Pongal Bird Court, Asian Waterbird Census keep birders busy

The four-day Pongal Bird Count (PBC) that concluded on Saturday and the Asian Waterbird Census (AWC) that is being held from January 3 to 18 have kept avian enthusiasts from the region busy.

Birders from Coimbatore said that professional and amateur birdwatchers have taken part in the two annual bird monitoring initiatives. Volunteers taking part in these citizen science initiatives use eBird online platform to record their observations.

Biologist P. Jeganathan, who is part of the Tamil Birders Network and coordinator for PBC 2026, said more focus was given on wetlands this year. Compilation of PBC data entered by birders was expected to be completed by Saturday night, he said.

According to K. Selvaganesh, an avid birder and organiser for PBC in Coimbatore, said the two monitoring initiatives witnessed widespread participation. The statistics from the two exercises would shed insights into the population trend of birds in the region, he said.

Arulvelan T., Tamil Nadu coordinator for AWC eBird Project, said the exercise involved assessment of wetlands besides recording waterbirds.

“Along with recording waterbirds, participants need to fill a nine-page wetland assessment form. The data generated by the form will help in understanding the status and health of wetlands. Around 400 wetlands are expected to be covered by January 18,” he said.