Go bird-watching next Sunday at protected areas across Maharashtra

Bird-watchers from Mumbai and across the country

Bird-watchers from Mumbai and across the country can document bird population on Sunday, the birth anniversary of the Bird Man of India, Dr Salim Ali.

The Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) and Bird Count India had revived its one-day event ‘Salim Ali Bird Count’ last year. (HT graphic)

The Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) and Bird Count India had revived its one-day event ‘Salim Ali Bird Count’ last year.

Bird enthusiasts can observe and document birds at a location of their choice and then submit details of all species spotted along with counts of individuals.

Deepak Apte, director, BNHS, said, “We aim to take it to pan-India level and involve more people over the course of next few years by strengthening the Indian Bird Conservation Network. Over consecutive years, the Salim Ali Bird Count could become a means of monitoring the status of birds and their habitats, if participants visit the same area every year.”

The lists of all species spotted can be submitted by filling a count summary sheet, which is available on www.bnhs.org and can be sent to research assistant, Nandkishor Dudhe, on n.dudhe@bnhs.org.

The event presents bird-watchers an opportunity to visit the Important Bird Areas (IBAs), protected areas or other community conserved wilderness around them. “It is important for people to be involved in documenting and conserving bird species. While it would be difficult for people to document a large number of bird species in urban areas, a lot of data can be obtained from semi-urban and rural areas,” said Bilwada Kale, public relations officer, BNHS.

BOX: ABOUT THE EVENT

What: Nationwide bird count

Who: Anyone interested in birds

When: November 13, Sunday

How:

(1) Go for bird watching for at least 15 min (preferably longer)

(2) Fill separate count summary sheets for each location covered

(3) Email your sheets on n.dudhe@bnhs.org

For further details, contact Nandkishor Dudhe on n.dudhe@bnhs.org or 08087738422/09004924731