Sambalpur, Jan 10: The annual enumeration of migratory birds at Hirakud Dam Reservoir began here on Saturday.
As many as 15 teams from Hirakud Wildlife Division embarked on the census of avian guests at the Hirakud Reservoir Dam, Hirakud division DFO informed.
While 12 teams have been engaged in the census in the reservoir area, three teams have been pressed into service in the power canal area.
Prior to the annual exercise, an orientation programme for the participants was conducted for smooth conduct of the programme. Census kits like binoculars, bird field guides, and census sheets were given to the enumerators.
It may be mentioned here that the number of migratory birds visiting the reservoir dipped significantly over the last few years. As per reports, as many as 79,000 migratory birds had visited the reservoir in 2012-13 and 64,000 birds were spotted in 2013-14. However, the number plunged to 58,000 in 2014-15.
