Migratory birds arrive near Rushikulya river mouth

The Rushikulya River in Ganjam district in Odisha is a place where a lot of migratory birds come to nest. These birds include barheaded geese, blackheaded gulls, little terns, Eurasian curlews, and more. These birds migrate to different parts of the world during the winter. An ornithologist said that, during winter, the number of migratory birds near the Rushikulya River mouth may be higher this year than last year. However, the population of migratory birds will only be known after a census is conducted in the first week of January. The reasons why the birds are congregating near the Rushikulya River mouth are because of the availability of food and the relative safety near the river. Rabindra Kumar Sahu, honorary wildlife warden, said, "We have created awareness among local people for the protection of wildlife, including migratory birds, and they don't hunt them, but protect them."