Bird watching, also known as birding, is a recreational activity and hobby involving the

observation and study of wild birds in their natural habitats. Bird watchers, or birders seek out
birds using various techniques such as visual identification, listening for bird calls and songs, and
sometimes using binoculars or telescopes for closer observation, Bird watching can be done
anywhere birds are found, including forests, wetlands, parks, backyards, and even urban
environments.
The main objectives of bird watching include:
1. Identification: Bird watchers aim to identify different bird species based on their physical
characteristics, behavior, and vocalizations. This often involves using field guides, birding apps,
or prior knowledge.
2.Appreciation of Nature: Bird watching provides an opportunity to appreciate the
beauty and diversity of birds and their habitats, fostering a deeper connection to nature.
3.Education and Conservation: Bird watching contributes to citizen science efforts collecting
data on bird populations, distributions, and behaviors. This information is valuable for bird
conservation and research.
Bird watching can be a solitary activity or a social pursuit, with birding clubs and
Organized bird walks allowing enthusiasts to share their passion with others. Many bird watchers
keep detailed records of their sightings in journals or online databases and participate in bird
counts and surveys to contribute to scientific understanding and conservation efforts. Overall,
bird watching offers both recreational enjoyment and opportunities for contributing to
environmental stewardship
Now coming to the experiential activity of our college , Himanshu Sharma the expect in bird
watching visited our college for bird watching in our college campus . We along with the teacher
and bird expect moved throughout the college campus in the morning time around 8:30am. We
also find several species in our college like kite, owlet ,red velvet bulbul and sun bird etc.

Equipment used during the bird watching session:

During a bird watching session, you'll want to bring along some essential equipment to enhance
your experience and help you spot and identify birds more effectively. Here's a list of common
items:

1. Binoculars: A good pair of binoculars is essential for observing birds from a distance. Opt for
ones with a comfortable grip and appropriate magnification (typically 8x or 10x).

2. Field Guide: A field guide specific to birds in your region helps identify species based on their
appearance, behavior, and habitat.

3. Notebook and Pen/Pencil: Useful for jotting down observations, sketches, or notes about bird
sightings.

4. Birding App: Many birders use apps that provide bird identification, bird call recordings, and
additional information.

5. Camera with Telephoto Lens: Capture bird photos for identification or enjoyment. A telephoto
lens helps zoom in on distant birds.

8. Bird Call Recorder: Optionally, a device for recording bird calls can aid in identification and
documentation.

9. Water: Stay hydrated and energized during your bird watching adventure.
During a bird watching session, the instructions given to us by our respected teacher.

1. Stay Quiet and Move Slowly: Avoid loud noises and sudden movements that could startle
birds. Move quietly and slowly to avoid scaring them away.

2. Use Binoculars: Encourage participants to use binoculars to get a closer look at birds without
disturbing them.

3. Observe Behavior: Pay attention to the bird's behavior, such as feeding habits, calls, and
interactions with other birds. This can help with identification.

4. Listen for Calls: Birds often give away their presence with calls. Encourage participants to
listen carefully for bird songs and calls to help locate them.

5. Respect Nature: Emphasize the importance of respecting wildlife and their habitats. Avoid
getting too close to nests or disturbing natural settings.

6. Identify Birds Safely: Help participants use field guides or birding apps to identify the birds
they see based on markings, size, and behavior.

7. Take Notes: Encourage participants to take notes about the birds they see, including details
like size, color, habitat, and any distinctive features.

8. Share Knowledge: If you're leading the session, share interesting facts about the birds and
their habitats to enhance everyone's understanding and appreciation.

9. Stay Patient: Bird watching requires patience. Encourage participants to stay still and observe
quietly for better chances of spotting birds.
Species found in college

