A total of 96 bird species were spotted at the 18th bird watching camp organised by the Ecotourism Wing of the State Forest Department at Powalgarh conservation reserve.
Chief conservator of forests, Wildlife, Dhananjai Mohan expressed delight at the wildlife seen at the area described by Jim Corbett as the best place to watch birds in the whole of Kumaon in his book “Jungle lore”. Bird species including white bellied Erpornis, Rufous bellied Hawk Eagle, little pied Flycatcher and Nepal Wren Babbler were spotted by the participants. Powalgarh Forest Rest House situated in Ramnagar Forest Division in the newly created Powalgarh Conservation Reserve was the venue for the camp conducted by Mohan with support from Dharampal Singh Negi, a forest guard from Bijrani range of CTR.
The camp which concluded on the weekend was organised as part of the Ecotourism Wing’s Uttarakhand Birdwatching Programme to introduce bird tourism and develop birdwatching skills amongst forest guards, tour operators and guides. The programme was a combination of lecture and field trips. In all there were 25 participants including 12 forest guards, one forester, eight nature guides and tour operators, two range officer trainees and two villagers. CCF, Kumaon region, Param Jit Singh presented certificates to the participants while also briefing them about the recent steps taken to promote ecotourism in Powalgarh Conservation Reserve.
According to CCF, Ecotourism, Rajiv Bhartari, the 19th Birdwatching Camp is going to be organised in Nandhaur Wildlife Sanctuary from December 13 to 15.