8th Uttarakhand Bird Festival Hosted by Benog Wildlife Sanctuary

In dignified homage to the avian visitors and wilderness, the Benog Wildlife Sanctuary, located right next to Mussoorie, hosted its 8th Uttarakhand Bird Festival from 18-20 October, 2024. This event showcased the rich bird life of the area. At the celebration, 22 butterfly and 95 bird species were recorded. This was held on the backdrop of a first-time event that showcased the importance of Uttarakhand biodiversity and garnered interest from many professionals as well as students.

Bird Watchers Experience Uttarakhand Bird Festival

• Other intriguing birds included the yellow-rumped honeyguide, long-tailed broadbill, and wallcreeper. 
• Yellow-rumped Honeyguide: Honeyguides typically lead other animals to wild beehives—this behavior in the Yellow-rumped Honeyguide shows that it may have changed its foraging habits.
• Approximately 450 school students from 22 schools participated in science-themed activities designed to encourage sustainability and local engagement at the festival.
• 170 experts gave presentations on Finn's Baya, Himalayan Quail, and Percy's Nature-Watching Ethical Dilemma.
• Even Benog Wildlife Sanctuary, home to more than 230 annual arrivals of our feathered friends, including some great birdwatching spots.
• Uttarakhand is home to more than 690 bird species, which makes it a paradise for birdwatchers.
• The festival celebrates citizen science and birdwatchers. Next up, the festival celebrated citizen science, the role of birdwatchers as cooperation partners with scientists in the field, and how simple it is to report sightings.
• It brings together a diverse group of professionals, including researchers, students, and locals, to learn from one another and protect biodiversity.