Dikhyaa Mohanty 
The number of migrating birds that visit the Bhitarkanika National Park in the Kendrapara region of Odisha this winter has slightly increased, according to the park. According to the most recent mid-winter census data, there are 1,51,614 visiting bird species this year, up from 1,51,421 in 2024. The number of species that frequent the national park, however, has dropped from 121 to 118. This year, the Northern Pintail (18,776) and the lesser whistling duck (44,825) have been the most often spotted species.
The enumerators confirmed that the national park is a perfect place for winter migrating birds, observing hordes of uncommon and endangered bird species along the wetland sites. The observation of numerous migrating birds at the gypsum pond regions on the outskirts of Paradip Port Township was a significant highlight of this year’s census, according to Manas Das, assistant conservator of forests for the Rajnagar Mangrove Forest Division.
Because of its distinct ecology and calm, chilly climate, the Bhitarkanika wetlands are preferred by winter migratory birds from the northern hemisphere and colder regions like Ladakh for their winter residence. These migratory animals are forced to temporarily abandon their native environment due to unbearably cold winter weather. Winter migrating birds like to visit the Chilka and Bhitarkanika wetland areas of the State.
