Explore Bhitarkanika National Park: Birdwatching in Mangrove Forest
Bhitarkanika National Park in Kendrapada, Odisha, is waking up to the delightful sounds of migratory birds as they arrive at the parks water bodies. These birds, coming all the way from Central Asia and Europe, add a vibrant splash of color to the already stunning mangrove forest. Sudrashan Gopinath Yadav, the divisional forest officer, expressed excitement over the opportunity for tourists and bird lovers to witness this spectacle and engage in birdwatching activities. The birds can be seen in various locations, including Hukitola, Satabhaya, Madali, and several nearby islands.
According to Yadav, the large gathering of migratory birds is drawn to the open wetlands surrounding the mangrove forest due to the abundance of fish, prawns, frogs, snakes, and mollusks. The location of these wetlands, away from human settlements, makes it an ideal feeding ground for the birds. Last year, a census conducted in Bhitarkanika recorded the arrival of 1,39,959 migratory birds belonging to 140 different species, highlighting the significance of the park as a haven for these winged visitors.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
