Bhitarkanika Welcomes 1.5 Lakh Migratory Birds This Season

Bhitarkanika National Park has recorded the arrival of 1,52,762 migratory birds, representing 106 distinct species. This figure is a slight increase from the previous year, which saw 1,51,614 birds of 118 species. The census, conducted on January 18th by a team of 70 experts and volunteers, identified a significant population of geese and ducks, numbering 93,821.

These feathered travelers originate from regions such as Central Asia and Europe, seeking refuge from extreme cold. The park offers a welcoming environment with ample food resources, including fish and mollusks, making it an attractive stopover. Ornithologists note that the birds began arriving in November, finding Bhitarkanika a hospitable alternative to their natural Siberian and Chinese habitats.