The Green Works Trust (GWT) and Maharashtra Forest Department will jointly conduct three days of bird count activity in May end at Karnala Bird Sanctuary (KBS) in Panvel. This is the fourth occasion when common citizens will be involved in the official bird count activity. The bird sanctuary is located around 10 kms from Panvel in Raigad district.
Nikhil Bhopale, founder of GWT, a wildlife expert and conservationist from Navi Mumbai said, “GWT is excited to announce the 4th Karnala Bird Count event has been scheduled on May 27, 28 and 29 to study the avifauna of Karnala Bird Sanctuary.” He added that it will be a very unique experience working with bird experts on scientific Bird Count in the forest.
In December 2020, a total of 27 common citizens and bird aficionados had participated and they had spotted 103 bird species during two days' activity. That was also the first ever official bird count at KBS.
So far, GWT has already conducted three bird count activities and spotted a total of 171 different species of birds.
According to Bhopale, the objective of including common citizens and bird lovers is to sensitize them about the importance of biodiversity. “The event has been conceptualized by GWT in association with the MFD. It has a two-fold benefit—Scientific study of birds and Citizen awareness. Hence, the count will be carried with citizen participation,” said Bhopale.
Normally, the survey is conducted using two types of bird count sampling methods viz. Line Transect and Point Counts. “The 9 line transects and 5-point counts are done to cover the sanctuary area of 12.48 sq km. This count is aimed to document bird population and avifaunal diversity of the sanctuary,” said Bhopale.
In the past bird species spotted were Alpine Swift, Indian Scops Owl, Indian Eagle Owl, Indian Pitta, Common Hawk Cuckoo and Peregrine Falcon feeding on Parakeet.
Participants have to register till May 8. Bhoale said that this is not a photography expedition, bird tour, camping or leisure tour. “This is a scientific bird count. We expect all participants will give their sincere efforts towards the count without personal motto,” added Bhopale.
Ten Rare Birds spotted during previous survey
Alpine Swift
Indian Scops Owl
Indian Eagle Owl
Indian Pitta
Common Hawk Cuckoo
Peregrine Falcon
Ashy Minivet
Three-toed kingfisher
Malabar Trogon
Hawk Cuckoo
