Himalayan Nature & Adventure Foundation's 12th Annual Bird Watching Camp concluded at Doley, Neora Valley National Park.

By Rajarshi Chakrabarty

21 birders and birding enthusiasts participated in the 12th Annual Bird Watching camp over five days deep inside Neora Valley National Park to record and document various species birds found in the region.The bird camp was mentored by renowned birder Mr.Apurba Chakraborty who led a team of 21 birders through the wild trails of Neora Valley National Park during the five days of birding to log close to 100 species of birds found in the region.

Birds of different species were found both common and uncommon like Rufous-vented Yuhina, Dark Rumped Rosefinch, Rufous Fulvetta, Himalayan Blue Tail, Scarlet Finch, Grey-headed canary flycatcher, Goldenbush robin and many more.

Some special birds like Words Trogon, Black-throated parrotbill and Khaleej Pheasants were also spotted during the birding sessions deep into the rainforests of Neora Valley.

The birders had to deal with inclement weather at times as the whimsical weather of rains, fogs and mists intermittently caused difficulty in spotting birds but the ardent birders managed to overcome all the natural hindrance to spot various species of birds in the difficult terrain.

The camp at Doley, located at an elevation of 6650 feet, secluded deep into the Neora Valley National Park offered an excellent opportunity to camp in the wilderness away from human habitation to spot various avian species in their natural habitat.

On the concluding day of the camp, HNAF's Program Coordinator Mr.Animesh Bose reiterated the fact that birding should be done following the ethics by all birders without altering or manipulating the habitats of birds in the completely natural way. Prakarrit Sangsad's chief mentor Mr.Apurba Chakraborty mentioned that his prime objective was to relate the members with particular species of birds so they take up interest in birding and conservation efforts in the future.

The HNAF also acknowledged the assistance extended by CC-Wildlife Mr.Ujjal Chakraborty(Gorumara Range) for the coordination with the State Forest Department providing necessary permits and forest staffs who accompanied the birding teams in the forest to locate and spot bords with their expertise.All members were given acknowledgment certificate by HNAF on the successful completion of the camp as the enthusiastic birders went back with a wealth of knowledge on various species of birds found in the region, their habitats and nature under the able mentorship of experienced birders.