Around 200 bird enthusiasts, including 20 children, participated in the event that covered the region’s avifauna.
Close to 150 species of birds, including a few rare ones, were sighted in the Bird Race organised in the city on Sunday.
Around 200 bird enthusiasts - 10% of them children - from the city and surrounding areas took part in the dawn-to-dusk event, which was also the first Bird Race of the year. The participants were divided in 40 teams, which visited Indroda Park, Thol, small wetlands in the city's peripheral areas, as well as Gandhinagar for bird watching.
Dr Bharat Jethva, chief co-ordinator of the Bird Race, said that around 150 species of birds had been sighted by the various groups at different places during the day.
"A few rare species, such as Peregrine Falcon and Sociable Lapwing, just to name a few, were sighted by the bird enthusiasts from during the day. It was a good experience for the participants," Jethva said.
He said that the event was aimed at generating awareness among people about the bird life surrounding the region as well as to gather support for conservation of nature and the environment.
According to officials, the event offered a unique platform for beginners, as they could get together with experienced birdwatchers, spend an entire day spotting and identifying birds in an effort to record as many species of birds as possible.
"The beginners also learn about the finer points of bird watching from experts. It is particularly exciting for the children," he said further.
Jethva also said that after bird watching, the bird enthusiasts also interacted with experts and ecologists, and shared their experiences. He said that over time, the event could help in getting a good idea about the region's avifauna (bird-life) and the areas where they face problems.
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