Because the solar rose over Delhi-NCR on February 16, birders armed with binoculars and cameras fanned out throughout parks, wetlands, and forests, desperate to doc the wealthy avian lifetime of the area. By the tip of the day, they amassed a powerful tally — 243 species, 9 greater than the 234 final 12 months.
Black Hooded Oriole. (Courtesy: Surya Prakash)
The twenty fifth version of Massive Fowl Day (BBD) was deemed a hit.
The annual citizen-led birding occasion, held on February annually, noticed over 500 specialists overlaying 40 areas, from the luxurious expanse of Sultanpur to the wetlands of Dhanauri and the city greens of Asita East.
Veteran and beginner birders alike celebrated the various sightings, which included Oriental pied hornbills, Dusky eagle owls, Quick-eared owls, and Indian noticed eagles.
The BBD report, launched on Friday, highlighted the wealthy variety of birdlife throughout the area.
“While there were no particularly unexpected species, several important birds were recorded, including Oriental pied hornbill, Oriental scops owl, golden plover, water rail, short-eared owl, Indian spotted eagle, black-hooded oriole, moustached warbler, and dusky eagle owl,” mentioned Nikhil Devasar, birder and one of many organisers of the occasion.
City conservation efforts in Yamuna Biodiversity Park, Asola, and Asita East are displaying optimistic outcomes, Devasar added.
“It is inspiring to see such enthusiastic participation, especially from young birders. Despite the early summer and visible return migration, the strong species count reaffirms the richness of our region’s avian life,” he mentioned.
“This year’s BBD has once again showcased the remarkable diversity of birdlife across the NCR,” Devasar mentioned.
Organisers mentioned that year-on-year chicken rely knowledge confirmed 253 species logged in 2023, 214 in 2022, 244 in 2021, and 253 in 2020.
Massive chicken day 2025 data 243 species throughout Delhi-NCR
Veteran birder Surya Prakash, who lined the Dhanauri wetlands, mentioned, “As soon as we started, we were greeted by a pair of barred buttonquails. As the morning rolled on, we observed several bird species. Munias, prinias, bushchats, larks, and pipits were particularly cooperative.”
Prakash added: “By 2pm, only two of us remained, venturing deeper into the landscape, where we saw a lone Coppersmith barbet, yellow-wattled lapwings, thick-knees, and a delightful array of passerine birds.”
Organisers famous that Sultanpur, Chandu, Mandhoti, and Dhanauri have been key areas lined. Yamuna Biodiversity Park recorded Crimson-crested pochards, indicating thriving habitat restoration.
Devasar mentioned Asita East recorded 82 species, proving its potential as a birding hotspot. He famous that early summer season affected the overall rely, notably of migratory birds, which numbered round 100 species this 12 months.
“The results, however, highlight the incredible diversity of birdlife across the region, with the outskirts of Delhi continuing to support a number of species due to their varied ecosystems,” Devasar concluded.