The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : Game to join the bird race?

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Tuesday, Jan 08, 2008
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Karnataka

Karnataka - Bangalore

Game to join the bird race?

Staff Reporter

HSBC Bangalore BirdRace on January 20, 2008

— Photo: K. Gopinathan

A PRIZE CATCH: A file picture of a kingfisher bird at a park in Bangalore.

Bangalore: Come dawn of January 20 and the birdwatchers of the city will be fanned out across the city in teams of four, armed with binoculars and log books.

Their mission: to make a record of as many birds as they can spot by sunset, within a 50 km radius around the city. You guessed it right, the HSBC Bangalore BirdRace is back to felicitate the birder with the biggest checklist.

“You can walk, trek, dive, drive or even fly” if you so wish in your pursuit of birds, say the organisers, but add that there will be some strict rules to be followed.

The BirdRace is meant to be a fun event, but it will help shed light on the birdlife in this region, says S. Subramanya, one of the organisers of the event.

“We hope to encourage bird watching among amateurs and create a network among birders in the city,” he adds.

The BirdRace last year drew 150 birdwatchers, who together spotted a total of 250 bird species on a single day – including the Eurasian Wryneck, which has only been seen three times before in Bangalore.

The winning team “Spurfowl” spotted 113 species.

After what is bound to be a strenuous day, the teams will unwind over dinner, compare notes, exchange “bird lore” and come face to face with their competitors.

Experienced panel

The results will be judged by an experienced panel of bird-watchers and naturalists, and prizes will be announced for the team with the longest list of birds, and another for the “bird of the day”. So if you think you are game for the race, you can register your name, address and contact details (mobile, e-mail) at bangalore.birdrace@gmail.com. The registration closes on January 15, 2008. (eom)

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