Rescue | Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher | October 2018 On the morning of October 25th, 2018, around 7 AM, an enthusiastic birdwatcher stumbled upon a vibrant and energetic creature amidst a chaotic scene. The bird had been rescued by a vigilant security guard after encountering stray dogs and crows, possibly due to colliding with a window at the Mapusa District Hospital. What initially sparked curiosity quickly turned to concern as the bird exhibited signs of disorientation and shock. Of particular distress was its peculiar head movement, constantly oscillating horizontally from the front (12 o’clock position) to the right (5 o’clock position) and back again, repeating the cycle endlessly. This neurological trauma resembled the malfunctioning motion of a battery-powered toy.
Unfortunately, we had encountered similar situations five times in the past three years, resulting in the unfortunate demise of the birds involved. Due to the lack of adequate veterinary care and avian pharmacology support in India, we had to rely on improvised treatments and pharmacological interventions. However, this time, we were successful in treating the bird within 48 hours, eventually releasing it into a suitable habitat appropriate for its species!
Please note: The featured individual is showcased in our previously mentioned banner.
Rescue | Red-billed Tropicbird | August 2017
In July 2017, a powerful storm wreaked havoc in Goa, and amidst the chaos, vigilant lifeguards stationed at the beach discovered a distressed Red-billed Tropicbird. These magnificent birds are exceptionally rare in the Arabian Sea, with few sightings even during frequent pelagic trips. Moreover, little was known about their dietary preferences. Despite never encountering humans before, the bird showed no fear and allowed close proximity. However, its lack of terrestrial experience was evident as it relied on its wings to move forward on land.
Upon examination, it was determined that the bird was a juvenile, severely malnourished, and had endured at least 10 days in turbulent seas. The loss of many primary feathers indicated the need for regrowth. Based on wind patterns, time calculations, and estimated distances, it was hypothesized that the bird originated from an atoll in the Lakshadweep Islands, known for its breeding colonies of Red-billed Tropicbirds. To our astonishment, we discovered that the bird’s diet consisted of squids and deboned fish fillets, requiring a daily intake equivalent to 150% of its body weight!
The entire village came together to nurse the bird back to health, providing rescue boats for aborted flight practice and a steady supply of fish. After two weeks of dedicated care, the bird made a triumphant return to its natural habitat, marking a successful release that involved the whole community.
Community Service | Vithu at Dhaddo
During my numerous explorations of the picturesque surroundings of Carambolim, I had the pleasure of encountering Vithu. Intrigued by my purpose, he inquired about my quest. I shared with him my search for a specific owl species, providing a detailed description. To my astonishment, he confidently claimed to have seen them in the area. True to his word, during my subsequent visit, he graciously guided me to the owls and even allowed me to capture their enchanting presence through my camera lens. These photographs now grace the pages of my book.
Vithu has since found a means of earning income by offering his services to those seeking glimpses or photographs of the owls. Despite the festive wedding taking place in his village, Vithu’s unwavering focus remained on the well-being of the owls, leading him to protest against the use of firecrackers. When I visited him a few days later, he proudly displayed the bruises he had endured as a result of opposing the harmful noise.
Today, Vithu stands as a cornerstone of my Bird Tourism policy, which I have recommended to the tourism administration of the Goa Government. This approach serves as the solution to the question of sustainable tourism that Goa has been grappling with for the past four decades, plagued by uncontrolled and detrimental tourism practices. It embodies a vision where local communities take ownership of tourism assets, ensuring their own sustenance and preservation through the principles of respect, conservation, and the overall well-being of such invaluable assets.
Community Service | Young Birders
In our effort to foster a love for birds and bird biology among young minds, we organized engaging Birdwatching Camps in collaboration with the Don Bosco Oratory, Panjim. The primary objective was to introduce children between the ages of 7 and 12 to the captivating world of birds, encompassing their biology and behavior. This comprehensive course held immense value, offering diverse possibilities such as exploring career paths in ecology, enhancing academic performance in traditional education, and nurturing lifelong hobbies.
During the field trips, the children were exposed to a multitude of bird species, their unique habitats, and the art of documenting their sightings on eBird. After a six-month break, the course was revived, resulting in remarkable growth in the children’s birding skills. They achieved a remarkable milestone by easily identifying at least 100 bird species—an incredible feat for youngsters around the age of 9! Furthermore, noticeable changes were observed in these children as they developed a heightened awareness of their environment. Their observations led to a shift in attitudes towards the captivity of wild animals, including birds. Additionally, their parents showed increased support for their children’s hobbies, encouraging us to continuously engage more young individuals in our noble mission to foster a deeper understanding of the natural world surrounding them. While the task may be challenging, these small steps serve as motivating milestones, propelling us to take further action in our endeavors to preserve our planet.
Community Service | Evangelizing Birding & Wildlife as a Hobby
A significant portion of our time, not dedicated to birding, is devoted to curating a vibrant local bird community group on Facebook called “Birds of Goa.” This dynamic online gathering serves as a meeting point for approximately 17,000 members. With a history spanning six years, the group has become a rich repository of daily experiences and photographs shared by both local residents and visiting birders. It has proven invaluable for visiting birders seeking insights into the birdlife of the state and preparing for their upcoming visits.
The “Birds of Goa” group plays a pivotal role in our work, keeping us well-informed about bird movements within the state and fostering a mutually beneficial relationship. Additionally, we have established a sister group called “Wildlife of Goa,” which encompasses all components of biodiversity in the region, excluding birds. This group helps broaden our understanding of the diverse living creatures that surround us. Both groups also serve as platforms for education, allowing us to enlighten members on crucial topics such as conservation, climate change, and the pressing issues our planet faces today. On occasion, these groups prove vital for extending assistance to birds and animals in distress, facilitating rescue efforts.
We take pride in our successful efforts to promote the joys of birding and cultivate an appreciation for the remarkable biodiversity that envelops us. By actively acquiring new members, we continuously strive to introduce more individuals to the captivating world of birding and the inherent beauty found within our natural surroundings.
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