261 bird species recorded at Chandigarh Bird Race

“Most teams managed to record over a hundred species, with outstanding effort from all participants. Some teams were more successful than others, with Team Black Baza sighting 184 species, Team Kestrel 161, and Team Falcon 159,” said Matinder Pal Sekhon, an eminent birder and former president of Chandigarh Bird Club.

Among the star sightings were the banded bay cuckoo, Tickell’s thrush, stork-billed kingfisher, and golden bush robin. The banded bay cuckoo was named Bird of the Day after being sighted by members of Team Kestrel.

Later, Jennifer Nandi, a bird guide and author of No Half Measures, was the guest of honour at the post-event gathering, hosted by HSBC at Hotel Parkview, Sector 24. A bird quiz was conducted, and token prizes were awarded to birders to celebrate their enthusiasm and perseverance.

The HSBC Chandigarh Bird Race, a much-anticipated annual birding event, was first introduced in 2005 by Mumbai-based Yuhina Ecomedia in partnership with the Chandigarh Bird Club. Since then, it has become a landmark event in the city’s birdwatching community.

Chandigarh Bird Club members said that with increasing participation over the past 15 years, the number of species recorded has also risen significantly.

“Beyond the excitement of birding, the event plays an important role in raising awareness about bird life and contributing valuable data to conservation efforts. It serves as a stepping stone to a deeper understanding of nature and conservation,” said Rima Dhillon, president of Chandigarh Bird Club.

She added, “Members of the Chandigarh Bird Club participated with their usual zeal and enthusiasm, setting out at the crack of dawn to cover as many diverse habitats in and around Chandigarh as possible.”