Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 14 Nov: The Second Uttarakhand Bird Count (UBC 2025) will be held tomorrow and on 16 November with the aim of documenting and conserving the state’s rich avian diversity. The exercise will be carried out through the coordinated efforts of local birdwatchers, community groups, educational institutions, nature guides, the Uttarakhand Forest Department and the Uttarakhand State Biodiversity Board. The event coincides with the 25th anniversary of Uttarakhand’s formation on 9 November 2000 and seeks to enhance public awareness about the state’s natural heritage.
During the first statewide bird census held last year, participants recorded 399 species out of the 731 known species found in the state, highlighting both Uttarakhand’s avian wealth and the crucial role of citizen participation. This year, more than 81 coordinated birding sessions will be organised across all the districts, including 62 public bird observation field trips and 19 local invitation-based programmes. The event follows a community-driven approach, with active participation from local birdwatchers, schools, village groups and nature guides. The bird count will be conducted across diverse landscapes ranging from the higher Himalayan regions of Chamoli, Uttarkashi and Pithoragarh to the forested mountain ranges of the Middle Himalayas and Shivaliks, as well as the plains of the Terai-Bhabar.
The organisers expect widespread participation from independent birdwatchers, strengthening the event’s growing prominence in the state’s annual birding calendar. UBC 2025 also emphasises on inclusivity and accessibility, with special bird observation sessions being arranged by visually impaired and hearing-impaired bird enthusiasts. A notable increase has been recorded in women’s participation this year, with women taking leading roles in state-level coordination and the management of local programmes.
Updated programme details, event locations and participation links will be available on the website https://birdcount.in/event/uttarakhand-bird-count/. The participants have been urged to upload their lists by 23 November 2025.
