Sikkim is a well recognized birders’ paradise, and not just
the historic Yuksam, holy Khecheopalri and other areas in West Sikkim, or the
great valleys of Tholung, Lachen and Lachung in North Sikkim, or the high
altitude areas of East Sikkim or the lowland forests and agricultural areas in
the warmer South. Urban centres like Gangtok, even Melli Bazar, are often great
bird watching areas. One only needs to
check the Facebook pages at Sikkim Ornithological Society, Sikkim Birds, Birds
of West Sikkim and Khangchendzonga Area and see the fabulous young followers
and photographs!
Big Bird Day 2014 is this year’s biggest pan-India birding
event. On 16 February 2014, all across the country, birders, amateurs, experts,
lay-persons will be bird-watching and compiling their lists from dawn to dusk,
at different locations, preferably in teams. One could go birding throughout
the day or part of the day depending upon interest and passion. Birders must register at www.ebird.org and
upload their lists of the day from different localities. For the first time we have a smartphone app
called Birdlog Asia downloadable free and available till one day after D-day,
so that bird lists could be uploaded straight in the field itself!
Sikkim Ornithological Society calls upon all enthusiasts
including amateurs anywhere in Sikkim to participate in this cross-country
birding adventure and liven up Sunday the 16th of February 2014 in this unique
adventure!
Sikkim Ornithological Society, Gangtok
