Kendrapada: A recent rise in temperature has led a large number of migratory birds from Bhitarkanika National Park to start their return journey early, after their four-month winter stay, officials said. Forest officials said thousands of birds had arrived in the water bodies of Bhitarkanika — India’s second-largest mangrove forests after the Sundarbans — in Nov to escape the harsh winters of regions beyond the Himalayas. “Temperatures in Bhitarkanika are now 3°C to 4°C higher than two decades ago. With the mercury touching 31°C already, many migratory birds have already left. However, several waterbirds such as ducks are still there as they prefer shallow wetlands,” said Manas Kumar Das, assistant conservator of forests (ACF), Bhitarkanika. The avian visitors had flown from as far as Siberia, Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Central Europe and the Himalayan region. “Normally, birds begin their return journey by mid-March. But the unusual rise in Feb temperatures has prompted an early departure this year,” Das said. This winter, Bhitarkanika hosted 1,52,762 migratory birds of 106 species. Species such as shoveller, pintail, gadwall, wigeon, common pochard, garganey, tufted duck, common teal and coot have started leaving. Some waders, including curlew, pipit and white-eye, are still around, officials added. The arrival of the birds had added vibrant colours to the park, drawing tourists and birdwatchers. “Many visitors are now surprised to see the birds leave earlier than usual,” said Tapan Samal, a tour operator.
