The annual native bird census commenced on Thursday across various areas of Bhitarkanika National Park and Sanctuary under the Rajnagar Forest Division in Kendrapara district.
The three-day exercise is being conducted at Mathaadia, Durgaprasad Dia, and Lakshmi Prasad Dia areas of the park. Four teams of the Forest Department, each comprising four to five personnel, have been deployed under the guidance of ornithologists.
Forest staff received training for the census on Wednesday, and the counting will take place daily between 6 AM and 12 PM.
Around 10 bird species will be documented during the drive, including Gendalia (Asian Openbill), Dabentia, Anjana, Khaira, Panikua (Little Cormorant), Majhia Baga, Chhota Baga, Rani Baga, Kapar Khai, and Andharia Baga, sources said.
