Bhubaneswar: With the temperature continues to dip across Odisha, the migratory birds in large number thronged Chandaka forest this winter.

The birds of different species flocking Chilika and Anshupa Lake were found in many water courses and lakes in Chandaka sanctuary, on outskirts of Bhubaneswar.

In view of influx of birds from various places to Kumarkhunti, Ambil, Kajalaganda, Deras, Jhumuka, Jaria, Godibari and Bharatpur area in Chandaka, the forest department is all ready to conduct bird census at Elephant Sanctuary from today.

The authorities have identified 21 places in the forest for counting the number of birds. Total 11 teams comprising forest officials and 35 others including students have been formed to conduct the programme.

As the number of migratory birds has declined in Chilika, Asia's largest brackish water lagoon, this winter, it is impossible to predict the results in the bird census in Chandaka, said ACF Sharat Kumar Behera.

Like Chilika, the number of foreign birds in Chandaka is also very nominal during this winter, he said.