Annual bird census begins in Chilika lake

As many as 111 employees of wildlife departments, CDA staff, Odisha University of Agriculture & Technology students, and bird experts have been involved in the counting of the migratory birds in Odisha's Chilika Lake. In view of counting, the lake administration has closed the entry of tourists for the next two days.

Khordha (Odisha): The administrations have barred the entry of tourists in the Chilika Lake in view of counting of migratory bird in the tourist's spot.

As many as 111 employees of wildlife departments, Odisha University of Agriculture & Technology students, and bird experts have been involved in the counting of the birds.

According to the reports, the census is expected to be completed by 2 a.m. today.

It is important to note that the practice of counting birds have been exercised every year to ascertain the reason for the increase and decrease in the bird count.

Migratory birds spotted at Chilika lake

As winter arrives, exotic birds of various species flock to Asia's largest brackish water lagoon, Chilika in Odisha, which serves as an important nesting place for them.

Migratory birds spotted at Chilika lake

Though the birds start arriving at the spot from August-September onwards, the influx increases around December. However, this year, the arrival of the avian guests increased in November itself due to heavy snowfall in areas inhabited by migratory birds, said a forest official to ETV Bharat.

"The migratory birds go to hotter climes in December, but they have now started coming here in November due to heavy snowfall in their original habitats and the consequent shortage of food. During the breeding season, all these migratory birds return to their native lands," he said.