A three-day bird watching camp organised by the Ecotourism Wing of the Forest Department at Khirsu concluded on the weekend with scores of bird species being spotted by the participants.
A total of 25 persons including four women participated in the camp which was conducted by Wildlife Institute of India faculty member Subharanjan Sen and Sanjay Sondhi from the Titli Trust.
According to chief conservator of forests, Ecotourism, Rajiv Bhartari, the birdwatching camp in the scenic oak and rhododendron forests of Khirsu had enthusiastic participants including some women of Khirsu and adventure/nature camp operators from Kotdwar keen to learn about birds. The participants included local nature guides, students, visitors and forest guards from Pauri forest division.
A total of 60 species of birds were sighted including the lammergeier and the Red Headed Vulture. The participants were also exposed to the moth screen used to identify moths. Identifying about 80 species of moths added to the excitement and the participants excitedly watched the Burnet Moth-a day flying moth at Khirsu Eco Park, he added.
Khirsu is one of the 20 destinations that have been identified for promotion of birdwatching in Uttarakhand. The species list was much less than expected and is unlikely to attract hard core birders. But good infrastructure, scenic views and enchanting forests make Khirsu a perfect nature destination for beginners.
