Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Balugaon, Oct 19:

With winter yet to set in, migratory birds from distant lands have started arriving in Chilika, Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon, in Odisha.

Chilika BirdsSources said more than 30,000 winged guests have already arrived in Mangalajodi, Nalaban areas of the lake by the middle of October.

The arrival of the winged guests has doubled the beauty of the placid blue waters of the 1,000 sq km Chilka Lake, spread over the districts of Puri, Khordha and Ganjam along the eastern coast, home to some of the largest congregations of migratory birds in the country.

This year the highest number of migratory birds has been sighted at Mangalajodi area of the lagoon.

While their arrival has added beauty to the Nalaban bird sanctuary, the Wildlife department has stepped up protection measures for the foreign guests against poaching. It is also trying to raise awareness levels among the locals to offer protection to the migratory birds,local Wildlife officials said.

Migratory birds from places as far as the Caspian Sea, Lake Baikal, Aral Sea, Russia, Mongolia, central and Southeast Asia, Ladakh and the Himalayas make Chilika their home for four months.

Presently, there is three feet deep water in Nalaban sanctuary with enough of vegetation and nala grass for the winged guests to feed on.