The migratory bird population in Chilika lagoon witnessed a marginal rise from 7.19 lakh birds in 2014 to 7.61 lakh in 2015.
The annual bird census, which came to an end on Friday evening, showed that in terms of the species, the 1,100 sq km brackish water lagoon received more varieties of birds compared to last year. About 172 species were sighed across vast water area whereas at least 158 species were recorded a year ago.
Birds migrate from as far as the Caspian Sea, Baikal Lake and remote regions of Russia, Mongolia and Siberia. The vast mudflat in Nalabana Bird Sanctuary in Chilika Lake provides them adequate feed.
The drop in bird population last year was attributed to heavy rain followed by cyclone ‘Phailin’ in October.
