Annual bird census begins across Odisha

Bhubaneswar: The annual bird census commenced on Sunday across the state on Sunday to monitor bird populations and assess the health of the ecosystem.

At Chilika Lake, 22 teams have been formed for the census, with the wetland divided into five ranges—Balugaon, Rambha, Tangi, Chilika and Satapada. Each team consists of around 3-4 members. Forest officials and bird experts are closely monitoring bird activity using binoculars, cameras and GPS tracker system.

The number of the migratory birds is expected to rise this year. Last year 11, 27, 228 birds had arrived. The exact number of birds will be known after the counting process is completed.

Bird counting is also underway at Hirakud Dam in Sambalpur district, where 32 teams comprising around 70 bird counters are engaged in the exercise. The Hirakud reservoir has been divided into 21 sectors. The bird counting process to begin at 6 am and end by 5 pm. Last year, over three lakh migratory birds were recorded at Hirakud Dam.

Similarly, bird counting is underway at 5 ranges in the Athagarh forest range and the team is counting at places including Ansupa.