Baripada (Mayurbhanj): The annual bird counting exercise has kicked off in Mayurbhanj district, with forest officials already spotting over 150 shoveler ducks along with some gadwalls.
The census, conducted every year, aims to monitor bird populations and assess the ecological health of the region.
The exercise is being carried out across more than 100 water bodies within Similipal Sanctuary and in the surrounding forests of Baripada, Karanjia, and Rairangpur. This year, bird counting is being conducted at 46 sites across seven forest ranges. Around 75 forest officials have been deployed for the task, starting early in the morning from 6 am.
“The counting began early today, and teams are spread across key locations including Betnoti, Udala, Deuli, and Bangriposi. Apart from shovelers, we have also recorded sightings of gadwalls and other migratory birds,” said DCF Gobinda Chandra Biswal.
