10 months ago
Asian Waterbird Census Begins in Bengal
The Asian Waterbird Census has started in Bengal and will continue for three months.
People can join by registering on the eBird website or app.
They will count waterbirds in different wetlands to see how healthy the wetlands are.
Some places where they will look for birds are East Kolkata Wetlands and Baruipur Wetlands.
They have seen many common birds like the Lesser Whistling Duck and even a rare Knob-billed Duck.
The census helps scientists understand how many birds there are and if the wetlands are doing well.
They also plan to count birds along the coast and organize a birding camp in the Sundarbans.
The Asian Waterbird Census aims to count waterbirds and assess wetland health in Bengal.
Participants can register through the eBird website or mobile app.
Key locations include East Kolkata Wetlands, Baruipur Wetlands, and Kalyani Lake.
Common waterbirds spotted include Lesser Whistling Duck and Gadwall, with a rare Knob-billed Duck sighting in Baruipur.
The census will also count coastal birds and organize a birding camp in the Sundarbans.
- Who
- Participants registered through eBird
- What
- Asian Waterbird Census to count waterbirds and assess wetland health
- Where
- Various wetlands in and around Bengal, including East Kolkata Wetlands and Baruipur Wetlands
- When
- Through February
- Why
- To monitor waterbird populations and wetland conditions annually
Key facts
- Census Duration
- Three months (through February)
- Registration Method
- eBird website or mobile app
- Key Locations
- East Kolkata Wetlands, Baruipur Wetlands, Kalyani Lake, etc.
- Common Waterbirds
- Lesser Whistling Duck, Gadwall, Northern Pintail, etc.
- Rare Sighting
- Knob-billed Duck in Baruipur
- Organizing Bodies
- Wetlands International South Asia, Bird Count India
Quotes
Kanad Baidya
State coordinator of the Asian Waterbird Census and member of the Birdwatchers’ Society
“Although very large, the migrant birds do not stay for long at the East Kolkata Wetlands because of disturbances. It is also a site for fishing.”
telegraphindia.com
“A Knob-billed Duck is relatively rare in south Bengal, and it’s encouraging to see that they have been visiting Baruipur regularly since 2020.”
telegraphindia.com
Ashwin Viswanathan
Part of the team that manages Bird Count India, a co-organiser of the census in India
“Many people may not be able to participate in the census if there is only a 15-day window. People could be out of town during that fortnight.”
telegraphindia.com
