Early Rise in Temperature Triggers Migratory Birds’ Departure from Bhitarkanika

Bhubaneswar: A large number of migratory birds have begun their return journey from Bhitarkanika National Park after spending nearly four months in the sanctuary during the winter season. Forest officials have attributed the early departure to rising temperatures, which have already reached 31°C in February.

According to Manas Kumar Das, Assistant Chief Conservator of Forests (ACF), Bhitarkanika, several foreign wading birds have left earlier than usual this year.

“Many migratory birds have started their return journey due to the early onset of summer. However, several water birds, especially ducks, are still present as they can survive in shallow waters,” he said.

Typically, the return migration of these birds begins around mid-March. However, an unusual spike in temperature during February has advanced their schedule this year, prompting many species to leave sooner than expected.

Every winter, Bhitarkanika National Park becomes a seasonal home to thousands of migratory birds arriving from different parts of the world. The early migration this year has drawn attention to changing climatic conditions that may be affecting traditional migration patterns.