Wiki Loves Birds India 2024/BirdWalks

As part of Wiki Loves Birds India 2024, we conducted organized bird walks at different habitats in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. More than 211 bird species were documented in the trip. All data is available as open data in eBird and Global Biodiversity Information Facility.

Kole Wetlands

74 Bird Species documented including Imperial Eagle, Greater Spotted Eagle (IUCN Red List vulnerable species) and common wetland birds

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  Eastern imperial eagle
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  Booted Warbler
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Nenmara

We spotted an Amur Falcom at Nenmara, and it's got wide news coverage. It's a village habitat with a lot of paddy, agriculture, and rural areas.

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  Amur falcon From Nenmara
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  Birdwalk at Nenmara, Palakkad
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Pothundy Dam

Pothundy Dam is a reservoir and starting of the forest patch of western ghats. We documented a mix of wetland-dependent birds and forest birds. 27 specious documented in the field visit

Nelliyampathy Hills

In 7.20 hr birding, we documented 93 species of birds from the Nelliyampathy Hills Forest and Plantation area. also we spotted wildlife, including Lion-tailed macaque, Great hornbill and other fauna.

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  Bird Exploration at Nelliyampathy Hills, Palakkad, Western Ghats
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Mattumala Hillock

Mattumala is a dry and rocky habitat with scrubby open forest habitat. We did birdwatching on Evening time. Birds Inculding Jungle Bush-Quail, Gray Francolin, Indian Thick-knee and 37 birds observed. We also documented nocturnal birds like Jerdon's Nightjar, Indian Nightjar, and Savanna Nightjar and attempted to search for owls.```

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  Sunset
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Amaravathi

Amaravathi RF Wildlife is in between Pollachi and Chinnar. Amaravathy Crocodile park is near this place.

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Chinnar WLS

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is located 18 km north of Marayoor on State Highway 17 in the Marayoor and Kanthalloor panchayats of Devikulam taluk in the Idukki district of India's Kerala state. It is one of 18 wildlife sanctuaries among the protected areas of Kerala. Chinnar wild life sanctuary located in the rain shadow region of the Western Ghats is the second habitat for the endangered Grizzled giant squirrel in India. The sanctuary has the unique throny scrub forest with xerophytic species.

In our Birdwalk we documented 76 birds including dryland species. Our Team Spotted an Ashy Minivet; mostly, it will be 4th record from Kerala State. We observed a pair of Spot-bellied Eagle-Owl, White-naped Woodpecker.

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Eravikulam National Park

Eravikulam National Park, nestled in the Western Ghats of Kerala, is a sanctuary of remarkable biodiversity. Renowned as a "sky island," its high-altitude grasslands and shola forests provide a unique habitat. The park is most famous for being the natural habitat of the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. It also supports a rich variety of high-altitude birds, contributing to the area's ecological significance. A key feature of its biodiversity is the periodic blooming of the Neelakurinji flowers, which blanket the hills in a vibrant blue every twelve years, creating a spectacular natural display. This park is a vital part of the western ghats, and a very important area for many endemic species.

In our Birdwalk we documented around 18 birds from Eravikulam including Palani Laughingthrush, Black-and-orange Flycatcher, Gray-headed Canary-Flycatcher, Indian Blackbird, Nilgiri Pipit, Square-tailed Bulbul and Malabar Whistling-Thrush

Birdwalk at Eravikulam National Park

Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary

Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary, a haven for avian enthusiasts, is nestled along the banks of the Periyar River in Kerala, India. Often referred to as the Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, it holds the distinction of being Kerala's first bird sanctuary, a testament to its rich biodiversity. This sanctuary, praised by the renowned ornithologist Salim Ali, is home to over 270 bird species, encompassing both resident and migratory birds, thriving within its diverse habitats of tropical evergreen, semi-evergreen, and deciduous forests. The lush landscape, interwoven with riverine ecosystems, provides a crucial refuge for a wide array of birdlife, making Thattekkad a vital ecological treasure and a prime destination for birdwatching and nature appreciation.

In our documentation attempt, we counted 74 bird species from Thattekkad of Blak Baza Trial.

Kerala Agricultural University

Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) campuses, spread across diverse agroecological zones, provide a unique mosaic of habitats supporting rich bird diversity. The campuses, often featuring expansive fields, orchards, water bodies, and patches of natural vegetation, create a haven for various avian species. These diverse habitats attract resident and migratory birds, including water birds, raptors, and songbirds. 1 The presence of mature trees and undisturbed areas within the campuses contributes to nesting sites and foraging opportunities, fostering a thriving bird population.

In our bird walk, we documented 36 species of birds, including a pair of Eurasian Collared-Dove..

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