By Saurabh Sawant
It begins with a simple question: "What bird is that?" The flash of crimson against the weathered bark of a mango tree sparks unexpected curiosity. Soon, a pair of field guides, a set of borrowed binoculars, and a growing fascination transforms those anonymous bird calls into a symphony of names – House Sparrow, Red-whiskered Bulbul, Rose-ringed Parakeet. And your newfound interest leads you to discover that you’re now a birder! You are part of a vibrant community of bird enthusiasts across India and a worldwide network of like-minded people. A highlight of the annual birding calendar is the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) – a global birding event, for which I've been proud to serve as a state coordinator for years now.
A Rishi Valmiki Eco School student uses a spotting scope to observe birds during the Great Backyard Bird Count. Photo: Rishi Valmiki Eco School.
The 2024 Great Backyard Bird Count painted a captivating picture of global avian diversity and public enthusiasm for birds. Participants from over 200 countries submitted a staggering 390,652 eBird checklists, showcasing the incredible dedication of birders worldwide. This dedication led to the documentation of a remarkable 7,920 species – approximately two-thirds of the world's known bird species! India's commitment to the GBBC shone through, with a 12 per cent increase in submissions compared to 2023, securing second place globally with a remarkable 65,111 eBird checklists. Indian birders found an impressive 1,039 species, taking third place for species diversity. Merlin Bird ID usage soared with a 133 per cent growth and 5,308 identifications. West Bengal led the states with 544 species reported, while Tamil Nadu had the highest number of checklists at 14,663, followed closely by Kerala at 14,037. Several territories and states, including Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Manipur, West Bengal, Bihar and Tripura, witnessed phenomenal growth in participation. And all this may change slightly as more data pours in and is reviewed for final results: https://lookerstudio.google.com/u/0/reporting/beb9619f-674c-4512-92e4-541e6ff5b1ab/page/Ux95B
These numbers aren't mere statistics; they represent a mosaic of experiences. Imagine a grandfather patiently guiding his granddaughter as they observe a Purple Sunbird sipping nectar. Or picture an office worker enjoying a stolen moment of solace on her balcony, meticulously recording the parakeets visiting her feeder. Every observation, large or small, contributes to a vast and colourful picture of Indian birdlife.
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A file photo of students from Rishi Valmiki Eco School watching flamingos at Sewri creek. For students, the GBBC plants the seed of a lifelong connection with nature. Photo: Prachi Galange.
Participating in the GBBC couldn't be easier! All you need is at least 15 minutes during the event's four days to observe the birds in your chosen location. Whether it's your backyard, a nearby park, or even your office balcony, anywhere you find birds is perfect. Simply count the birds you see, noting the highest number of each species spotted at one time to avoid double counting. You then submit your checklist online via the user-friendly eBird app. Even brief 15-minute checklists are immensely valuable. They provide a snapshot of bird distribution and abundance, which, when combined with thousands of other checklists, paints a detailed picture of bird populations across India and the world. This data is used by scientists to track long-term trends, understand migration patterns, and guide conservation efforts ensuring a better future for our feathered neighbours.
While familiar friends such as the Common Myna and the adaptable House Crow are frequent sightings, the GBCC also unveils hidden gems. The thrill of spotting an Indian Pitta, named navrang for its nine colour tones, hopping through dappled sunlight, or a majestic Painted Stork wading through a wetland never fades. Occasionally, there might even be a Red Knot or a Long-billed Dowitcher to dazzle Mumbaikars, reminding us of the wonders that grace our skies and shores.
The joy of the GBBC lies in both the expected and the unexpected. I recall the morning I spent on a school campus with a group of eager students, many participating in the GBBC for the first time. Their excitement was infectious as we identified parakeets flitting through the foliage, a tailorbird meticulously stitching its leafy nest, and even a Spotted Owlet peering out sleepily from a tree hollow. For those students, the GBBC planted the seed of a lifelong connection with nature, showing them the thrill of discovery right outside their classroom.
A Purple Sunbird. The GBBC isn't only about counting birds; it's about forging connections – within families, communities, and across borders. Photo: Saurabh Sawant.
