The number of migratory birds flocking to Hirakud Dam Reservoir has increased significantly this year. A total of 3,16,676 migratory birds of 108 species were counted at Hirakud during the mid-winter waterfowl census conducted on January 8. While 2,08,634 birds were recorded in 2022, the figure was 1,24,864 in 2021 and 97,899 in 2020.
Besides, 10 new species were spotted in the reservoir bringing cheer among wildlife experts and bird watchers. These are bar-tailed godwit, pied harrier, curlew sandpiper, pygmy goose, caspian tern, blue tailed bee-eater, crested serpent eagle, wooly-necked stork, yellow-billed duck and painted stork.
DFO, Hirakud Wildlife Anshu Pragyan Das said the reservoir was divided into 15 sectors and a total of 30 teams were engaged for the bird census.