Sambalpur, Nov. 5: Migratory birds from places far in the north have started arriving at the Hirakud reservoir.

Divisional forest officer of Hirakud Sudeep Nayak said: “The migratory birds have just started arriving. We have already spotted gulls and terns. Their numbers will increase over the next 10 days.”

Thousands of different birds migrate to the reservoir every year in November. The agreeable weather and the clean water is what attract them to the dam and the Debrigarh Sanctuary.

As winter approaches, the winged guests from Caspian Sea, Baikal Lake, Mongolia, central and Southeast Asia and the Himalayas flock to the reservoir in the first week of November. The reservoir, spread over 746sqkm, becomes a haven for the winged guests that are seen along the reservoir, Lakhanpur, Kamgaon, Rengali, Govindpur and the Debrigarh Sanctuary areas.

“The birds find the weather and environment comfortable here during this period. They also get sufficient food here,” said Nayak.

The birds, commonly seen at the reservoir, are common pochard, red crested pochard, great duck bill, spot bill (grey duck), great crested grebe, little grebe, pond heron, painted stork, whiskered tern, Indian river tern and gadwall.

Last year, around 79,000 birds of 59 species had come calling. Around 60,000 birds of 52 species were counted in 2012. “The number of tourists to Hirakud increases during winter with many people coming from across the country to see the birds. The birds also attract many researchers,” said local resident Sanjaya Dash.

“The birds become the major attraction for tourists during winter. This is a time when we get the opportunity to view these exotic birds near our home,” said another local resident, Saroj Purohit.

An official of the forest department said bird-watching points had been identified for tourists. Moreover, the department has taken an initiative to ensure the protection of migratory birds. “We carry out patrolling for the security of the winged guests,” said the official.