The State unit of the WWF-India and Warblers and Waders, Thiruvananthapuram, will host the Kerala Bird Race 2008 in and around the State capital on November 9. Many birdwatchers of south Kerala are expected to participate in the dawn-to-dusk event, in which teams will spend the day observing and identifying birds.Participants will record different species of birds spotted by them and learn about the finer points of bird-watching from the experts and the experienced. The teams will then assemble in a city hotel to share their experiences.According to WWF-India Education Officer A.K. Sivakumar, the bird race will help to stimulate interest in bird-watching as a hobby. Besides, the exercise will help to understand the recent trends in bird population and the potential of urban ecosystems. Negative factors determining the bird population such as tree felling, climate change, loss of wetlands, pollution and low food availability will be discussed during this exercise. Sighting of Stone Chat, a typical dry habituated bird, at Vellayani paddy fields during last year's bird race was a clear indication of raising atmospheric temperature in and around the capital. During last year's exercise, the city group could spot 90 species. The dwindling population of house sparrows turned to be a matter of concern. The locations for the race will be Vellayani paddy fields, Akkulam wetlands, Zoo and Museum campus, Arippa forests, Kallar-Ponmudy, Bon Accord forests, Aruvikkara reservoir and neighbouring areas of Kanyakumari district. Experienced adjudicators will analyse the results and announce the winners at a function later in the evening. Those interested in participating should register with programme coordinators A.K. Sivakumar (Mobile 94473 86978) or C. Susanth (mobile 94476 99236) on or before November 5.
The Hindu, 25th October 2008
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