Media Release

Udupi, Feb 10: Despite the Covid restrictions, the 11th edition of Manipal Bird Day proved to be a great experience for the enthusiastic birders who participated in it.

A total of 78 birders showed up for the annual exercise which was organized by the Manipal Birders Group on Sunday February 7. In view of preventing the Covid pandemic, all precautions like maintaining social distancing, wearing masks and use of hand sanitizers were strictly adhered to.

The day began with a ‘Bird Walk’ at 6.30 am. The birders divided themselves into smaller groups of 10-12 members and followed 11 different trails which took them through different terrains like hills, plains, paddy fields and wetlands. The idea was to sight as many birds as possible and record their presence in the region. By the time the walk ended at about 10.00 am, the different groups recorded sightings of 122 species of birds.

After the bird walk concluded, the different groups gathered at Indrali temple area for breakfast and a discussion session. New birders and the senior birders shared their experiences about the bird day and the highlights of what they saw. On the occasion, the formation of Manipal Birding and Conservation Trust (MBAC) was also announced. The trust will focus on conservation of the trails in and around Manipal. A few butterfly hosting plants were distributed. Hand painted bookmarks were given to the participants as a souvenir.

Manipal Birders Club conducts regular birding sessions every Sunday from 6.30 am and visits different locations around Manipal to record the birds. Interested people may visit the Manipal Birders Club Facebook page or call 7411521633 (Tejasvi S Acharya) for more information.