ITANAGAR: Pasighat in East Siang, Arunachal Pradesh, recently played host to an avian extravaganza where over 900 birds of 35 different species took centre stage in a four-day bird-watching camp.
Organised by the Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE) as part of the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) & Campus Bird Count (CBC), the event unfolded from February 16 to 19, leaving participants enthralled and enlightened.
A diverse group of more than 60 enthusiasts, including 40 eager students from various colleges in Pasighat, embarked on an avian adventure, many venturing into the world of bird-watching for the very first time.
Armed with binoculars, notebooks, and a thirst for knowledge, they delved into the mesmerising realm of feathered wonders, guided by experts from ATREE.
What set this event apart was not just the sheer number of birds spotted, but the learning experience it offered.
Participants familiarised themselves with modern bird-watching tools, utilising the eBird app for recording observations and the Merlin app with its AI tools for bird identification.
As they traversed the lush landscapes of Arunachal Pradesh, they not only honed their observation skills but also developed a deeper appreciation for the avian inhabitants of their surroundings.
The climax of the event unfolded on February 19, during a vibrant concluding ceremony where participants were awarded certificates of participation.
Adding an element of competition, a quiz focusing on the birds of Siang challenged their newfound knowledge, fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared enthusiasm.
Among the attendees were esteemed figures from academia, including Dr Kento Kadu, Head of the Department, and Dr Leki Wangchu, Assistant Professor of the Zoology Department at JNC College.
Their presence underscored the significance of the event and its potential to inspire future conservation efforts.
Dr Kadu and Dr Wangchu commended the ATREE-Siang team for their commendable efforts and urged them to continue engaging and motivating students in conservation-related initiatives.
This sentiment resonated with ATREE’s ongoing endeavours to collaborate with the local indigenous Adi community and the Forest Department of Siang Valley in mainstreaming biodiversity conservation in the region.
As the sun set on Pasighat, leaving the sky painted in hues of orange and gold, the memories of this bird-watching extravaganza lingered, inspiring a newfound passion for nature and conservation in the hearts of all who participated.