Species Habitat/ lifestyle FACTS AND

APPEARANCE

Spotted owlet This species is nocturnal but is KINGDOM:Animalia

sometimes seen in the day. When PHYLUM:Chordata
disturbed from their daytime site, CLASS: Aves
they bob their head and stare at ORDER: Strigiformes
intruders. It can often be located FAMILY: Strigidae
by the small birds that mob it GENUS: Athene
while it is perched in a tree. It SPECIES: Athene brama
hunts a variety of insects and ● The spotted owlet
small vertebrates. In Pakistan they is a small and
have been found to take mostly stocky bird,
insect prey. In the arid region of barely 21
Jodhpur, they have been found to centimetres (8.3
take more rodents (especially in in) in size.
the genus Mus and tend to avoid ● The upperparts
other rodents such as Tatera ) prior are grey-brown,
to the breeding season. Bats, heavily spotted
toads, small snakes such as with white.
Ramphotyphlops braminus have ● The underparts
been noted. They may also take are white,
scorpions and molluscs. Nests streaked with
near human habitations may show brown.
higher breeding success due to ● The facial disc is
increased availability of rodents pale and the iris
for feeding young. is yellow.
● There is a white
neckband and
supercilium.
● Sexes are similar.
The flight is
deeply
undulating.
● Black kites are social KINGDOM:Animalia
raptors and in winter, they PHYLUM:Chordata
form large communal CLASS:Aves
roosts. ORDER:Accipitriformes
● These birds hunt by day FAMILY:Accipitridae
and are most often seen GENUS:Milvus
gliding and soaring on SPECIES:Milvus
thermals as they search for migrans
food. ● Black kites are
● They will swoop down generally dark in
with their legs lowered to color.
snatch small live prey or ● The upper
carrion, for which behavior plumage is brown
they are known in British but the head and
military slang as the neck tend to be
shite-hawk. paler.
● The Indian populations are ● The patch behind
well adapted to living in the eye appears
cities and are found in darker.
densely populated areas. ● The outer flight
Large numbers may be feathers are black
seen soaring in thermals and the feathers
over cities. have dark cross
● In some places, they will bars and are
readily swoop and snatch mottled at the
food held by humans. base.
Black kites are very vocal ● The lower parts
birds; they communicate of the body are
with a distinctive shrill pale brown,
whistle followed by a rapid becoming lighter
whinnying call. towards the chin.
● The body
feathers have
dark shafts giving
it a streaked
appearance.
● The cere and
gape are yellow,
but the bill is
black. The legs
are yellow and
the claws are
black.
● Males and
females have the
same plumage
 but females are
longer than
males.

Rose Ring parakeet ● Rose-ringed parakeets are KINGDOM:Animalia

social birds. PHYLUM:Chordata
● They are active during the CLASS: Aves
day spending their time, ORDER:Psittaciformes
foraging, flying about, and FAMILY:Psittaculidae
resting in the shades of tree GENUS:Psittacula
canopy during midday SPECIES: Psittacula
hours. krameri
● They often gather in flocks ● The Rose-ringed
that fly several miles to parakeet is a
forage in farmlands and medium-sized
orchards. parrot.
● Rose-ringed parakeets are ● The adult male
very noisy and have an sports a red and
unmistakable squawking black neck ring,
call and the hen and
immature birds of
LIFESTYLE both sexes either
Arboreal, Altricial, Terrestrial, show no neck
Oviparous rings or display
shadow-like pale
to dark grey neck
rings.
● Both sexes have
a distinctive
green color in the
wild, and
captive-bred
ringnecks have
multiple color
mutations
including blue,
violet, and
yellow.
 ● Red-vented bulbuls KINGDOMAnimalia
are diurnal social PHYLUM: Chordata
birds. CLASS:Aves
● Outside of the ORDER:Passeriformes
breeding season, they FAMILY:Pycnonotidae
like to form large GENUS
flocks and gather Pycnonotus
together in communal SPECIES
roosts. Pycnonotus cafer
● The typical call of ● The Red-vented
Red-vented bulbuls bulbul is a
has been transcribed as medium-sized
ginger beer, but they songbird that can be
also produce a number found across the
of sharp single- note Indian subcontinent
RED VENTED BULBUL calls sounding like a ● It can be easily
pick. identified by its short
● Their alarm calls are crest giving the head a
usually responded to squarish appearance.
and heeded by many ● The body of this bird
other species of bird. is dark brown with a
scaly pattern while
LIFESTYLE the head is darker or
Terrestrial, Oviparous, black.
Arboreal ● The rump is white
Congregatory, Altricial while the vent is red.
It has a long black
tail, tipped in white.
● The males and the
females of this
species look similar,
but young birds are
duller than adults.

