Odisha Starts Statewide Bird Census at Chilika and Hirakud Wetlands

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Bhubaneswar: The annual bird census began on Sunday at two of Odisha’s most important wetland sites—Chilika Lake and Hirakud Dam—to assess the number, variety, and movement of resident and migratory birds this season.

Teams made up of forest officials and bird experts have been deployed to carry out the exercise, aiming to ensure accurate and comprehensive data collection.

Extensive Survey at Chilika Lake

At Chilika Lake, one of Asia’s largest brackish water lagoons, 22 teams are conducting the census. The wetland has been divided into five forest ranges—Balugan, Rambha, Tangi, Chilika, and Satapada. Each team includes 10 to 12 members.

Bird activity is being closely monitored in key areas such as Mangalajodi using binoculars. Small boats are being used to move through the wetland carefully, ensuring that birds are not disturbed during the counting process.

Experts involved in the census said several new bird species have been sighted this year. However, the final count of bird species and population figures will be known only after the survey is completed.

Large-Scale Counting at Hirakud Dam

The bird census is also underway at Hirakud Dam in Sambalpur district. A total of 32 teams, comprising around 70 bird counters, are participating in the exercise. Forest officials from Sambalpur, Bargarh, and Jharsuguda districts are involved.

The vast Hirakud reservoir has been divided into 21 sectors, extending up to the Odisha–Chhattisgarh border. In addition to forest officials, bird enthusiasts, members of bird clubs, photographers, and students are taking part in the counting. GPS trackers are being used to assist with monitoring and data collection.

Anshu Pragyan Das, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of the Hirakud Wildlife Division, said that 38 teams with 92 participants began the census at 6 am. The teams include 38 bird experts, around 40 forest personnel, and school and college students who are helping with bird identification.

Last year, more than three lakh migratory birds were recorded at Hirakud Dam.

Officials said the census will provide vital information on bird populations and migration patterns, helping authorities plan and strengthen future conservation measures.