Bird Count Increases in Bhitarkanika

KENDRAPADA: Last year, the authorities counted only 79,548 birds. "There was an increase in nesting this year particularly by the open bill storks. Given the magnitude of increase, one cannot rule out birds coming to Bhitarkanika from other locations, where water conditions and prey supply are not favourable for nesting. 

The most significant feature of avifauna in Bhitarkanika is colonial nesting of resident water birds at Bagagahana that sprawls over 4 acre surrounded by Bhitarkanika river on the east, Suajhore creek on the north and Patijhore creek on the south. Bhitarkanika is also sanctuary to birds who thrive in and around water. Abundant fish and distance from human habitation has also made Bagaghana congenial for breeding.