Karnataka’s Forest Department and Bird Count India launch first Rajyotsava Bird Count

Birdwatching can help generate data for scientific study. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

The first Karnataka Rajyotsava Bird Count (KRBC), an attempt to document the 550-odd species of birds found in the State’s wetlands, forests, fields, lakes, gardens and parks, will be held between October 30 and November 2.

The four-day event, which is being organised by Bird Count India (BCI) and the Karnataka Bird Monitoring Network (KBMN), with support from the State’s Forest Department and the State’s birdwatching community, seeks to celebrate Karnataka’s natural heritage while building scientific data on its avian inhabitants.

To further encourage this initiative, the department has conducted a State-level online workshop for its officers. According to Kumar Pushkar, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) and Chief Wildlife Warden, Government of Karnataka, birds are part of Karnataka’s heritage and Rajyotsava is the perfect time to celebrate it. “We invite everyone to step outdoors, watch birds, and join the Karnataka Rajyotsava Bird Count over these four days.”

Citizen science

Anyone can participate in the event simply by observing and recording birds for about 15 minutes. All you need is a smartphone and two free apps: eBird to record observations, and Merlin Bird ID to help you identify birds.

Participants can choose the number of days and time period during which they want to participate, though certain basic ethical caveats need to be maintained while they do so. These include keeping a safe distance from nesting birds, avoiding playback recordings to attract birds, staying on paths, abstaining from chasing or disturbing birds, respecting local communities and their privacy, and delaying sharing locations of sensitive nesting sites.

Complete checklists of these observations should be submitted to eBird by November 10, which, in turn, could help generate useful scientific data.

Step out and enjoy

Dr. Ashwin Viswanathan of Bird Count India said that he was excited about conducting the first Karnataka Rajyotsava Bird Count with the support of the Forest Department. “This event presents the perfect opportunity to show our State’s pride by counting birds. All it takes is 15 minutes to step out, enjoy the fresh air, and listen to the birdsong. Every bird you watch and report also adds to science,” he said.

Published - October 27, 2026 01:51 pm IST