ODISHA PURI Chilika Nalabana Gopalpur
ODISHA TRAVEL

Friday 16 January 2015

Birds flock to Bhitarkanika

The migratory birds of central Asia have begun arriving at the wetland spots of the national park, much to the delight of bird lovers.

The wetland spots in Bhitarkanika have again emerged as a congenial and human interference-free winter habitat for the feathered guests.

"The arrival of the migratory birds has begun since past one week. Around 20,000 birds have been sighted so far. Their number will rise steadily in the coming days.

Flocks of these winter guests are crowding the Raipatia and Satabhaya water bodies and creeks.

The habitat of these birds extends around a stretch of 1km. They fly their way in and around the water bodies adding to the scenic beauty of the place.

There is ample food security for the birds as the place that is criss-crossed by innumerable water inlets is free of human interference.

Prominent among the winged visitors to Bhitarkanika is Indian skimmers, grey pelicans and white-backed vultures, lesser adjutant storks, greater spotted eagles.

Some of these species are said to be endangered under the International Union for Conservation for Nature's Red Book Data containing the list of highly threatened animals worldwide.

Besides, other prominent birds sighted this year are black-tailed godwit, northern pintail, lesser whistling duck, grey plover, spotted billed egret, oriental darter, white bellied seagull, and black-necked stork.

Moreover, the white-backed vultures are also among the winter migrants, who come from the northern hemisphere. They prefer the Bhitarkanika wetlands for its unique eco-system and serene environment that is necessary for their habitation.

Uninhabitable cold atmospheric condition during winter months, forces the birds to leave their original habitat. The Chilika lake and the Bhitarkanika wetlands are one the most favoured destinations of the migratory birds.

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