Observing World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD)

Posted by Srijith in Events, Featured, News | 0 comments

World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) is a global initiative launched in 2006 devoted to celebrating migratory birds and for promoting their conservation. On the second weekend of May, people around the world take action and organize public events such as bird festivals, education programmes and bird watching excursions to celebrate WMBD. All such global events are linked through a single global campaign and theme. This year’s theme is “Save migratory birds in crisis – every species counts!”. It aims to raise awareness on globally threatened migratory birds, with a particular focus on those on the very edge of extinction – the Critically Endangered migratory birds.

Field observations and studies show a drastic decline in the migratory bird population of Kerala. The number has fallen in almost all the major landings, but some new species have also been reported in the last year. Tufted duck, Black headed bunting and Red headed bunting were three new additions to the bird list of Kerala. A considerable increase in the number of White wagtail, Citrine wagtail, Grey headed lapwing and Yellow wattled lapwing have been reported from south Kerala. All these indicate a high dynamism in the population and diversity of migratory bird. The number and species vary from year to year due to many reasons and climate change also plays a crucial role in this. At this juncture, observation of World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) find much significance in the State.

WWF-India, Kerala State Office in association with Warblers & Waders, the team of bird watchers of the city, is organizing two day awareness programme in connection with this on 8^th and 9^th May 2010. The awareness programme will be held at Lenin Balavady, Vazhuthacaud, Thiruvananthapuram on 8^th at 6 pm with topics on migratory birds and major landings of Kerala and threats faced by them in the State. On 9^th the team of birdwatchers will visit Koonthakkulam Bird Sanctuary near Thirunelveli for field observation. The awareness programme on 8^th is open to all and the trip on the next day is limited for 15 bird enthusiasts. Those who like to participate are requested to contact Mr. A.K.Sivakumar, Education Officer of WWF-India on or before 7^th May 2010 at 94473 86978. Seats will be allotted on first come first serve basis.

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