metro india news  I hyderabad

Serendipity is always exciting, and the adrenaline rush that accompanies spotting a rare bird is a wonderful feeling. For 55 bird enthusiasts, the two-day trip organized by the Telangana Forest Development Corporation (TGFDC) under the brand name "Deccan Woods & Trails" at the Botanical Garden on February 8-9 was nothing short of exhilarating.

The participants were divided into two groups and were sent to Vriksha Parichaya Kshetram of 94 acres of area and ‘Virtual Wildlife Safari’ Park Conservation Zone. Over the course of the two days, four bird experts, Aparanjani, Manoj, Thomson, and Abdul Raheem led the groups.

They guided the participants in identifying the birds, capturing them on camera, and explaining the scientific and common names of the birds, their habits, and behavior. 

Participants were also provided with the "Birds Pocket Guide" developed by TGFDC. The participants used the pocket guide to identify the birds they spotted. The experts demonstrated how to observe birds, how to identify them, and the sounds different birds make.

The 62 species of birds were spotted and identified during the Bird Walk and few were Red-wented Bulbul, Rufous Treepie, Shikra, Spot Billed Duck, Ashy Prinia, Grey Heron, Black Drongo, Green Bee-eater, Purple Sunbird, Black-winged Kite, Peafowl (male and female), Kingfisher, Brown Shrike, Spot-breasted fan tail, Oriental Magpie Robin, Coppersmith Barbet, Common Jezebel and many more.

TGFDC Executive Director Eco-Tourism L. Ranjeet Naik IFS stated that "Birds play a crucial role in the ecosystem, contributing to growth, seed dispersal, and environmental balance. Raising awareness about bird conservation and conducting environmental education programs is essential. Otherwise, there may come a time when birds are only seen in museums. Additionally, we will be conducting Bird Walks in Vikarabad on February 23rd and in the Gajwel Forest on March 2nd.