Migratory birds flock to the Hirakud dam reservoir.

A bird census began at the reservoir on Sunday. Around 70 forest officials besides bird counting experts have been engaged for counting of exotic birds. Divisional forest officer of Hirakud wildlife division Sudeep Nayak said: "Fourteen teams have been formed to count the migratory birds. While three teams have been engaged to count the birds in the power channel of Hirakud dam, 11 teams are counting the migratory birds in the Hirakud dam reservoir."

He added motors boats had been allotted to 13 teams, and a team had been engaged to count birds walking along the bank of reservoir. Five researchers and experts have also been roped in for the purpose.

"We will compile the details and send it to the chief wildlife warden, Bhubaneswar, by or Monday morning. The number of the birds that arrived at the reservoir this winter will be declared from the Bhubaneswar office after analysis," Nayak said.

Text by Subrat Mohanty

Telegraph picture