EIACP PC Resource Partner (RP) on Avian Ecology

 

The Environmental Information System Resource Partner on Avian Ecology at the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS-ENVIS) in association with the Bird Count India and the Maharashtra Pakshimitra Sanghatana, is celebrating the birth anniversaries of Dr Sálim Ali (12 November) and Maruti Chitampalli (5 November) by conducting a Sálim Ali Bird Count across India andobserving a ‘Bird Week’ in Maharashtra. The count as well as ‘Bird Week’ will be conducted during 5-12 November, 2022. In Maharashtra, the Bird Week will be celebrated by the BNHS-ENVIS alongwith and Maharashtra Pakshimitra Sanghatana. 

 

Popularly known as the “Birdman of India”, late Dr. Sálim Ali (1896–1987) is remembered for his incredible contribution towards bird research and conservation in India. Mr. Maruti Chitampalli, a former forest service officer from Maharashtra, is well known for his research and ornithological literature in Marathi, which has inspired many birdwatchers.

 

A bird count will be held to mark this celebration. The only criterion to participate in the event is a genuine interest in birds. You can observe and record birds in your chosen area, preferably for more than one hour and upload your checklist eBird mobile applications (iOS and Android phones). A checklist package of bird species present in Indian states and India is available on eBird.

 

This is a Citizen Science initiative, conducted by different organizations as one unit. You can visit your nearest Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA book link:- http://bnhsenvis.nic.in/Database/Important-Bird-And-Biodiversity-Areas-In-India_18738.aspx) or any site like a water body or a wooded patch and record birds individually or in a group, preferably for over an hour to make the count more meaningful. The minimum count time should be 15 minutes. Counts are generally productive early in the morning; birds tend to become quiet and inactive during the middle of the day. We request the birdwatchers to not restrain themselves to this one-time event but monitor the chosen area consistently in the coming years.

 

 

 

Stpe 1: Download the eBird mobile application through the following link. The app is available for both Google play and App stores.

 

Link for application: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=edu.cornell.birds.ebird

 

Link for website: ebird.org/india

 

How to use eBird:   https://support.ebird.org/en/support/solutions/articles/48000957940-enter-sightings-with-ebird-mobile#More-Tips-&-Tricks