Discover over 140 bird species at a recent bird-watching event, an increase from last year’s count of 111 species.
Birdwatchers in Pune saw more bird species at Vetal Tekdi this year compared to last year. They spotted around 140 different types of birds during a bird-watching event from November 5 to November 12, 2024, which is more than the 111 species spotted last year.
During the event, over 50 checklists were created, and participants explored multiple trails on the tekdi. Some rare birds like the Eurasian Wryneck, Grey-necked Bunting, and Taiga Flycatcher were documented. Raptors like the Eurasian Sparrowhawk, Shaheen Falcon, White-eyed Buzzard, and Booted Eagle were also spotted and photographed.
This year, more than 40 birders from Pune registered for the event in two categories – best checklist and best trip report. They documented their birding trails on the EBird platform for evaluation by a panel of moderators, aiming to become the “Vetal Tekdi Birding Champion.”
Ranjeet Rane, a member of Vetal Tekdi Bachav Kruti Samiti, expressed concerns about projects like the Balbharti-Paud Phata Road threatening the hill complex’s ecosystem. Citizen opposition to such projects is growing, emphasizing the importance of raising awareness about the biodiversity of the tekdi complex.
Participants in the birding event highlighted the need to conserve the hill complex for future generations, citing sightings of birds like Indian Rollers, Spotted Owlets, and the Purple Heron as inspiration. The Vetal Tekdi Bachav Kruti Samiti organized the week-long birding marathon to promote awareness about the unique bird life in the area.