Over 160 bird species, 21 sightings, documented in bird census
More than 160 bird species including endangered and migratory species have been recorded across Delhi as part of the Delhi Bird Atlas.
The summer phase of the atlas -- a pioneering citizen science initiative supported by Wildlife SOS and the Delhi Forest and Wildlife Department -- reported 21 first-time sightings and saw over 600 checklists uploaded to the eBird platform, surpassing the winter documentation efforts, according to a statement.
Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus), Black Bittern (Ixobrychus flavicollis, Bonelli's Eagle (Aquila fasciata) and Indian Pitta (Pitta brachyura) are among the first-time sightings.
The project, which divides Delhi into 145 observation zones, is aimed at building a long-term understanding of avian distribution patterns across seasons, officials said.
Alongside this documentation drive, Wildlife SOS has intensified its rescue efforts during the scorching summer, saving nearly 500 birds till May 2025. These included raptors and migratory species impacted by extreme heat, electrocution, collisions, and habitat stress.
Shyam Sunder Kandpal, Chief Wildlife Warden, said the Delhi Bird Atlas is not just a scientific initiative but a "community-powered effort" to reconnect people with nature and create a data-backed conservation strategy for the capital.
The initiative also underscores the growing role of citizens in spotting and reporting injured or distressed birds, often triggering rescue operations.
"With Delhi reeling under erratic climate patterns and rising pollution, initiatives like the Bird Atlas become all the more urgent," said Wasim Akram, Director of Special Projects at Wildlife SOS.
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Deccan Herald
06-07-2025
- Deccan Herald
Over 160 bird species, 21 sightings, documented in bird census
The greater flamingo with its long, coat hanger neck and pink-white plumage, and the Indian pitta, known for its distinctive calls, were among the 21 first-time sightings recorded across the national capital this summer. More than 160 bird species including endangered and migratory species have been recorded across Delhi as part of the Delhi Bird Atlas. The summer phase of the atlas -- a pioneering citizen science initiative supported by Wildlife SOS and the Delhi Forest and Wildlife Department -- reported 21 first-time sightings and saw over 600 checklists uploaded to the eBird platform, surpassing the winter documentation efforts, according to a statement. Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus), Black Bittern (Ixobrychus flavicollis, Bonelli's Eagle (Aquila fasciata) and Indian Pitta (Pitta brachyura) are among the first-time sightings. The project, which divides Delhi into 145 observation zones, is aimed at building a long-term understanding of avian distribution patterns across seasons, officials said. Alongside this documentation drive, Wildlife SOS has intensified its rescue efforts during the scorching summer, saving nearly 500 birds till May 2025. These included raptors and migratory species impacted by extreme heat, electrocution, collisions, and habitat stress. Shyam Sunder Kandpal, Chief Wildlife Warden, said the Delhi Bird Atlas is not just a scientific initiative but a "community-powered effort" to reconnect people with nature and create a data-backed conservation strategy for the capital. The initiative also underscores the growing role of citizens in spotting and reporting injured or distressed birds, often triggering rescue operations. "With Delhi reeling under erratic climate patterns and rising pollution, initiatives like the Bird Atlas become all the more urgent," said Wasim Akram, Director of Special Projects at Wildlife SOS.
NDTV
05-07-2025
- NDTV
Delhi Bird Census: Over 160 Bird Species, 21 First Time Sightings Documented
New Delhi: More than 160 bird species including endangered and migratory ones like the greater flamingo and Indian pitta have been recorded across the national capital as part of the Delhi Bird Atlas. The summer phase of the atlas -- a pioneering citizen science initiative supported by Wildlife SOS and the Delhi Forest and Wildlife Department -- reported 21 first-time sightings and saw over 600 checklists uploaded to the eBird platform, surpassing the winter documentation efforts, according to a statement. The project, which divides Delhi into 145 observation zones, is aimed at building a long-term understanding of avian distribution patterns across seasons, officials said. Alongside this documentation drive, Wildlife SOS has intensified its rescue efforts during the scorching summer, saving nearly 500 birds till May 2025. These included raptors and migratory species impacted by extreme heat, electrocution, collisions, and habitat stress. Shyam Sunder Kandpal, Chief Wildlife Warden, said the Delhi Bird Atlas is not just a scientific initiative but a "community-powered effort" to reconnect people with nature and create a data-backed conservation strategy for the capital. The initiative also underscores the growing role of citizens in spotting and reporting injured or distressed birds, often triggering rescue operations. "With Delhi reeling under erratic climate patterns and rising pollution, initiatives like the Bird Atlas become all the more urgent," said Wasim Akram, Director of Special Projects at Wildlife SOS.
The Hindu
18-06-2025
- The Hindu
Coimbatore's school students put together a photo exhibition on Nature and wildlife
On Sunday mornings over the past year, when most of the city was fast asleep, a group of students quietly ventured out for peaceful strolls armed with cameras in their hands. Their stop is Krishnampathy Lake. The lake, originally constructed by the Cholas to prevent flooding from excess water in the Noyyal, serves as home to a variety of flora and fauna. The wetland is also a crucial stopover for several migratory birds, especially between the months of October and February, making it one of India's best birdwatching destinations. The students of class IX to 12 from Yuvabharathi Public School, representing the photography club Shutterbugs of set out on an ambitious project - to document the bird species at the lake. 'Project Birds of Krishnampathy Lake' was born out of this collective ambition of the students. Within one year, this dedicated team of students, guided by Sathish Ramamoorthy, founder of TREE, an NGO, successfully identified and documented nearly 106 bird species of the 222 bird species mentioned in the eBird portal. Geetha Jayachandran, Principal of the school says that the students actively took the initiative to work on the project all by themselves. The students, awed by the pristine front of the lake and captured images of migratory, native, and resident birds. As they immersed themselves deeper into the project and ventured further down towards the rear side of the lake, they discovered another sight, a sight of utter destruction. Here, the water was dark, murky, and contaminated with organic matter - styrofoam, thermocol, and plastics were found in heaps, posing a hazard to aquatic animals, birds, cattle and stray dogs. And the B stench from sewage dumped in the lake. The students collected water samples from the lake and sent it for laboratory testing. The findings revealed that the lake exhibits high levels of BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand), COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand), higher Iron and Manganese ion, and higher levels of turbidity than normal. Geetha recounts, 'The sight of plastics and irresponsible dumping of waste, liquor bottles, stench and filth initially shocked our students. However, their cameras continued to capture all that their eyes saw. What began as a photography project extended to an awareness initiative, as our students got worried about the destruction of the pristine lake's ecosystem.' They documented their findings in the form of a book titled The Loud Silence, which features a collection of images from this birding project. Geetha adds, 'The students stretched beyond their comfort zone, and walked the path with resilience and conviction. Our students not only captured pictures but also captured hope of a revival of this beautiful lake. The outcome is this book.' In a bid to conserve the lake, and promote environmental responsibility, the young volunteers further led an awareness campaign and distributed pamphlets to local residents. Officials from the Corporation, as well as the Forest Department supported the students. Further, the students also explored the wild in Bandipur as well, to capture exclusive moments of animals. A collection of images from Bandipur and Krishnampathy Lake will be displayed at Yuvabharathi School Auditorium on June 17. The exhibition will also feature the launch of the book, The Loud Silence
