The census was carried out at four key waterbodies in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region—Bhandup Pumping Station, Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary, T S Chanakya Wetlands, and NRI Wetlands. PIC/ Mangrove Cell - Maharashtra Forest Department
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
It also plays an important role in raising awareness about the conservation of waterbirds and wetlands in the country
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