KOZHIKODE: In a bid to encourage bird-watching among the public and create awareness about birds in and around the region, the annual ‘Kerala Bird Race-2014’ will be held simultaneously in Kozhikode, Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram on November 16.
The Bird Race in Kozhikode is being organised by Malabar Natural History Society (MNHS), in association with Kerala Birder, Hong Kong Shanghai Banking Corporation Ltd (HSBC) and Yuhina Eco-Media. Birders from Malappuram, Wayanad, Kozhikode, Kannur and Kasargod districts can participate in the event. In a press statement issued here on Wednesday, MNHS secretary Jafer Palot said that the dawn-to-dusk event would see teams of bird-watchers spending the entire day, trying to spot as many species of birds as possible.
“The main purpose of the race is to build support for nature conservation by introducing beginners to the finer points of bird-watching and spreading awareness on the region’s wildlife. Teams of three or four members, including one experienced bird-watcher, can choose the area they want to scout within a 100-km radius of the city,” Palot said.
He added that after spending the day recording as many bird species as possible, the teams are expected to gather at a suitable venue and discuss their day’s findings.
To ensure that the results are accurate, each city has a judging panel comprising senior birding experts who will analyse the reports.
A dinner for the birders will also be held at Garlic Route Restaurant in the evening.
The India Bird Races were first conceptualised by Mumbai-based naturalist-writer Sunjoy Monga. Presently, the races are held in 15 Indian cities between mid-November and early-March, a time also coinciding with the peak inward migration of birds over peninsular India. More than 3,000 people collectively take part in this event, making it the greatest birding event in this part of the world. It is for the eighth time that such an event is being held in Kerala.
For registration and other details, contact- 9447470439 (Jafar Palot) or 9447204182 (Sathyan Meppayur).