Friday, June 29, 2007

BIRDWATCHING IN GANGTOK


GANGTOK:The Sikkim Ornithological Society (SOS) in collaboration with WWF India organised a two-day bird watching camp for bird enthusiasts here. Thirty-two participants from across the state took part in the camp.
It may be recalled that Mr Trevor Price, a professor of Ecology & Evolution in University of Chicago, had recently found 33 rare and endangered species of birds at the Kanchenjungha National Park (KNP) in West Sikkim in 44 days. The SOS secretary, Mr Lokendra Rasaily, however, claimed that the locals found 41 species of birds at the Himalayan Geological Park and Bullbulley in just two days.
Joshua Sherpa, a class X student who participated in the camp, said: “It was really a great experience identifying birds by their colour and songs.”
Mrs Usha Lachungpa a trainer cum researcher from state forest department, said: “We were there to coordinate with the participants and the projectors.”
“The objective of this training programme was to conduct a survey on the exact population of birds in Gangtok. The students would again be taken to different corridors of Gangtok,” Mr Rasaily, said. “In course of time exact numbers of birds in Gangtok will also attract tourist with this special subject,” Mr Rasialy added.