Migratory Birds Begin Early Return from Bhitarkanika Due to Rising Temperatures

Bhitarkanika National Park in Odisha is witnessing an unusual phenomenon this year as migratory birds have started their return journey earlier than expected.

Typically, these winged visitors remain until mid‑March, but soaring temperatures—already touching 31°C in February—have prompted them to leave sooner.

Forest officials confirmed that several foreign wading birds have already departed, while water birds such as ducks continue to stay, adapting to shallow waters.

Manas Kumar Das, Assistant Chief Conservator of Forests, noted that the early onset of summer has disrupted the usual migration cycle.

This premature departure highlights the growing impact of climate variations on wildlife patterns, raising concerns among conservationists about the long‑term effects on biodiversity in the region.