Yellow-bellied Flowerpecker at Arunachal Pradesh - Bird Count Underway

Yellow-bellied Flowerpecker at Arunachal Pradesh - Bird Count Underway at Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary

The Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) 2025 is in full swing at the neighbouring area of Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary and Singchung Bugun Village Community Reserve in Arunachal Pradesh. This annual global event, held on February 14th brings together bird watchers, researchers, and conservationists to monitor avian populations and contribute valuable data for scientific research.

PC: Dorjee Bachung

Day 1: Exploring Ramalingam to Glow Bari

On the first day of the bird count, participants surveyed the area between Ramalingam and Glow Bari, successfully identifying 14 bird species. Among these, the Yellow-bellied Flowerpecker stood out as a notable sighting. This small, vibrant bird, known for its striking yellow belly and affinity for nectar, plays a crucial role in pollination and ecosystem balance.

The bird count was led by RFO Yachang Kani, with expert support from bird guide Dorjee Bachung and Ahmed Omar Haroon from the Wildlife Institute of India. Their combined efforts ensured accurate species identification and meticulous data collection, contributing to a broader understanding of avian diversity in the region.

Day 2: Birdwatching at Singchung Circle

The second day of the GBBC will take place at the Helipad area under the Singchung circle, where participants will continue their observations. This area, rich in biodiversity, offers an excellent opportunity to record more species and analyze bird behavior in their natural habitat.

The Significance of GBBC

The Great Backyard Bird Count is a citizen science initiative that allows bird enthusiasts worldwide to document and report bird sightings. The data collected helps scientists track migration patterns, monitor population trends, and assess the impact of environmental changes on different species.

With climate change and habitat destruction posing serious threats to bird populations, initiatives like the GBBC provide crucial insights for conservation efforts. The participation of Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary and Singchung Bugun Village Community Reserve in this global event highlights the commitment of local conservationists and birdwatchers to safeguarding Arunachal Pradesh’s rich avian diversity.

Looking Ahead

As the GBBC 2025 progresses, the data gathered from Arunachal Pradesh will contribute to global bird conservation efforts. The presence of species like the Yellow-bellied Flowerpecker underscores the importance of preserving natural habitats and ensuring sustainable ecosystems for future generations.

For bird lovers, researchers, and conservationists, the Great Backyard Bird Count is not just an event—it’s a movement toward understanding and protecting our feathered friends. Stay tuned for updates on the final results and new discoveries from this year’s count!