The GBBC isn't only about counting birds; it's about forging connections – within families, communities, and across borders. In Kerala, birding groups flock together for backyard birding sessions or visit a wetland or a shore, transforming their surroundings into hubs of discovery. In the bustling heart of Mumbai, residents turn their balconies into urban observation posts, finding a peaceful moment of connection with the natural world amidst the city's hum. The GBBC live data map underscores the interconnectedness of it all, a mesmerising wave of dots shining across India, then across the world as the day progresses. The friendly rivalry between nations to make the most of it and reach highest number of species and checklists begins. India has seen a growing trend of the number of birders and reporting in the past few years like no other country in the world. Bird walks are also arranged in the remotest parts of the country by local birding communities even for beginners, while the experienced states take up the challenge to get reportage from each and every county (districts) in their respective states.
The GBBC's true power lies in the concept of citizen science – that anyone, anywhere, can contribute to meaningful scientific research. This year I accompanied a few school students from Rishi Valmiki Eco School to the Sanjay Gandhi National Park. Armed with binoculars, notebooks, and infectious enthusiasm, members meticulously documented everything from Jungle Crows to a lone Brown Boobook (Brown Hawk-owl) Ninox scutulata enjoying its slumber and checking us out with sleepy eyes. Everyone got great views through the spotting scope. Sakshi Jaiswar, a Grade Eight student, shared her excitement, "It's amazing how much you notice with a spotting scope! The owl had huge yellow eyes, and I could even see the spots on its belly. It's cool that our list of birds isn't just for us – it'll help scientists! I feel like I'm part of something bigger, helping to protect the park." It was then that the importance of our shared observations hit home. This wasn't just a pleasant outing; it was data collection with a purpose. We spotted 100 birds of 26 species: https://ebird.org/india/checklist/S161950346!
My birding friend and GBBC and Birdcount India Regional Coordinator, Ramesh Shenai, fondly recalls a trail he led for Bhavan's College, "Most participants were completely new to birding, only a few had some birding knowledge. Instead of lecturing them, I showed them birds through my scope and asked them to describe what they saw. We'd compare features between males and females, like with the Common Stonechat, and I'd weave in interesting facts about certain species. In the end, they were able to name or describe 30-35 species – incredible for first-timers!"
The eBird interface to record bird sightings is user friendly. eBird data, coupled with the broader Indian birding community's contributions, feeds into essential reports such as the 'State of India's Birds'. Photo Courtesy: ebird.
In today's world, data is king, and citizen science initiatives are harnessing the power of crowdsourced information to fuel groundbreaking discoveries. Data science – the ability to extract patterns, trends, and actionable insights from vast, complex datasets – has become indispensable in fields ranging from conservation to healthcare. Citizen science empowers individuals to participate actively in scientific research, transforming everyday observations into big data. This big data revolution is democratising science, allowing researchers to tackle complex questions at unprecedented scales. The insights derived from these efforts can inform effective policies, drive targeted conservation action, and ultimately shape a better, more informed world.
The impact of citizen science extends far beyond local birding patches. The seemingly simple act of birders across the country noting where and when they spotted a bird helps paint a clearer picture of its range and habitat preferences. Information like this can be crucial for conservation planning. Something that is simply not achievable for even a large team of researchers or ornithologists since the resources involved are huge and rarely accessible, but easily possible with collective effort.
Technology plays an ever-increasing role in our birding journeys. The Merlin Bird ID app, powered by the vast image and sound library of the Macaulay Library, is a game-changer, particularly for beginners. Scientists often tap into the immense GBBC dataset, along with year-round eBird records, to understand bird population changes, identify conservation threats, and measure the success of conservation initiatives.
eBird data, coupled with the broader Indian birding community's contributions, feeds into essential reports such as the 'State of India's Birds'. This annual assessment offers crucial insights into the health of bird populations nationwide. While it highlights the sobering reality of species in decline owing to habitat loss and pollution, it also celebrates inspiring signs of recovery for species benefiting from targeted conservation actions. The report underscores the power of collaborative data, highlighting the need to address the threats our birds face while also reminding us that positive change is eminently possible.
The Great Backyard Bird Count has been transformative in the way I, and countless others across India, see the world around us. Before, the birdsong in my neighbourhood was merely a pleasant background melody. Now, it's a chorus of sparrows, bulbuls, and barbets, each with their own stories to tell.
The Great Backyard Bird Count is, at its heart, a celebration of the simple power of observation. In the 15 minutes I spend on my balcony every morning, listening to the crescendo of birdsong, I'm not just a spectator – I'm part of a global movement dedicated to protecting the feathered wonders that bring our world to life. As India continues to enthusiastically embrace the GBBC, we give a voice to our birds and hope for a future where their symphony endures.
