Bhitarkanika attracts over 90,000 birds

Odisha Channel Bureau Kendrapara, Sep 14: A total of 91,545 monsoon birds have made their way to Bhitarkanika National Park in this coastal Odisha district this year, according to the census figure released by the state forest department.There has been an impressive rise in the numbers of birds making their monsoon sojourn in Bhitarkanika in comparison to last year.In 2013 year, Bhitarkanika played host to 79,548 birds. Much to the delight of ornithologists, Bhitarkanika National Park in Odisha played host to over 91,000 migrant water birds, registering a substantial rise in the number of winged guests this monsoon in comparison to the preceding year.The breakup of local migrant birds arriving here in past years is 2007 – 52,096; 2008 – 71,383; 2009 – 70,484; 2010 – 41,168; 2011-59,973; 2012 – 70,105; and 2013 – 79,548.Prominent among the species arriving in this wildlife rich region for nesting are Grey Heron, Purple Heron, Darter, Cormorant, Large Egret, Intermediary Egret and Little Egret, said Divisional Forest Officer, Rajnagar Mangrove (wildlife) Forest Division, Kedrar Kumar Swain.