Annual bird census begins at Chilika Lake and Hirakud Dam in Odisha

Bhubaneswar: The annual bird census commenced on Sunday at Odisha’s major wetland sites, Chilika Lake and Hirakud Dam, to assess the arrival, species diversity and population of resident and migratory birds during the current season.

Specially constituted teams comprising forest officials and bird experts have been deployed to ensure an accurate and comprehensive count.

Extensive Survey Across Chilika Lake

At Chilika Lake, 22 teams have been formed for the census, with the wetland divided into five ranges—Balugan, Rambha, Tangi, Chilika and Satapada. Each team consists of around 10 to 12 members. Forest officials and bird experts are closely monitoring bird activity in areas such as Mangalajodi using binoculars, while small boats are being used to avoid disturbing the birds.

Experts associated with the exercise said several new bird species have been sighted this year. The exact number of species and birds will be known after the counting process is completed.

Large-Scale Exercise At Hirakud Dam

Bird counting is also underway at Hirakud Dam in Sambalpur district, where 32 teams comprising around 70 bird counters are engaged in the exercise. Forest officials from Sambalpur, Bargarh and Jharsuguda districts are participating in the census.

The Hirakud reservoir has been divided into 21 sectors, extending up to the Odisha–Chhattisgarh border. Along with forest officials, bird enthusiasts, members of bird clubs, photographers, and students are also taking part. GPS trackers are being used to assist in monitoring and data collection.

Providing details, Anshu Pragyan Das, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Hirakud Wildlife Division, said that 38 teams involving 92 participants began the bird counting process from 6 am. The teams include 38 bird experts, around 40 forest staff, and school and college students assisting with bird identification.

Last year, over three lakh migratory birds were recorded at Hirakud Dam.

The census is expected to generate crucial data on bird populations and migration patterns, which will aid in planning and strengthening future conservation efforts.