A septuagenarian farmer of Sadangi village Samasika said locals welcome the storks and help in their protection every year as their stay boosts confidence among the farming community. “We were unhappy when they did not come five years ago and crop failed in that year,” said a farmer. Social activist Sisir Satpathy said Forest department needs to create watch towers in the area and promote the spot for tourist attraction.

Asian Openbill storks, scientifically known as Anastomous Oscitans having a height of two and a half feet, arrived at Sadangi forest in the first week of June. A forest official said before the storks arrive, a group of other birds comes in advance to explore food sources and climatic condition. This year, they had come in last week of May and around 120 storks arrived on June 10. Before they arrive, forest officials take steps for their protection in the forest range, the official said.

Forest officials informed that these large birds come from different places of India, Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia and other places. They arrive here in first week of June and leave the place by the end of December. During their seven-month stay, they breed and return after their babies birds learn to fly, said PK Sahoo, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO).

Last year, two persons were arrested and forwarded to jail on charges of poaching the storks. Sahoo said, “We are quite vigilant on their safety as their visit encourages farmers and tourists. Our patrolling is going on round the clock.”