Annual bird race to count migratory species in NCR scheduled for Dec 2
PARTICIPANTS FROM 15 TEAMS WILL RESTRICT THEIR SEARCH TO BASAI, SULTANPUR, ARAVALLI BIODIVERSITY PARK, MANGAR, NAJAFGARH
GURGAON: Migratory birds have started flying to the national capital region’s (NCR) wetlands for their annual journey south from the frigid highlands. In winter, the region not only invites the winged visitors, but also enthusiasts and experts who set out for a glimpse of these magnificent birds that are seen here only for a few weeks every year during the migratory season.
This annual ritual is recorded by birding enthusiasts and experts every year. This year, too, the Delhi Bird Society and a group of birders from Gurgaon have joined hands to organise the bird race where participants will make note of the various bird species that visit the region.
The day-long event of identifying various bird species will be held on December 2 from dawn to dusk. To count birds, participants will focus on Basai, Sultanpur, Aravalli bio-diversity Park, Mangar and Najafgarh, among other green areas.
“There will be 15 teams and participants will count bird species on December 2 in DelhiNCR. This race helps in gathering information about birds, their habitat and the wetlands across Delhi-NCR,” Pankaj Gupta, a birder from the Delhi Bird Society, said.
Each team will be provided with a bird logbook, consisting of a checklist of all species of birds recorded within the geographical limits of the concerned city, with appropriately marked columns for reporting observations. The log books will contain detailed listing of all species of birds recorded in this region during the past 20 years. People can upload the names of bird species they identify with pictures on the website eBird.
“Migration is an important process and it involves many factors. Bird migration indicates a healthy ecosystem,” another birder and founder of Ninox Abhishek Gulshan said.
Every year, more than 300 species of birds, including both domestic and international migratory birds, are spotted in Delhi-NCR.
Till now, the region has been visited by migratory birds like the Northern shoveler, Northern pintail, Greylag goose, Pochard, Isabelline shrike, Booted eagle, Common snipe, Black redstart and Marsh harrier, among others.
It is expected that by December, the region will be flooded with many more winter migratory species of birds from Russia, Europe and the Middle-eastern countries.