Neighbourhood bird count from today

By A Staff Reporter Kathmandu, June 3: Bird Conservation Nepal (BCN) is organising the second edition of nationwide bird count from June 3 to June 6. 

The main objective of this initiative is to increase the number of people with knowledge and awareness about birds, and nature conservation.

The objective of the campaign is to provide many people with an enjoyable pastime and to increase the support basis for nature conservation. 

Everyone can count birds from their own home just spending minimum 15 minutes to a maximum of 30 minutes, said Aarati Nepali, Project Coordinator (Chhimeki Chara) of BCN. 

During the first event held from February 18 to 21, 2022, people were able to record both residents and winter visitors. The overall result of the very first bird count was very insightful and participation surprising in spite of coronavirus lockdowns and school holidays, Nepali said in a press conference organised by the BCN.

This time, altogether 432 users have submitted the bird records from 55 districts while the participants from outside the Kathmandu Valley are 53 per cent. 

“This time we have made an extra effort to reach out to about 30 districts that saw very low or no participation during the first event,” she said. 

“We have assigned a focal person in the districts to mobilize the public. They are given online and physical orientation,” she said. 

Certificates and other benefits have also been arranged for the volunteers.  “Based on the feedback from the users in the first event, we have improved and updated the Chhimeki Chara app this time, which is available in both Android and IOS App Store,” Nepali added.