Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government on Saturday began its comprehensive midwinter bird census, covering all 52 forest divisions across the state. This ambitious project aims to log both indigenous and migratory bird species, providing valuable insights into the state’s rich avifauna.Key locations, including Chilika Lake, Bhitarkanika National Park, and Hirakud Dam, are being closely monitored due to their substantial bird populations. To ensure comprehensive coverage, 21 teams have been deployed in both Chilika and Hirakud, while 18 teams are working in Bhitarkanika.Each team consists of an ornithologist, forest personnel, and 5-6 additional members including bird experts, forest officials, and volunteers. The teams will use cameras and binoculars to spot and count the birds. A mock drill was also conducted on Thursday to prepare for the census.The Chilika Wildlife Division has set up 21 temporary bird protection camps to safeguard migratory birds, employing 48 temporary staff members. Each camp is manned by a forest guard and a forest watcher.