Here’s an opportunity to know more about the avian visitors. If nature and birds interest you, then sign up for the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC), an annual event for birders across the country to participate in extensive bird count activities. In Madurai, volunteers from Madurai Nature Forum (MNF) have joined hands with colleges and schools to carry out the event this year. “Pongal Bird Count was encouraging as many students and volunteers took part enthusiastically and submitted over 100 checklists of birds each. That has made us rope in more people for the GBBC,” says Raveendran Natarajan of MNF.
Students of Lady Doak College who have been participating in bird counts for the past couple of years are determined to go into unexplored areas this time.
“Bird counts are a great way to know about the natural heritage of our local area. A lot of us have developed interest in birds after taking part in the count,” say Sabiya Begum, M.Sc of Zoology, of Lady Doak College.
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“Students get to observe and learn about the habitat, behaviour and food habits of common birds. Though they may know the local Tamil names of the birds, they also learn the Species names,” says Jhansi, teacher at the B.P.V Sala High School, Palayampatti.
“Students in village schools can cover even interior parts of the district where usually the city birders may not venture.”
“We generally don’t give much thought to birds but the count makes you learn more about them and understand what role they play in the ecosystem,” says P. C. Saravanan, Secretary of Chandra National School, Aruppukottai.
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GBBC will happen from February 17 to 20. Interested volunteers may contact 9715223909, or visit www.birdcount.in