West Bengal Engages in Global Great Backyard Bird Count Event
West Bengal has enthusiastically joined the global Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC), an annual event running from February 13 to 16. Birdwatchers across the state are actively participating, fanning out from hills to grasslands and swamps to observe and document avian life.
Key Sightings and Participation Numbers
As of Saturday, Bengal has recorded 289 bird species, placing it sixth on the India species list. Notable sightings include the lesser yellownape, common starling, and the scops owl (rufous morph). Approximately 180 participants were involved by the end of the first day, contributing to these observations.
Santanu Manna, the Bengal coordinator from the Birdwatchers' Society, highlighted these findings. Last year, Bengal led India with 577 species, while this year, Uttarakhand tops the list with 358 species so far.
Global and National Context
Globally, India is currently leading the GBBC with 837 species recorded by the end of day one, followed by China with 561 species and Australia with 493 species. The GBBC is organized worldwide by Cornell University and the Audubon Society in the USA, aiming to create a real-time snapshot of bird populations through citizen science.
In India, the event is coordinated by Bird Count India, a consortium of over 70 birding, nature, and conservation organizations. A unique sister event, the Campus Bird Count, focuses on informal habitats like courtyards, heritage groves, and tree-lined pathways, organized in collaboration with WWF India and the Foundation for Ecological Security.
How to Participate in the Bird Count
Individuals can join the GBBC by following these simple steps:
- Watch birds in any location, such as courtyards, gardens, pathways, or near water bodies, for at least 15 minutes during February 13-16.
- Identify all birds seen or heard during the observation period.
- Share your sightings using the eBird app to contribute to the global data collection.
This initiative not only promotes birdwatching but also aids in conservation efforts by monitoring bird habitats and behaviors across diverse environments.
