Dikhyaa Mohanty 
The bird census in the Bhitarkanika National Park under Rajnagar Wildlife Division in Odisha’s Kendrapada district began on August 23. As per the reports, Ranger of Kanika Forest Range Manas Ranjan Das gave the details about the census and stated that two teams comprising seven members each have been engaged in the count of the colonial birds, which will continue for a week.
The report further added that one team will conduct the bird count in Mathadia and the other will be engaged in Laxmiprasadia and Durgaprasadia forest range. The avians, who flock to the park from various parts of the country with the onset of monsoon for breeding, build their nests on Bani, Gua and Kerua trees alongside the Brahmani river bed in Bagagahana, Mathadia and Durgaprasadia.
The ranger stated that Open Bill Stork, Little Cormorant, Intermediate Egret, Large Egret, Little Egret, Purple Heron, Grey Heron, Night Heron, Darter, White Ibis and Cattle Egret usually flock to the park during the monsoon as they get enough food here to raise their chicks.
