A file photo of birdwatchers conducting a bird survey in Mysuru district during the winter season.
BENGALURU: Karnataka ’s first-ever Karnataka Rajyotsava Bird Count (KRBC), which concluded on Monday, recorded an impressive 407 bird species across the state, bringing together 2,252 birders who submitted 8,223 checklists over four days, from Oct 30 to Nov 2. The unique initiative, organised by Bird Count India and Karnataka Bird Monitoring Network, aimed to document Karnataka’s avian diversity by encouraging citizens, birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts across the state to spend at least 15 minutes watching birds and upload their observations as complete checklists on the eBird portal. The biodiversity-rich and forested Uttara Kannada district emerged as the district with the highest species count, recording 300 bird species, followed by Mysuru with 260 and Bengaluru Urban with 241. Kodagu (235), Chamarajanagara (237), Udupi (239) and Chikkamagaluru (229) were among the other districts that recorded rich avian diversity. The four-day event witnessed the participation of 2,252 birders from across Karnataka. Bengaluru Urban topped the list with the highest number of birders (341) and the maximum number of checklists (788). This was followed by Tumakuru (686) and Chamarajanagara (613), indicating substantial participation beyond the major urban centres. “Contrary to the perception that Bengaluru has been converted into a concrete jungle, with significant loss of vegetation, the city is home to more than 240 bird species. During the four-day exercise, the second day (Oct 31) witnessed the highest participation, with as many as 1,461 birders submitting 2,356 checklists and recording 380 species. “Despite the variation in birders’ numbers on each day, the number of species recorded remained above 350-360 each day. “As many as 52 bird species were recorded across all 30 eBird regions (with Ballari and Vijayanagara considered one region) in Karnataka, indicating their widespread presence and adaptation to various habitats. However, 32 species were reported in only one district each. Udupi and Uttara Kannada accounted for 10 such species each.
Going forward, the event is expected to gain greater popularity and attract wider participation,” Sahana M, one of the regional coordinators of Bird Count India, said. The preliminary results of the bird count, accessed by TOI, highlighted interesting geographical variations in bird diversity and participation. The KRBC was held in collaboration with multiple stakeholders, including Karnataka Forest Department and eBird India. Waterbodies on the outskirts and the forest landscape along Bannerghatta and Kanakapura Road have substantially supported the bird population,” explained Vignesh Bhat, one of the coordinators of KRBC. We know that South Karnataka has more birders compared to North Karnataka. Our aim is to spread the joy of birding among common citizens, make them aware of the birdlife around them. When common citizens become aware of the bird life around them, the actual conservation starts then. One of the interesting findings of the exercise was that while some bird species were found across Karnataka, others were recorded in only one district. These have been identified as ‘Karnataka’s everyday birds’. These were largely shorebirds, wetland birds and occasional visitors (migrants),” Bhat explained. Among the species recorded in only select districts were the Eurasian Oystercatcher and Eurasian Hobby in Udupi, Red-backed Shrike and Little Bunting in Uttara Kannada (Kumta), Indian Nuthatch in Chamarajanagara, Orange-breasted Green Pigeon in Bengaluru Urban, Eastern Marsh Harrier in Bengaluru Rural and White-naped Tit in Kolar. You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Bengaluru | Silver Rate in Bengaluru | Bank Holidays in Bengaluru | Public Holidays in Bengaluru | Bengaluru AQI | Weather in Bengaluru | Petrol Price in Bengaluru | Diesel Price in Bengaluru | CNG Price in Bengaluru | LPG Price in Bengaluru