Bird count rises in Bhitarkanika

Pattamundai: As many as 1,03,853 country birds have been counted at Bhitarkanika National Park in Kendrapara district during the annual bird census.

According to sources, 42,408 birds and 61, 445 hatchlings were found in 21,204 nests in the national park during the annual census.

This monsoon, the national park witnessed footfall of more 7,416 birds as compared to 96,437 birds last year, the sources added.

According to reports, 11 species of herons, grey cranes, little cormorants and king-fisher in large numbers have thronged the national park.

Bimal Prasan Acharya, the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Bhitarkanika National Park, said. “Like every year, herons in mass laid eggs at the national park. This year, many birds have laid eggs at Mathiadia area.”

“We have conducted the census at 21,204 nests in 2097 trees at the park,” Acharya added.