Port Blair, Feb 14: During the four days between 16 and 19 February, more than a thousand birdwatchers throughout India will come together with the goal of documenting as many birds as possible across the country’s diverse locations.
Over one lakh birdwatchers globally participate in the annual Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC), and last year India not only ranked as the second-highest contributing country worldwide, but also discovered more bird species than any other!
In 2023, India proudly secured the third position globally for number of reported species, closely following Colombia and Ecuador. Additionally, it claimed the second spot for number of uploaded bird lists, trailing after the United States. Among the most frequently observed birds in India were the Himalayan Bulbul in the Himalayas, House Crow in both the north and the south, Red-vented Bulbul in the eastern and central regions, Feral Pigeon in the west, and Plume-toed Swift in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
GBBC not only serves as a delightful event for novice and seasoned birdwatchers alike, but also contributes to citizen science, aiding in understanding the status of avian populations in India. As Amrit Raha, a passionate birdwatcher from Port Blair aptly expressed, “Participating in the ANI Bird Race during this GBBC & CBC event has become a delightful way for me to contribute to a greater cause while enjoying the process. Reflecting on my journey, I've noticed a significant improvement in my birding skills. Over the years, ANI Bird Race has heightened my awareness of the rich avian life in my immediate surroundings. From the distinctive calls of the Andaman Crake to the vibrant plumage of the Andaman Woodpecker, I've started to recognize and appreciate the diverse bird species inhabiting these islands. Whether it's the swift flight of the Nicobar pigeon or the melodious songs of the Andaman Bulbul, my days are now filled with fascinating avian encounters. The post-noon spectacle of White-bellied Sea Eagles soaring or the evening gatherings of Andaman Drongos and Black-naped Orioles creating a symphony of colors has become a regular sight from my vantage point. It's evident that one doesn't need to be in a designated birding hotspot to observe and appreciate the captivating habits and behaviors of Andaman's feathered residents..”
Arun Singh, the seasoned Andaman Islands bird guide, skillfully reveals the secrets of the region's avian wonders. “With rich expertise, he transforms birding expeditions into captivating journeys, passionately sharing insights. His keen appraisal of the Andaman Islands' avian fauna fosters a deep appreciation for conservation among enthusiasts. Arun goes beyond identification, weaving vibrant narratives that bring each bird to life, creating a harmonious connection between people and the diverse birdlife of the Andamans.”
GBBC in India is coordinated by Bird Count India, an umbrella group of a large number of birding, nature and conservation organisations.
Participants are encouraged to list all bird species seen at a particular location over a period of 15 minutes or more, at any time during the four days, and upload the list to the bird recording platform eBird, which makes checklist creation easier This can be repeated as often as possible. During GBBC, a lot of local birdwatching walks and talks are planned across the country for the public to join in.
'College and other campuses across India unite to watch birds'
Along with GBBC, campuses across India also take part in the sister event “Campus Bird Count”, aimed at monitoring bird populations in educational and institutional campuses. Outside protected areas such as national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, these institutions are becoming increasingly vital habitats for our wildlife.
Dr. MG Madhanan, Assistant Director at the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and passionate researcher in Andaman Flora & Fauna, fondly recalls his inaugural participation in such events. Those initial days were pivotal, etching indelible lessons that continue to guide his trajectory in biodiversity research. Since 2015, he remains steadfast, recognizing the value of systematic monitoring alongside a community of dedicated individuals. Dr. Madhanan emphasizes the importance of inspiring others to perceive the unique flora and fauna of the Andamans through an informed lens, turning each surveys and events into a profound contribution to scientific understanding and conservation.
The global GBBC is organised by Cornell University and the Audubon Society in the USA.
About Bird Count India
Bird Count India is a consortium of organisations and groups working together to increase our collective knowledge about bird distributions and populations. The partnership conducts periodic bird-related events and activities, offers support and resources to birding groups for conducting their own events, and provides information on bird monitoring.
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