The forest officials have spotted more than 1,45,946 migratory birds of 92 species during a census conducted in the Hirakud Dam reservoir near here.
The arrival of winter waterfowl this year has created a record. Last year 82 species had been spotted with count recorded at1,36,835 birds, the official sources said.
The census was conducted in the Hirakud reservoir on January 6. The entire reservoir area was divided into 21 sectors and each sector was covered by one team with expert members. Nine sectors were in Sambalpur Forest Division, six each in Jharsuguda Division and Hirakud Wild Life Division. Total 68 people participated in the census. Apart from the department staff, representatives from various NGOs, students from OUAT and Utkal University participated in the census to help the forest officials.
According to the survey, large numbers of lesser whistling ducks (32,670), common coots (16,978), common pochards (912,514), red crested pochards (11,528) and tufted ducks (9,966) are the main species spotted , the official sources said.
The winged guests started arriving at the reservoir this year a little late. A small number of birds arrived in November due to late arrival of cold. Since mid December, the number started increasing. Varieties of the colourful birds in the reservoir have become centre of attraction for the tourists, including the local residents these days.