Pune’s Empress Garden conducts first systematic bird survey, records peculiar behaviours

In the survey, which included birdwatchers and other volunteers and was carried out from 7-9 am during alternate months throughout the year, more than 85 species of birds were found at the gardens. “We observed many peculiar behaviours related to nesting, mating and territory marking,” said Paranjpe.

“At one point, we saw four types of flycatchers on one tree within a span of two hours and this is special because it indicates that there is a very healthy insect population in the garden and safe nesting spaces. Indian Grey Hornbills require tall trees because they nest in the hollows. So, the presence of so many Indian Grey Hornbills nesting at the Empress Garden is a sign that we have a good number of tall trees with hollow spaces as well as fruiting trees,” said Paranjpe.

The booklet — Birds of Empress Botanical Garden, launched on March 23 — shows that the area boasts of at least nine migratory species that visit the garden during the winter months only. These include the white-browed wagtail, the ashy drongo, tickel’s blue flycatcher and the beautiful black naped monarch.

During the survey, observers found that several migratory species began to arrive early as a result of climate change. While a more detailed year-to-year survey is needed, preliminary findings suggest that birds that come to the garden in November or December are now turning up in early October. “This is something that we noticed at the very beginning. It is possible that several migratory species take their cue from the temperatures of the different regions that they pass through as winters become warmer. There are also subtle behavioural changes in mating and nesting,” said Paranjpe.