Yellow-footed green pigeons KINGDOM:Animalia

are social birds and forage in PHYLUM:Chordata
flocks. They are active during CLASS:Aves
the daylight hours and in the ORDER: Columbiformes
early morning, they are often FAMILY:Columbidae
seen sunning on the tops of GENUS: Treron
emergent trees. The common SPECIES: Treron
call of these birds is a phoenicoptera
whistling 'kwa-KoW". ● Male Yellow-footed
green pigeon is
Yellow footed pegion LIFESTYLE olive-green above and
Oviparous, Arboreal, has an olive-yellow
Altricial, collar, and a lilac- red
Territorial, Gliding. patch on the shoulder
which is usually
absent in females. Its
legs legs and
underbody are yellow
in color. Female
Yellow-footed greer
pigeon is slightly
duller than males.

Common mynas are social KINGDOM:Animalia

birds that roost communally PHYLUM:Chordata
throughout the year, either in CLASS: Aves
pure mixed flocks with jungle ORDER:Passeriformes
mynas, rosy starlings, house FAMILY:Sturnidae
crows, jungle crows, cattle GENUS:Acridotheres
egrets, and other birds. These SPECIES: Acridotheres
roosts can Contain less than tristis
one hundred and up to
thousands of birds. Birds start
to gather ir roosts before Common mynas can be
sunset and depart before recognized by their
sunrise. Mynas often perform brown body, black hooded
communal displays (pre- head, and the bare
roosting and post-roosting) yellow patch behind the eye.
which consist of aerial Their bill and legs
maneuvers and are exhibited are bright yellow. There is a
in the pre- breeding season white patch on the
(November to March). It is outer primaries and the wing
assumed that this behavior is lining on the
related to pair formation. underside is white. The male
During the day, Common and female look
mynas spend most of their similar and are usually seen
time foraging and may in pairs
travel up to 10 km between
their roosting and feeding
sites each day. They feed on
the ground walking with
occasional hops among grass
looking for insects, especially
grasshoppers When mynas
need to communicate with
each other, they use croaks,
squawks, chirps, clicks,
 whistles, and 'growls'; they
also often fluff their
feathers and bob their head in
singing. They
also screech warnings to their
mate or other
birds in cases of predators in
proximity or when
they are about to take off
flying. Before sleeping
in communal roosts, mynas
vocalize in unison,
which is known as
"communal noise".

LIFESTYLE
Arboreal, Altricial, Zoochory
Pollinator, Terrestrial,
Territorial,Oviparous

LIFESTYLE KINGDOM:Animalia
Terrestrial PHYLUM: Chordata
CLASS:Aves
ORDER:Passeriformes
FAMILY:Nectariniidae
GENUS:Leptocoma
SPECIES:Leptocoma sericea

