The census went on for eleven hours - between 5am and 4pm - across Digapahandi, Berhampur, Khallikote and Samantiapalli ranges in Berhampur. Some 75 staff members - equipped with binoculars, cameras and books containing pictures of various species of birds - took part in the census.

"In 2015, the division had recorded the presence of 13,834 migratory birds in the region. In 2016, it saw the presence of 13,960 birds of 76 species. The number had decreased the last year. The 2017 census revealed that 13,051 migratory birds of 82 species in the region," said divisional forest officer, Berhampur, Asish Kumar Behera. The warm climate of Ganjam coast draws varieties of birds to the region, he said.

In Digapahandi range enumeration took place at Wadasingi Sagar, Ghodahada, Talsagar, Khairabanka, Pala-spur, Ambada Pond, Kalingadala Dam, Chakraborty Sagar, Khanikhala, Madanmohan Sagar and Bagala Pond. In Berhampur range, the enumerators conducted the census at Tampara Lake, Routray Pond, Berhampur varsity pond, Govindpur Pond, Patrapur Pond, Chaitanyapada Pond, Samarjhool Pond and Antei Pond. In Khallikote range, the enumeration took place at Kalarabadi, Humma salt farm, Rushikulya river mouth, Rajghai, Khaiak-hama, Pathurinala, Champeighai and Kenduaghai. In Samantiapali range the forest staff were busy counting birds in locations such as Panda Sagar, Kalingadala, Mukundpur Sagar and Baghalati.

Two forest officials were engaged in each location as part of the census process and they submitted their reports in the evening. "These reports are to be reviewed tonight and the result would be announced tomorrow (Thursday)," said Behera.