Chilika: The Forest Department and Dept of Tourism, Govt of Odisha will host the 2nd National Chilika Bird Festival at Mangalajodi January 27 and 28. The 2-day programme includes exhibitions, seminars and visit to Mangalajodi and Nalabana.
Internationally acclaimed birders, photographers and ornithologists will participate in the festival along with 200 participants from India and abroad. Night stay arrangements are made by the departments. Mangalajodi also known as “The Birds Paradise of Asia” is in the north-eastern part of Chilika, the largest brackish water lake of Asia.
Millions of migratory Birds congregate during different parts of the year here. Winter witnesses the highest gathering of more than 10 lakh species of birds. It is the only place in India where large flocks of different species of colourful birds can be seen from close proximity of a boat.
More than 200 species of birds are recorded in Mangalajodi during winters. Lakh of Ruffs, Godwits, Terns, Plovers, Sandpipers, rare grey-headed Lapwings, Gulls, Pintails, Ruddy Shelducks, Skulkers like Ruddy-breasted Crakes, Baillon’s Crakes, Rails, Snipes and Black-tailed Godwits among others visit the place during this period.
Chilika lies in the Central Asian Flyway for birds and is a major stopover site for migratory birds from the arctic and sub-arctic during their onward and return migration along the east coast. The variety of habitats in the Island such as mudflats, floating and submerged vegetation, reedbeds, open waters with varying depth and salinity attract a variety of migratory and resident bird species.
Mangalajodi freshwater wetland and Nalabana Island which form part of the Chilika Lake have been identified as Important Bird Areas (IBA). Mangalajodi is also an Interesting and heart warming episode of wildlife conservation in world. Now the Birds Paradise of Asia, Mangalajodi was once a village of bird poachers. Over years gradually population of the migratory birds declined sensing danger for their survival and on the other hand poverty, lack of awareness and poaching earned bad fame for the villagers and village as well. Due to sincere efforts, now since a decade the villagers are “protectors” of the landscape and of the winged species.
Knowledge of every detail of the migratory birds- migrating pattern, feeding and breeding habits made them excellent ecoguides for tourists. All families of Mangalajodi village are earning their livelihood through nature tourism. They are serving tourists, boatmen, birders and ecoguides among others.
They also patrol the marshlands since protecting the birds is not only their source of livelihood but also the protecting the winged guests is their moral responsibility they carry with themselves. Listen to their stories from them in National Chilika Bird Festival 2019. Also get a chance to visit Nalabana Bird Sanctuary, a beautiful island in the heart of Chilika, on the 2nd day of the fest.
National Chilika Bird Fest is the only time when Nalabana is opened for nature lovers from around the globe. Activities include birding with Eco-guides from Mangalajodi village. Trekking, boating and photography would also entertain visitors.