Campus Bird Count

The Department of Languages, School of Arts and Humanities at CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Pune Lavasa campus, in collaboration with the University's birdwatching club, Avian Allies, organized a significant and informative event titled "Campus Bird Count: From Data to Deliberation" on the 15th of February, 2025. This event, held amidst the picturesque surroundings of the University campus, gathered nature enthusiasts from all over Lavasa, including residents from Ashiana Utsav, faculty members and students of the University for a memorable morning of birdwatching.

The event was skillfully guided by Mr. Kedar Champhekar, the GBBC Regional Coordinator for Pune. The event was graced by the presence of Dr. Fr. Lijo Thomas, Dean and Director of the University, whose participation added encouragement and support to the initiative. The program commenced promptly at 7:30 a.m. with an introductory presentation by Mr. Champhekar, who elucidated the functionality of the eBird app, a global birding platform managed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. He emphasised the significance of this collaborative citizen science initiative, which assists researchers and scholars in monitoring migratory patterns, identifying endangered species, and evaluating biodiversity conditions through data contributed by birdwatchers worldwide. Subsequently, participants embarked on a guided bird walk, commencing from the Social Sphere at the Central Block, traversing through the scenic Gazebo, and exploring the forested area even beyond the boundaries of to the Management Block. The abundant and tranquil campus, featuring diverse flora, provided an ideal setting for observing avian species in their natural habitat.

During the course of the walk, participants successfully identified approximately 33 bird species, including several rare and remarkable finds. Among the highlights were the White-throated Kingfisher (Halcyon smyrnensis), renowned for its striking blue and chestnut plumage, which captivated many with its sharp calls, and the Coppersmith Barbet (Psilopogon haemacephalus), whose rhythmic calls echoed through the woods, reminiscent of a coppersmith at work, thus inspiring its name. The group was also fortunate to observe the Indian Golden Oriole (Oriolus kundoo), a vivid yellow bird often associated with spring's arrival, adding an element of intrigue to the experience. The sighting of the Purple-rumped Sunbird (Leptocoma zeylonica) flitting among flowers illustrated the ecological richness of the campus. It emphasized the importance of preserving such green spaces within urban environments. 

A particularly gratifying moment occurred when the group reached a dense forest patch that proved to be a veritable treasure trove for birdwatching. Here, the identification of species such as the Brown-cheeked Fulvetta (Alcippe poioicephala) and the rarely observed Vigors's Sunbird (Aethopyga vigorsii) enhanced the excitement, allowing participants to gain insights into these species' behaviors and ecological roles. By 9:30 a.m., the walk concluded, leaving participants fatigued yet exhilarated. 

The event not only enriched attendees with knowledge regarding avian biodiversity but also generated a renewed appreciation for nature and conservation efforts. The amalgamation of data-driven birdwatching and contemplative discussions on biodiversity reflected the success of the event, inspiring all in attendance to continue their exploration and contributions toward ecological preservation through citizen science initiatives.