Florine Roche
Pics: Lokanath M

Karwar, Feb 12: For the nearly 150 delegates and thousands of enthusiastic bird and nature lovers and photographers the two-day hornbill festival at Dandeli Forest Rest house, Haliyal, the main venue of the festival, could not have asked for more. They were lined up for a mélange of activities that included bird walks, workshops, workshops, talks by experts, cultural events, photography and photography competition, painting competition and river rafting in the wild waters of river Kali. The participants were taken through a guided tour to spots in batches such as Government Timber Depot in Dandeli, Syke’s Point in Ambikanagar and Supa Dan in Ganesh Gudi and also to other spots where they could spot hornbills. The milieu, the theme, the timing and the occasion was just that any nature lover and bird watcher could ask for.

After the two-day event the participants left Dandeli with a heavy heart but with the vivid and exciting memories of the time they spent watching the different varieties of hornbills which is now included in the list of endangered and threatened bird species. The festival was organized by the state Forest and Tourism department with the objective of creating awareness about this unique species of birds which are rightly called as ‘Farmers of the forest" and also to sensitize people on the need to conserve these magnificent birds. The objective also include fostering a community of birdwatchers in the state. An area of 52.50 sq kms coming under Dandeli and Vimoli ranges has been declared as "Hornbill Conservation Reserve" in 2011. Dandeli is the home for 4 of the 9 varieties of hornbills found in India.

Brahminy Starling

Drango

Geese in flight

Green Pigeon

Indian Yellow Tit enjoying morning bath

Landscape near Dandeli

Langur

Malabar Gray Hornbill

Malabar Pied Hornbill and nest

Malabar Pied Hornbill in flight

Malabar Pied Hornbill

White Cheeked Barbet

Morning birding at the lake near Dandeli

Participants at the hornbill fest

Participents at Skype Point, Ambikanagar

Needless to say the sylvan of Dandeli in Haliyal taluk of Uttara Kannada proved to be the ideal venue for the Hornbill festival. The festival held from 2nd to 4th February amidst the thick forest of Dandeli attracted birders from different parts of Karnataka and outside including a few foreigners. Participants could register online and also on the spot registration was also allowed. Participants included the young, old and not so old and they came from different backgrounds. But they all had the same objective of getting to know more about the hornbills, their habitat and breeding behaviors.

Dy Conservator of Forests of Haliyal Division Dr Ramesh S, the brain behind the Hornbill Festival at Dandeli says "February month is the best period and Dandeli is the finest place for this Hornbill festival. Participants can feast their eyes both on the migrant as well as residential birds." Dr Ramesh is quite ecstatic following the enthusiastic response to the festival from people ranging from amateur bird watchers to professionals, nature lovers and bird photographers. "There are four species of hornbills which are found in this part of the Western Ghats namely Indian Grey, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Malabar Grey and Great Pied Hornbill. Hornbills require tall trees for building nests for breeding and Dandeli which is known for its thick forests and tall trees provides an idyllic environment for the hornbills. Hornbills feed mostly on fig trees and since these trees which are fruiting now the time is just perfect to see all varieties of hornbills." He also pointed out that after declaring this Hornbill reserve there has been a gradual but significant increase in the hornbill population.

Sachin Patil who is the honorary wildlife warden for Belgaum is in Dandeli as part of his effort to help the forest department in this endeavor. He believes that creating awareness about the habitat and breeding behavior of hornbills is very important. "Hornbills mostly pair for life and once a suitable trunk hole is selected the female enters the hole and seals it leaving only a small slit for the male to feed it during this period. The male goes around travelling in search of food to feed the mate and the chicks. Earlier people used to hunt the bird for food and if a male hornbill is killed during this period the entire family will starve and die. The female which is inside the sealed nest is helpless and as it cannot fly. Hence creating awareness is the best way to conserve hornbills," Pail says.

There is lot to learn for humans from hornbills, says Dr M R Desai, a doctor turned farmer and keen nature enthusiast. "Hornbills are generally monogamous and they mate for life and share a strong bond in addition to sharing responsibilities equally. There is something for the humans to emulate from these birds," he pointed out. He further adds: "hornbills play a crucial role in the growth of the natural forest. They eat varieties of fruits and disperse the seeds all around and the seeds which they regurgitate seed better than other seeds. Hornbills therefore play a vital role in the growth of a balanced and prosperous forest."

"Hornbills are the indicators or the symbols of the richness of forest and it is the responsibility of not just the forest department but also the civilians to protect their habitat and ensure their safety," says Dr Ramesh.

Slowly but surely there has been an enhanced awareness among the people about hornbills and that really augurs well for the hornbills and also for the fortification of our forests.