Climate Shift Spurs Early Avian Migration from Bhitarkanika

The unusually early rise in temperature prompts migratory birds in Odisha's Bhitarkanika National Park to embark on their return journey. Traditionally leaving by March or April, these birds, hailing from Siberia and other regions, are departing earlier this year due to the sharp temperature increase in February.

In an unusual turn of events, the rising temperatures in Odisha have spurred migratory birds to leave Bhitarkanika National Park ahead of schedule. Known for its vast mangrove forests, Bhitarkanika has been a temporary sanctuary for these avian visitors during the harsh winters.

Officials have observed that the early onset of summer has prompted these migratory birds, which typically return to their native lands in March or April, to begin their homeward migration in February. This shift coincides with the unusually warm weather being experienced in the region.

The early departure involves over 1.51 lakh migratory birds from 118 species. Normally resident in the park through the winter months, these birds are rerouting back to areas as distant as Siberia, said Manas Das, the Assistant Conservator of Forest of the Rajnagar Mangrove Forest Division.