A bird at Hirakud reservoir. Telegraph picture

Sambalpur, Nov. 6: Rare species of migratory birds have started arriving at the Hirakud reservoir like every year. Exotic birds such as the spot bill duck and Brahmani shell duck have already arrived here with the advent of winter. The clean water and soothing environment welcomes the guests during November every year.

“Varieties of migratory birds arrive here during the month of November. The spot bill duck and the Brahmani duck come here from the Himalayan range. The decline in the temperature in that area forces them to migrate. They come here during the first week of November and leave this region during March,” said Surendra Mohan Pradhan, a researcher for the documentary film on these migratory birds Pakshi Ra Nida.

“The birds find a comfortable weather at the Hirakud reservoirs and Debrigarh sanctuary area. Usually, migratory birds such as pochard, small patrincole, oriental patrincole, gold plover, little ringed plover, black winged stilt, little tern and painted snipe come here. Some of the birds leave this area after nesting,” added Pradhan.

Brahmani shell duck fly down from as far as Ladakh region and the spot bill duck migrates here from Karnataka region. Common pochards come here from northwest Pakistan whereas little tern, gold plover, little ringed plover, black winged stilt, small pratincole and oriental pratincole come here for nesting and breeding. Mallards are also seen here during this time.

The climate and the hills around the reservoir soothe these visitors. Moreover, they avail sufficient food here. Last year more than 17,000 migratory birds had arrived to the Hirakud reservoir. The 557sqkm reservoir becomes a haven for these winged visitors during this time. These birds are seen along the Hirakud reservoir, Lakhanpur, Kamgaon, Rengali, Govindpur and Debrigarh sanctuary area.

“The number of tourists increases during this time owing to the flocking exotic birds. People from several parts of the country arrive to observe the birds that include many researchers and ornithologists. The forest department also makes arrangement for the feathered guests by engaging motorboats to prevent any poaching.

“These birds enhance the beauty of the reservoir during this period and the region turns into a natural paradise,” said Janardan Naik, a local resident.

Divisional forest officer of Hirakud wildlife division Manoj V. Nair said: “The migratory birds have just started arriving here. The number will increase within eight to 10 days. All measures will be taken for the protection if these migratory birds. A meeting will also be held soon in this regard.”