Fears of adverse impact of Phailin, the severe cyclonic storm that hit Odisha coast in October 2013, have come true.
Chilika witnessed a sharp drop in the population of migratory birds, a large congregation of which adds to the scenic beauty of the lagoon.
During the two-day bird census that ended on Sunday, a total 7,19,262 birds were enumerated in the Chilika. Out of them, 7,07,584 were detected to be migratory birds and 11,678 resident birds.
Last year, 8,77,322 birds were found in Chilika, Asia’s largest brackish lake.
Forest officials, researchers, bird watchers, villagers, and members of NGOs were divided into 20 groups and spread all over the Chilika lagoon. They were equipped with binoculars, GPS, and rangefinders. In all, 80 enumerators entered the lagoon area in country boats.
Researchers came across birds in the Nalabana Sanctuary, Mangalajodi, Sundarpur, Bhushandpur, and Tangi areas. Birds were found perching on long grasses.
A total 158 bird species, 59 of them resident, were detected. Eurasian Wigeon and Pintails were leading species. Also found were Bar-headed Goose, Greylag Goose, and Flamingoes. However, there was a drop in number of waders.
A surprise
This year’s bird census threw up a surprising result. Nalabana Bird Sanctuary registered a growth of 20 per cent in migratory bird population compared to that of last year. Around 4,15,135 birds were sighted in Nalabana.
Migratory birds had arrived this winter late primarily due to the impact of Phailin.
The severe cyclonic storm had upset the wind direction and the eco-system. As a result, migratory birds arrived the Chilika lagoon late.
Worst was feared in Nalabana sanctuary, which usually gets submerged during the monsoon season. When winter sets in, the water level falls and mudflat is exposed.
Birds migrate from as far as the Caspian Sea, Baikal Lake, and remote parts of Russia, Mongolia, and Siberia, and flock in the island. Vast mudflat provides them adequate feed.
Due to heavy rainfall that followed Phailin, mudflat remained submerged for a long time. During the last one month, birds in large number flocked in Nalabana.
Out of the total, 7,07,584 are migratory birds and 11,678 resident birds
Eurasian Wigeon and Pintails are found to be leading species
Two-day census enumerates a total 7,19,262 birds
