Bhubaneswar: Hirakud reservoir, near the Debrigarh wildlife snctuary, has reported the arrival of at least 90 species of exotic migratory birds this winter from eight countries, including the US and Russia, authorities said.
Hirakud wetland, spread over 700 sq km, has witnessed the arrival of Eurasian wigeon, gadwall, mallard, little grebe, crested grebe, Northern shoveler, six varieties of gulls, tern, bar-headed goose, tufted duck and different pochards, among others, officers said.
“The day temperature in the wetland varies between 20°C and 26°C, whereas the night temperature drops to 10°C, facilitating a suitable wintering ground for the avian guests. We will conduct a bird count on Jan 25,” said Anshu Pragyan Das, divisional forest officer, Hirakud.
Officials said the winter guests are known to travel thousands of kilometres in search of food and warmer areas. They use Hirakud as their wintering ground due to the abundance of food and ideal conditions.
Wildlife officials said the movement of tourist cruise boats and fishermen’s boats has been restricted from 6 pm to 6 am, and river patrolling is restricted so that the wetland remains undisturbed.
“Special emphasis has been given to keeping the shoreline, creeks, and important parts of Hirakud free from human disturbance,” added Das.
Last winter, 112 species of 342,339 birds flocked to the wetland, which was declared a Ramsar Site in 2021.