By Manoj Kar
Kendrapara, Nov 7: Chirpy cacophony has slowly begun to pervade wetland sites along the Bhitarkanika wildlife sanctuary with avian guests from across cool northern hemispheres arriving early for winter rendezvous.

Winter migrant birds have begun thronging in and around Raipatia water bodies near Satabhaya forest block enlivening the serene internationally acclaimed Ramsar wetland site, remarked forest officials.

Their arrival has been early this time. Since last three days, flocks of these winter guests are crowding the Raipatia water bodies and creeks. Till date, nearly 10,000 migrant winged species have emerged on the scene. Their number is expected to swell in coming weeks, noted Prasanna Kumar Behera, Divisional Forest Officer, Rajnagar Mangrove (wildlife) forest division.

The birds wing their way in and around the water bodies adding to the scenic beauty of the place. There is ample of food security for the birds as the place crisscrossed by innumerable water inlets and nullahs is free of human interference, Behera said.

Prominent among the winged visitors to Bhitarkanika this time is Indian Skimmers, Grey Pelicans and White-backed vultures, Lesser adjutant, Grater spotted eagles. All of these sighted species are conferred endangered status under the International Union for Conservation for Nature (IUCN)'s Red Book Data containing the list of highly threatened animals worldwide.

These apart, other delicate and prominent birds sighted this time are Black-tailed godwit, Northern pintail, Lesser whistling duck, Grey plover, Egret spotted bills, Oriental darter, White belly seagull, and black-necked stork.

These species barring the white-backed vultures are winter migrant avian creatures from northern hemisphere and cool places like Ladakh and they used to prefer the Bhitarkanika wetland for its unique eco-system and cool and serene environment, conducive for their winter habitation.

These apart, other delicate and prominent birds sighted this time are Black-tailed godwit, Northern pin-tail, Lesser whistling duck, Grey plover, Egret spotted bills, Oriental darter, White belly seagull, and black-necked stork.

Unbearable cool atmospheric condition during winter months forces these migrant species to temporarily leave their original habitat. The Chilika and Bhitarkanika wetland spots in the state are the favoured destination of migratory birds.

Lack of human interference, ideal climatic condition, cool breeze and the river system here all have emerged to the liking of these delicate chirpy winged species. This is a positive sign and thus further research on the behavioural pattern of these threatened species is being taken up, said wildlife officials.

The species of local migrants like Large egret, purple heron, open bill stork, grey heron, little cormorant and darter, wood pecker are also firmly ensconced along the tranquil environs of Bagagahana heronry of the wildlife sanctuary, It should be noted here that noted ornithologist Salim Ali made a chance-discovery of Bhitarkanika birds' habitat while on a casual visit to the sanctuary in 1981.