Migratory birds' affair with Chilka outlasts 'season'

Chilika: In a rare departure from the pattern, migratory birds in Chilika are unwilling to return to their homeland long after the migratory season is over. As many as 70 species of migratory birds are yet to return from the bird sanctuary this year. Surprisingly, they have even began nesting.

Normally, these migratory birds flock the sanctuary during the winter season and stay here from November till February. However, since the past few years, certain aberrations are being observed in the pattern.

One can still see the adorable Flamingoes pecking the blue waters of Chilika lake in the unforgiving summer of Odisha. The wildlife department has spotted around 50, 000 migratory birds belonging to 70 species including Pelicans, Gadwals, and Blacktails which are still surfing the waters of Chilika in this scorching heat. Eggs of these species have also been traced, implying these birds, which are supposed to have returned, have begun nesting.

“Some migratory birds have started showing resident characteristics. They are staying back and are nesting here. If these birds find the ecosystem suitable, we expect them to start nesting here in the next two to three years,” said Bikash Mohapatra of Chilika Wildlife division.

Observing this anomaly over the past few years, the Chilika Wildlife division has also begun a summer survey of the birds. Moreover, emphasis is also being laid on the safety and security of these winged guests.

“We are engaging the local foresters, guards, and watchers to provide some protection to the birds which are staying back,” said Ashok Kumar Das, Ranger, Tangi Wildlife division.