The Balikuda-Ersama coastline and its surrounding mangrove forest area have thousands of fascinating winged visitors these days.

Since the first week of November birds from foreign shores especially Siberia have been flocking to the area, every day, local sources said.

Over 10 to 15 species of migratory birds including the billed pelican, sandpiper, coot, pintail, shovel and godwil have been spotted in Baruan and Bandar mangrove forests in Balikuda, sources said.

Apart from the migratory birds the coastline and adjoining areas are home to several species of Indian country birds including mynah, cormorant, tern, drongo, babbler, blue jay, coal goose, heron, king fisher, graylag goose and gosling.

It is strange despite such a large number of migratory and country birds in the area the forest department has not appointed ornithologists or any staff to initiate any steps to educate the locals to stop poaching or to start bird census visiting the areas. There is no bird flu test here.

Every year migratory birds fly thousands of miles in winter to seek the comfort in mangrove areas and the seashores and forestlands, in Chilika Lake, Bhitarkanika National Park and Hirakud dam reservoirs in Orissa including Balikuda and Ersama coastline over the past several years.

The coasts of Balikuda too offer the required environment for the birds, as there are fishes in the vast expanse of Devi river mouth and paddy fields for them to feed on.

After the super cyclone the migratory bird count had reduced immensely. The Balidip Island, near the Jatadhari river mouth also played host to the birds, but this year it has not got any of them.

Kujang Forest Department officials admit some species of migratory birds were coming to Balidip Island every year but after the super cyclone there has been no reports of birds coming there. Range Officer Ranjan Kumar Das said he was not aware that migratory birds have been spotted at Baruan and Bandar villages and Balikuda coastline.

One Pandav Jena of Bandar village said the migratory birds started coming here from early November and problems for the local farmers have cropped up, as most of the birds destroy paddy fields and prawn gheries. Moreover he added the Forest Department had not initiated any steps to save these birds like they have done in Chilika and Bhitarkanika.

Environmentalist Sankha Nada Behera rued the Forest Department had been concentrating their efforts in birds flocking to Chilika and Bhitarakanika but neglecting the coasts which thousands of migratory birds visit every year.

Moreover reports say effluents from fertiliser plants at Paradip were causing toxicity in the sea water, which is lesser at Balikuda coast for which the birds are seen in this area.

Acting on media revelations on bird arrivals last year DFO Bhitarkanika Ajay Jena had visited the areas for a spot inquiry but no action has yet been taken.