Gania: The Satkosia gorge at the heart of Satkosia Tiger Reserve comprising parts of Nayagarh, Boudh, Cuttack and Angul districts is a favorite destination for migratory birds.
Every year, thousands of winged visitors throng the place during the winter. Last year, 40 varieties of birds visited Satkosia, according to a census. The Indian Skimmer was the centre of attraction among bird lovers.
This species is generally seen in Chambal and Pong dam areas of Madhya Pradesh. However, these are the regular visitors to Munduli in Chandaka Wildlife Division and Tikarpada in Angul Wildlife Division along with Satkosia gorge over the past two years, forest officials said.
Favourable climatic condition coupled with availability of sufficient food draw the birds to Satkosia gorge in the winter season while they prefer Munduli during the rest of the year. The sight of Indian Skimmers on the blue water surface of Satkosia gorge in Mahanadi draws significant number of visitors.
According to reports, nearly 60 Indian Skimmers form a group and as a practice they never come back to their permanent habitat again once they sense any sort of fear. This is the reason why the wildlife division has banned boating and fishing activities on a stretch between Badamul here and Binikei ghat in Athamalik during the winter season. The distance is Satakosa (about 22 km) hence the area is called Satkosia.
Meanwhile, Mahanadi Wildlife Division engaged an expert team from Mumbai for bird-ringing. It was conducted to known whether the birds that visited the region over the past two years have revisited Satkosia and if not which other region they picked up for habitation. The rings with specific marks were put in the legs of the birds.
The Indian Skimmers that visited Badamul near Satkosia gorge last year have come back again this year, divisional forest officer (DFO) Anshupragyan Das said.
Local outfits working on environmental issues laid emphasis on the safety of the birds in Badamul, Malisahi, Bethasahi and Muduligadia villages as the Indian Skimmers prefer to remain in these villages during the winter, according to officials.
Satkosia gorge is now locally known as ‘bird guesthouse’ as varieties of colourful birds fly back to the region every year to spend the winter season. PNN
