Bird Day in Delhi sees fewer sightings and locations

The official results of this year’s Big Bird Day (BBD) count in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) revealed that a total of 234 bird species were spotted on February 4. This included at least 15 rare species. Last year’s count was higher at 253 species, while the highest count of 268 species was recorded in 2017. The bird density was lower this year, but there was no shortage of diversity. Climate change is believed to be a major factor affecting the migration patterns of birds, causing them to migrate later and leave earlier. The lower number of sightings can also be attributed to environmental factors that threaten or reduce the population of certain bird species. Despite overcast skies and rain, birders were able to observe 115 species in total. The lower density of migratory birds is a cause for concern as it affects breeding and resource maintenance. The Yamuna Biodiversity Park witnessed a considerable diversity of bird species, including the red-crested pochard and Eurasian wigeon. Overall, 40 locations were covered during the bird count, with a total of 14 teams recording the highest count of 189 species by a single team.

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