
Though earlier, they were seen at Satakosia and Mundali, they are also seen in Badamul area. Some of them lay eggs during winter while others go back to their respective places after spending the winter here.
According to a report, 45 varieties of migratory birds numbering around 40,000 took shelter in the gorge last year. This year the authorities have deployed a special team to prevent poaching of migratory birds. Steps are being taken to protect these feathered guests and their number will be known before December, officials said. PNN