Sun bird

House sparrows are very KINGDOM: Animalia

social birds. They are PHYLUM:Chordata
Sparrow gregarious during all seasons CLASS:Aves
when feeding, often forming ORDER:Passeriformes
flocks with other species of FAMILY:Passeridae
birds. They roost communally GENUS: Passer
and while breeding nests are
usually grouped together in The plumage of the House
clumps. House sparrows also sparrow is mostly different
engage in social activities shades of grey and brown.
such as dust or water bathing The sexes exhibit strong
and "social singing", in which dimorphism: the female is
birds call together in bushes. mostly buffish above and
These little birds feed mostly below, while the male has
on the ground, but they flock boldly colored head
in trees and bushes. At markings, a reddish back, and
feeding stations and nests, grey underparts. The male
females are dominant despite has a dark grey crown from
their smaller size, and they the top of its bill to its back,
can fight over males in the and chestnut brown flanking
breeding season. On the its crown on the sides of its
ground, House sparrows head. It has black around its
typically hop rather than bill, on its throat, and on the
walk; they can also swim spaces between its bill and
when forced to do so by eyes (lores). It has a small
pursuit from predators. Most white stripe between the lores
House sparrows do not move and crown and small white
more than a few kilometers spots immediately behind the
during their lifetimes. eyes (postoculars), with black
However, limited migration patches below and above
occurs in all regions. Some them. The underparts are pale
young birds disperse long grey or white, as are the
distances, especially on cheeks, ear coverts, and
coasts, and mountain birds stripes at the base of the
move to lower elevations in head. The upper back and
winter. House sparrows are mantle are a warm brown,
highly noisy. Most of their with broad black streaks,
vocalizations are variations of while the lower back, rump,
their short chirping call that and upper tail coverts are
may sound like 'chirrup', greyish brown. The male is
'tschilp', or 'philip'; this note is duller in fresh nonbreeding
made as a contact call by plumage, with whitish tips on
flocking or resting birds, or by many feathers. Wear and
males to proclaim nest preening expose many of the
ownership and invite pairing. bright brown and black
Much communal chirping markings, including most of
occurs before and after the the black throat and chest
birds settle in the roost in the patch, called the "bib" or
evening, as well as before the "badge". The male's bill is
birds leave the roost in the dark grey, but black in the
morning. Aggressive males breeding season. The female
give a trilled version of their has no black markings or
call, transcribed as grey crowns. Its upperparts
'chur-chur-r-r-it-it-it-it'. This and head are brown with
call is also used by females in darker streaks around the
the breeding season, to mantle and a distinct pale
establish dominance over supercilium. Its underparts
males while displacing them are pale grey-brown. The
 to feed young or incubate female's bill is brownish-grey
eggs. and becomes darker in
breeding plumage
LIFESTYLE approaching the black of the
Arboreal, Terrestrial, Altricial, male's bill. Juveniles are
Oviparous similar to adult female, but
deeper brown below and
paler above, with paler and
less defined supercilia.
Juvenile males tend to have
darker throats and white
postoculars like adult males,
while juvenile females tend
to have white throats. The
bills of young birds are light
yellow to straw, paler than
the female's bill.

We also found elephant apple during our bird watching session.

Elephant apple, also known as Dillenia indica, is a tropical fruit-bearing tree native to South and
Southeast Asia. Here are some key facts about the elephant apple:
1. Botanical Name: Dillenia indica
2. Distribution: Found in tropical forests across South and Southeast Asia, including India,
Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
3.Fruit: The fruit of the elephant apple is large (resembling a small melon), round, and
greenish-yellow when ripe. It has a sour and slightly tangy taste.
4. Traditional Use: The fruit is used in various regional cuisines. In Assam, India, it is used in
fish curries. In parts of Southeast Asia, the young leaves are cooked and eaten.
5. Medicinal Uses: In traditional medicine, different parts of the tree, including the fruit and
leaves, are used for treating various ailments such as inflammation, skin disorders, and digestive
issues.
6. Cultural Significance: The elephant apple tree holds cultural significance in various
communities. For example, it is associated with traditional medicine and folklore in many parts
of its native range.
7. Tree Characteristics: The tree itself is large and evergreen, with distinctive broad leaves and
large, showy flowers.
8. Conservation Status: While not extensively cultivated commercially, elephant apple trees are
valued in agroforestry and as part of traditional home gardens.
 Biodiversity understanding

Bird watching significantly contributes to biodiversity understanding by providing direct

experiences with a wide range of bird species in their natural habitats. Here's how bird watching
helps in enhancing biodiversity understanding:

1.Species Diversity: Bird watching exposes participants to a diverse array of bird species, each
adapted to specific habitats and ecological niches. Observing different birds helps individuals
appreciate the richness and variety of life forms within ecosystems.

2. Habitat Awareness: Bird watchers learn about the specific habitats that different bird species
inhabit. Understanding where certain birds live helps in recognizing the importance of preserving
diverse habitats like forests, wetlands, grasslands, and urban green spaces.

3.Ecosystem Interactions: Birds play crucial roles in ecosystems as predators, prey, pollinators,
seed dispersers, and indicators of environmental health. Observing these interactions firsthand
helps bird watchers understand the interconnectedness of species within ecosystems.

4. Seasonal Changes and Migration: Many bird species migrate seasonally, traveling thousands
of miles across continents. Bird watchers witness these remarkable journeys, learning about the
importance of migratory routes and the conservation of stopover sites.

5. Indicator Species: Certain bird species are considered indicators of environmental health.
Changes in bird populations or behaviors can reflect broader ecological changes, such as habitat
degradation or climate shifts.

