Migratory birds at the water bodies and wetlands at Kansarapatia near Paradip. Telegraph pictures

Paradip, June 8: The wetland spots and water bodies located on the fringes of Paradip are now abuzz with chirpy cacophony.

Many birds from nearby regions are thronging the innumerable water bodies in and around the port town to beat the heat.

“Like humans, the birds too have gone restless because of the scorching summer. The relentless heat has prompted them to migrate to the water bodies near the port town.

“Thousands of avian species, mostly local migrant water birds, have begun thronging Kansarapatia, close to a fertiliser plant and oil refinery complex. These places have provided the avian species a soothing relief from the rising mercury,” said Manoj Kumar Mahapatra, chief of Bhitarkanika National Park.

Forest personnel of Kujang forest range near Paradip have been directed to ensure the safe sojourn of the visiting birds. They have been asked to keep vigil on possible poaching of these species.

“Even last year, the birds had preferred to make their way to Paradip. However, their number was less last time.

“If this trend continues, the port town will soon become a congenial habitat of the avian species. The state forest department is planning to conduct a census of these summer migrant water-birds,” said Mahapatra, who is also the divisional forest officer of Rajnagar Mangrove (Wildlife) Forest Division.

The species inhabiting at these sites are open bill stork, white-breasted water-hens, water cocks, cormorants, pintails, biterns, kingfishers, coot, Brahmin ducks, bronze winged jacana, egrets, cormorants, white ibis, grey herons, purple herons and lesser whistling teal.

These bird species are often seen in the Bagahana heronry within the Bhitarkanika wildlife sanctuary.

Besides the heat factor, there is another reason for the birds to have made their way to these parts.

There is a rich reserve of natural water sources and food reserve in terms of fish and aquatic species that might have lured the birds. Apart from being comparatively cooler, the place is also a hospitable one with its enormous green cover.

To top it all, the sites are entirely free from human interference.

The plant sites with security covers in all direction are out of bounds for fishermen and intruders.

That is proving congenial for the birds to pick it for their habitat. Local residents are thrilled to see this wide variety of avian extravaganza.

“It’s heartening to note that Paradip is attracting droves of winged visitors. There is a natural ambience in and around the waterbodies and wetlands. It needs to be conserved for continual visit of birds,” said Dipti Prakah Pattnaik, a local resident.