Kendrapada: The Bhitarakanika National Park in Kendrapada district has reported a significant increase in the number of bird sightings this year. According the Forest Department sources, the number of birds sighted in Bhitarakanika has increased to 123867 this year compared to 116070 last year. A bird census was carried out from 3rd September to 7th September in Bhitarakanika’s Mathaadia, Laxmiprasadia, Durgaprasadia, and Balidia islands of Rajanagar Forest Range.