Chilika Lake Welcomes Winter's Winged Guests

Migratory birds have begun arriving at Odisha's Chilika Lake, India's largest waterfowl habitat, despite warm temperatures. Various species from Northern Eurasia settle there each winter. Bird protection measures, including surveillance, camps, and patrols, are in place to guard against poaching until March.

Despite the winter season yet to fully settle in Odisha, migratory birds have started making their annual visit to Chilika Lake, India's largest waterfowl sanctuary, according to a local official.

Chilika Wildlife Division's Divisional Forest Officer, Amlan Nayak, reported that bird species such as the northern pintail, Eurasian wigeon, and greater flamingo began appearing from early November, as anticipated.

To protect these avian visitors from poaching, authorities have implemented extensive preventive measures, including 21 temporary camps, patrolling boats, and drones, commencing from October 1 through to the end of March.

(With inputs from agencies.)