6.Conservation Awareness: Through bird watching, individuals become aware of conservation

challenges facing bird populations, such as habitat loss, pollution, climate change, and threats
from invasive species. This awareness often leads to greater support for conservation efforts.

7. Citizen Science Contributions: Bird watchers often contribute to citizen science projects by
reporting sightings, participating in bird counts like the Great Backyard Bird Count or Christmas
Bird Count, and monitoring bird populations. These contributions provide valuable data for
biodiversity research and conservation planning.
 ECOSYSTEM AWARENESS

Bird watching is an excellent way to enhance ecosystem awareness by providing firsthand

experiences and observations of how birds interact with their environments. Here are several
ways in which bird watching contributes to ecosystem awareness:

1. Habitat Identification: Bird watchers learn to recognize different habitats based on the types of
birds they observe. For example, certain bird species are associated with forests, wetlands,
grasslands, or urban areas. Understanding these habitat preferences helps in identifying and
appreciating diverse ecosystems.

2. Ecosystem Functionality: Birds play important ecological roles within their habitats. Bird
watchers witness birds engaging in activities such as foraging, nesting, pollinating flowers,
dispersing seeds, and controlling insect populations. Observing these behaviors provides insights
into ecosystem dynamics and functions.

3. Food Web Connections: Birds are part of intricate food webs within ecosystems. By observing
birds, bird watchers can observe predator-prey relationships and understand how energy flows
through different trophic levels.

4. Indicator Species: Certain bird species are sensitive to environmental changes and serve as
indicators of ecosystem health. Changes in bird populations, distributions, or behaviors can
signal broader ecological shifts, such as habitat degradation, pollution, or climate change.

5. Seasonal Cycles and Migration: Bird migrations highlight the connectivity of ecosystems
across vast geographic areas. Bird watchers witness seasonal changes as birds migrate between
breeding and wintering grounds, emphasizing the importance of preserving critical habitats along
migration routes.

6. Interactions with Other Species: Birds interact with plants, insects, mammals, and other
organisms in their habitats. For example, observing birds feeding on specific plants or interacting
with other animals demonstrates the interconnectedness of species within ecosystems.

7. Conservation Awareness: Through bird watching, individuals become aware of conservation

challenges facing ecosystems, such as habitat loss, fragmentation, invasive species, and climate
change impacts. This awareness often leads to increased support for ecosystem conservation and
restoration efforts.
 Conservative awareness
Bird watching plays a crucial role in raising conservation awareness by fostering connections
with nature and highlighting the importance of protecting bird species and their habitats. Here's
how bird watching contributes to conservation awareness:

1. Direct Observation of Wildlife: Bird watching provides firsthand encounters with wild birds,
allowing individuals to appreciate their beauty and diversity. Observing birds in their natural
habitats emphasizes the importance of preserving these environments to support bird
populations.

2. Understanding Threats to Birds: Bird watchers learn about the various threats facing bird
species, such as habitat loss, pollution, climate change, invasive species, and human disturbance.
This understanding raises awareness of the challenges that birds face and the need for
conservation action.

3. Citizen Science Participation: Many bird watchers contribute to citizen science projects by
recording bird sightings, participating in bird counts, and reporting data to researchers and
conservation organizations. This involvement in data collection and monitoring helps track bird
populations and identify trends that inform conservation efforts.

4. Appreciation for Ecosystem Services: Bird watching highlights the important ecological roles
that birds play, such as pollination, seed dispersal, pest control, and nutrient cycling. Recognizing
these ecosystem services underscores the interconnectedness of nature and the benefits of
maintaining healthy ecosystems.

5. Education and Outreach: Bird watchers often share their experiences and knowledge with
others through social media, community events, and educational programs. By sharing stories
and information about birds and conservation issues, bird watchers inspire and engage more
people in conservation efforts.

6. Advocacy and Policy Support: Bird watching communities can advocate for policies and
actions that protect bird habitats and promote conservation initiatives. By raising public
awareness and mobilizing support, bird watchers contribute to broader conservation movements.

7. Personal Connection to Nature: Engaging in bird watching fosters a personal connection to

nature and instills a sense of responsibility for stewardship. Many bird watchers become
advocates for environmental conservation, making lifestyle changes and supporting
organizations dedicated to protecting wildlife and habitats.