The forest personnel of Bhitarkanika National Park will carry out mid winter fall census of the migratory avian species along with the annual head count drive of estuarine crocodiles simultaneously from January 8 to 17.
In view of the counting drive, the park will remain closed for nine days during the stipulated time so that no disturbances take place and the whole process goes hassle-free, Rajnagar mangrove (forest) and wildlife division DFO Bimal Prasanna Acharya said.
The Bhitarkanika officials along with renowned ornithologists, bird experts and researchers will conduct the bird status survey at Satabhaya, Raitapatia ,Barunei Muhana ,Chataka, Praharajpur and Bagagahan under the park.
The forest officials generally count the avian species with traditional method i.e. “direct sighting” during the bird status survey. The wildlife researchers and ornithologists would use spotting scope, binocular and camera to count birds in the park, added DFO Acharya.
It is pertinent to note here that as per the last year annual winter bird status survey, an estimated 1, 13,226 birds of 109 types were sighted in the Bhitarkanika.