FY B.Com students of the College as a part of the VAC-103 course Environmental Practices in Goa enthusiastically participated in the Goa Bird Atlas Survey initiative conducted by Arannya Environment Research Organization on 31st August 2023. The purpose of this survey was to explore and observe birds in their natural habitats, while also helping to gather important data from one of the grids in and around the College premises, consisting of two distinct habitats – human habitation and agricultural habitats with wetlands. The initiative helped to gather data for the Bird Atlas to aid in the conservation and management of avifauna and also enhance ecological knowledge and awareness among students.
The survey took place in and around the premises of the College, commencing at 09.00 a.m. The bird survey was led by Jalmesh Karapurkar the State Coordinator of Goa Bird Atlas Survey. One birding trail was conducted in each habitat lasting 15 minutes. Every participant was given a pocket guide on common birds of Goa with 208 familiar birds illustrated on it. The students were equipped with binoculars and bird identification guides to aid in their observation and used the ‘eBird India Portal’, for record-keeping. During the survey, a total of 23 different bird species were sighted jointly by the students.
Following is the list of 16 bird species spotted during the survey conducted in human habitation:
- Rock Pigeon (Columba livia)
- Asian Koel (Eudynamysscolopaceus)
- Little Cormorant (Microcarboniger)
- Indian Pond-Heron (Ardeolagrayii)
- Black Kite (Milvusmigrans)
- Brahminy Kite (Haliasturindus)
- Rufoustreepie (Dendrocittavagabunda)
- House Crow (Corvussplendens)
- Common Tailorbird (Orthotomussutorius)
- Grey-breasted Prinia (Priniahodgsonii)
- Ashy Prinia (Prinia social)
- Red-whiskered Bulbul (Pycnonotus joyous)
- Jungle Myna (Acridotheresfuscus)
- Oriental Magpie-Robin (Copsychussaularis)
- NilgiriFlowerpecker (Dicaeumconcolor)
- Purple-rumped Sunbird (Leptocomazeylonica)
Following is the list of 14 bird species spotted during the survey conducted near an agricultural area with a wetland adjacent to it:
- Rock Pigeon (Columba livia)
- Spotted Dove (Spilopeliachinensis)
- Asian Koel (Eudynamysscolopaceus)
- Little Cormorant (Microcarboniger)
- Yellow Bittern (Ixobrychussinensis)
- Purple Heron (Ardeapurpurea)
- Great Egret (Ardea alba)
- Indian Pond-Heron (Ardeolagrayii)
- Black Kite (Milvusmigrans)
- Brahminy Kite (Haliasturindus)
- Pied Kingfisher (Cerylerudis)
- House Crow (Corvussplendens)
- Ashy Prinia (Prinia social)
- Red-rumped Swallow (Cecropisdaurica)
These sightings provided valuable insight into the bird species residing in and around the College premises, thus also contributing to the knowledge base of Goa’s avifauna diversity. Students actively engaged in bird identification and recording gaining practical insights into environmental research methodologies. The findings from this survey will be utilized in future conservation efforts and habitat restoration projects in Goa. A total of 13 students participated in the survey.
