Bhubaneswar/Cuttack, Jan. 7: Thousands of migratory birds have been spotted in Chilika lake and other smaller water bodies around the twin cities of Cuttack and Bhubaneswar.

While there has been a significant rise in the number of birds visiting the Ansupa lake, which is one of the major freshwater lakes situated on the bank of the Mahanadi in Athgarh, city-based Ekamrakanan is also witnessing thousands of birds this season.

Though a census is yet to be done in Ekamrakanan lake within the Regional Plant Resource Centre, forest department, sources said around 5,000 to 7,000 birds might have flocked to various water bodies around the Chandaka Dampara Wildlife Sanctuary.

Majority of the birds at the Ekamrakanan lake are teals and ducks.

A census will be conducted shortly to know the exact number.

Chandaka sanctuary divisional forest officer Manoj Mohapatra said: 'Since the birds travel thousands of kilometre, they tend to get tired and therefore take rest in small lakes and water bodies on their way to the Chilika lake.''

Panchami Manoo Ukil, founder of city-based organisation Bhubaneswar Bird Walks, said: 'Students and young bird lovers should visit Ekamrakanan to see the winged guests and their activities.'

Forest officials said nearly 35,000 migratory birds have come to Cuttack and nearby areas. In Ansupa lake alone 7,027 birds have arrived. The data came to the fore following a mid-winter bird census in the wetlands of Athgarh forest division.

The two-day bird census that endedon Tuesdayhas revealed that around 43 species of birds, including 6,000 small pratincole birds, were spotted this year, said Athgarh divisional forest officer (DFO) Arun Mishra.

It is for the first time that a detailed documentation, including videography and still photographs of the birds, has been conducted by the Athgarh forest division.

The common migratory birds spotted have been identified as red-chested pochard, cotton teal, brahmani duck andpin-tail.

Official source said around 12,000 birds of 20 species were sighted in 2012, while the number rose to 15,000 in 2013 that included 25 to 30 species. And in 2014, 23,000 birds were spotted in the Athgarh forest area.

'We are happy that there has been a significant rise in the number of migratory birds coming to Ansupa. Already a plan has been chalked out to develop the place as an eco-tourism spot and it will draw more tourists if more steps are taken for its all round development,' said Pradip Sahu, a resident.