Warkari, Cormorants, Grey Heron, Purple Heron and Purple Swamphen sighted

Lokmat News Network

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:

The 11th Bird Festival organised by the Environmental Research Foundation and Educational Academy (ERFEA) began on Sunday with a birdwatching session at Sonewadi in the Jayakwadi Bird Sanctuary area, drawing a large number of bird lovers, students and nature enthusiasts from the city.

Participants gathered early in the morning with curiosity about the variety of birds they would get to observe this season. The birdwatching session, held between 7 am and 11 am, did not disappoint as several species were sighted, including Purple Swamphen, River Tern, Open-billed Stork, Woolly-necked Stork, Common Coot, Cormorants, Grey Heron, Purple Heron, Northern Shoveller, Northern Pintail, Eurasian Wigeon, Painted Stork and Western Marsh Harrier, among others.

Engineering students from MIT and MGM colleges, along with bird enthusiasts, participated in the activity. Informational pamphlets on various bird species were distributed by EcoSattva organisation to create awareness among attendees.

ERFEA president Dr Dilip Yardi, EcoSattva founder Gauri Mirashi, Priyanka Vaze, forest department officials Revati Kulkarni (DFO), Pramila More (ACF), RFO Rahul Sapkal and retired forest officer Ramesh Sonatakke were present. Bird experts from Paithan, Sunil Paighan and Arjun Kuche, also attended the event.

Large binoculars were arranged by ERFEA to help participants observe birds from a closer range, while the Forest Department provided long-range binoculars. Many attendees were seen keenly observing the birds’ features such as eyes, beaks and wings through the equipment.

“ERFEA has been working for several years to create awareness about birds and the environment. Citizens have a special attraction towards birds, which is why we have been organising this unique Bird Festival for the past 11 years. The number of participants has been increasing every year, which is encouraging. Bird lovers should take part in the various programmes scheduled until March 1,” said Dr Dilip Yardi, senior ornithologist.