Sambalpur: The migratory birds have gradually begun to arrive at the vast patch of Hirakud reservoir near here.

This year, arrival of the winged guests is delayed due to lack of cold. Normally, the birds start arriving here from the early October.

In the first phase, species such as gul and dock are seen floating near the Hirakud dam. They generally remain till end of February.

The forest department's wildlife division has taken precautionary measures to protect the birds from poachers in the 800sqkm reservoir with adequate patrolling.

Most of the birds come from Mongolia, South-East Asia, the Himalaya region and Siberia.

During 2015-16, 60 species had been spotted with its count at 95,912.

During 2014-15, as many as 58,057 belonging to 63 species and in 2013-14, 63,892 birds of 55 species had arrived here, said sources.