With a total 118 species of birds spotted by the participants during the three- day bird watching camp, it was a ‘birdy’ feast for bird watchers in Rasiabad forest range. The camp had started on November 27 and 26 forest officials participated.
Speaking to The Pioneer, Pradeep Uniyal, ranger, Rasiabad forest range, said, “It is for the first time when a bird watching camp has been organised in Rasiabad range which is otherwise famous for sighting Barasingha (swamp deer). As many as 118 species of birds were spotted during the camp. This is good news from biodiversity point of view and it will help us to promote tourism,”
Addressing the participants of the camp, chief conservator of forests (Wildlife) Dr Dhananjai Mohan said that birds play an important role in the biodiversity and spotting of such a huge number of species of birds in this range is a good sign. “If we want to conserve nature we must conserve the habitat of the birds,” he said. “The training would help improve our strength by overcoming the shortcomings,” he said, adding that it was a unique experience for all the participants.
“Forest officials of Haridwar, Dehradun and lansdowne forest divisions along with those of Rajaji tiger reserve participated in the camp which concluded on Sunday,” said Haridwar divisional forest officer HK Singh.
The participants saw some rare species of birds as well as common birds like Wood pecker, Horn bill and King fisher. Some of the migratory birds Ruddy Shelduck, Pintail were also spotted, to the further delight of the watchers.