Participants of the 18th edition of the Chennai Bird Race on Saturday.
| Photo Credit: B. Velankanni Raj
More than 100 birdwatchers participated in the 18th edition of the Chennai Bird Race on Saturday. As many as 175 species were spotted at various birding hotspots in the city.
A total of 25 teams, including 10 teams from the Indian Maritime University (IMU), took part in the event organised by the Madras Naturalists Society (MNS), and supported by HSBC. It was held in Pallikaranai, Sholinganallur, Manampathy, Somangalam, Pulicat, and Nemili.
Akshara G.K., 10, who took part along with her parents, spotted 102 species, mostly in Nemili along the East Coast Road. The species spotted included Northern Pintail, Northern Shoveler, and Eurasian Teal. Though she couldn’t spot her “target bird”, the Osprey, she spotted the Woolly-Necked Stork, which is a rare sighting.
Ragavi M.D., IMU student, who is participating for the second time, said that she learnt of microenvironments that had birds within her college campus. Two new species were spotted on the IMU campus, bringing the total number of species found on the campus to 119.
Vijayakumar of the MNS highlighted the importance of bird data. “Long-term data help us understand how species’ populations have changed over the years,” he said, encouraging participants to continue contributing towards such a database.
All race submissions were reviewed by Vikas Madhav, a prominent birder and MNS member. The total species count reached 175, with one team spotting the highest number — 144 species. The Peregrine Falcon became a popular sight, spotted by several teams during the event.
Special sightings included the Eurasian Sparrowhawk, Small Minivet, Red-Collared Dove, Ruddy Turnstone, and the Woolly-Necked Stork.
Published – February 02, 2025 12:31 am IST