The Mangrove Cell on Saturday conducted a waterbird census as part of the Asian Waterbird Census (AWC) programme, a citizen science initiative that monitors waterbirds and wetlands across Asia. The AWC is organised by Wetlands International under the global International Waterbird Census and is conducted annually in January. (PICS/ MANGROVE CELL- MAHARASHTRA FOREST DEPARTMENT)
Updated On: 2026-01-25 01:42 PM IST
Compiled by : Anushree Gaikwad
Around 100 citizen volunteers, along with Forest Department staff, participated in the exercise. Participants were divided into four groups, each assigned to a site where waterbird species and their numbers were systematically recorded
The survey was guided by experienced bird experts and researchers from the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), the nodal agency for the AWC programme in India
More than 30 species of waterbirds were recorded during the activity, including several migratory species such as Northern Pintails, Eurasian Spoonbills, Gadwalls, Temminck’s Stints, Marsh Sandpipers, Wood Sandpipers, Black-tailed Godwits, Northern Shovelers, Whiskered Terns and Brown-headed Gulls
