The Birdwatchers’ Society (BWS) consists of over 300 birdwatchers in West Bengal. The society was established with the intention to study, observe, record, and archive all aspects of birds, particularly in West Bengal. Emphasizing birds as indicators of a healthy habitat and environmental well-being, they promote birdwatching as a hobby, contributing significantly to citizen science efforts. Conservation of birds in their natural environment is a focal point. Regular birding activities are conducted, alongside the publication of an online quarterly newsletter, ‘FANTAIL,’ aimed at sharing field learnings, experiences, and anecdotes. Plans for the future include bird monitoring programs and the publication of ornithology-related journals.
Valuing teamwork and eager to assist individuals or organizations involved in bird and habitat conservation, the society firmly believes in partnership and cooperation as essential for sustainability and success. Collaboration is welcomed with corporate bodies, individuals, societies, or any other organizations. Their main activities include bird walks and talks for general public, educating children through a program called ‘School of Birds’ and field trips for members of BWS and others.
Contact: Sujan Chatterjee. Email: [email protected]
Bird Monitoring Activities
Bird Counts and Events
BWS promotes and engages in all other nation-wide initiatives of Bird Count India and encourages its members and birders to regularly contribute towards citizen science platforms like eBird. They participate in Annual Winter Waterfowl Counts, Great Backyard Bird Count, and have also initiated their own citizen science projects
BWS conducts two nation-wide projects through BCI network – Poila Baisakh Bird Count and Dawn Chorus Day.
Poila Baisakh Bird Count is an annual count conducted during April during the “Poila Baisakh” festival of West Bengal. See here for details.
Dawn Chorus Day is an initiative to record and analyze bird sounds during the early hours of dawn. See here for details.
Header Image: Rufous-necked Hornbill Aceros nipalensis ©Abhishek Das/ Macaulay Library
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