Trip Report
In search of … the careless vagabonds of the sea.
On 03, April 2021, a team of 16 birders of Birdwatcher’s Society (BWS) took to the sea in pursuit of pelagic birds off Bakhali coast into the Bay of Bengal. The first such expedition in the Bay of Bengal was conducted by BWS in Dec 2020. That too was a two-day exploration.
Bay of Bengal forms a large marine ecosystem, empowered by the tributaries of the largest delta of the planet. Major rivers like the Ganges, Brahmaputra, Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna and Cauvery discharge millions of litres of water per day into the Bay of Bengal. This marine ecosystem stretches from West Bengal and extends till the southernmost point in Tamil Nadu which is nearly 50% of India’s coastline. In spite of its vastness, the Bay of Bengal has remained data deficient since very few detailed surveys have been conducted in the past. Over the years pelagic bird data have been useful to study the structural and functional changes in marine eco systems. BWS has been trying to contribute to the scientific pursuits,
through its initiatives, to unravel the mystery of the Bay.
The pelagic birds are rarely seen as they do not venture towards the land except for breeding. Consequently they are amongst the most poorly known birds, as not only are they difficult to find, much less follow and observe in the vastness of the open ocean. They do sometime get blown into the landmass by storms & cyclones. During the cyclone Phani, Bulbul and Amphan few birds were rescued from places such as Rajarhat, Dankuni and Midnapore.
Dr Anirban Bhaduri (BWS Member) photographed, from his terrace, a Great Frigatebird (Fregata minor) blown towards Rajarhat during cyclone Amphan in May 2020. Few more observations were reported post Amphan from Hooghly as well. Great Frigatebirds also known as Man o’-war birds, have an ill-deserved reputation as full-time pirates because they are often seen chasing other seabird species, particularly boobies, to commandeer a meal. Apart from Kolkata similar sightings, in India, have been reported from the coastal regions of Tamil Nadu & Kerala.
Great Frigatebird (Fregata minor) – (IUCN – Least concern): A large black seabird that holds its wings in a distinctive crook. The long, forked tail may appear pointed when folded. Males are all black with a red throat pouch. Females have a white breast. Immatures have a white head and breast. Found in Indian Ocean, Indonesian Seas, South China Sea. Main food flying fish and squid. Pic credit: Dr Anirban Bhaduri – Sanjeevani Gardens, 21-22 May 2020
The 16 members of the BWS team consisted of young and old, the wise and bold, the witty and the nutty, also the sporty and the hefty (sic). Led by Major B Parihar the team embarked on its journey in the not so early hours of 03April. Breakfast was served on the move, a much sought tea stop and hygiene break at Diamond Harbour enroute to destination. Arriving just in time for the much sought after lunch at Banashree, Bakhali.
2nd Pelagic Bird Survey – Bay of Bengal Expedition (3rd & 4th April 2021)
In search of … the careless vagabonds of the sea.
On 03 April 2021, a team of 16 birders of Birdwatcher’s Society (BWS) took to the sea in pursuit of pelagic birds off Bakhali coast into the Bay of Bengal. The first such expedition in the Bay of Bengal was conducted by BWS in Dec 2020. Bay of Bengal forms a large marine ecosystem, empowered by the tributaries of the largest delta of the planet. Major rivers like the Ganges, Brahmaputra, Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna and Cauvery discharge millions of litres of water per day into the Bay of Bengal. In spite of its vastness, the Bay of Bengal has remained data deficient since very few detailed surveys have been conducted in the past. BWS has been trying to contribute to the scientific pursuits, through its initiatives, to unravel the mystery of the Bay.
Great Frigatebird (Fregata minor) – observed during the expedition and post-cyclone records.
⚓ Day 1 – 3rd April 2021
📌 Early departure from Kolkata, breakfast at Diamond Harbour. Arrival at Banashree, Bakhali for lunch. Post-lunch briefing by Major B Parihar.
📌 Afternoon offshore transect: 15 nautical miles into the Bay of Bengal. Observed Brown Booby, Bridled Tern, Streaked Shearwater.
📌 Evening return, data recording, discussion on marine identification.
📌 Night halt at coastal guesthouse.
📌 Afternoon offshore transect: 15 nautical miles into the Bay of Bengal. Observed Brown Booby, Bridled Tern, Streaked Shearwater.
📌 Evening return, data recording, discussion on marine identification.
📌 Night halt at coastal guesthouse.
📸 Maj Parihar capturing the smiles at the start of the trip
🤝 Maj Parihar with the team members
🌊 Day 2 – 4th April 2021
📌 Early morning departure before sunrise. Extended transect up to 25 nautical miles.
📌 Highlight: Great Frigatebird (Fregata minor) – two sub-adults soaring above the vessel. Also Red-footed Booby, Wilson's Storm Petrel.
📌 Systematic count and photographic documentation.
📌 Return to Bakhali by late afternoon. Concluding session with notes on conservation of pelagic habitats.
📌 Highlight: Great Frigatebird (Fregata minor) – two sub-adults soaring above the vessel. Also Red-footed Booby, Wilson's Storm Petrel.
📌 Systematic count and photographic documentation.
📌 Return to Bakhali by late afternoon. Concluding session with notes on conservation of pelagic habitats.
🐦 Notable Pelagic Sightings
✔ Great Frigatebird (Fregata minor) – Least Concern but rare offshore West Bengal.
✔ Bridled Tern (Onychoprion anaethetus) – multiple flocks feeding on flying fish.
✔ Streaked Shearwater (Calonectris leucomelas) – long-winged gliders.
✔ Wilson’s Storm Petrel – pattering over wave crests.
📸 Photo documentation by Dr. Anirban Bhaduri & team members.
✔ Bridled Tern (Onychoprion anaethetus) – multiple flocks feeding on flying fish.
✔ Streaked Shearwater (Calonectris leucomelas) – long-winged gliders.
✔ Wilson’s Storm Petrel – pattering over wave crests.
📸 Photo documentation by Dr. Anirban Bhaduri & team members.
📘 Scientific Significance
Pelagic birds are rarely seen as they do not venture towards land except for breeding. Consequently they are amongst the most poorly known birds. During cyclones Phani, Bulbul and Amphan, few birds were rescued from places such as Rajarhat, Dankuni and Midnapore. Dr Anirban Bhaduri photographed a Great Frigatebird from his terrace during cyclone Amphan in May 2020. Such surveys help fill critical data gaps for marine Important Bird Areas (IBAs) in the Bay of Bengal.
Survey Route: Bakhali coast to 25 nautical miles offshore, covering shelf break and pelagic zone.
Total species recorded: 11 seabird species including 2 lifers for many participants.
Data contribution: eBird checklist with detailed abundance estimates submitted to Indian Ocean Seabird Database.
🙏 Acknowledgements
Team BWS: Maj B Parihar (expedition lead), Dr Anirban Bhaduri, Sabyasachi Patra, Debraj Manna, and 12 other dedicated birders. Local support from Bakhali fishing community and vessel captain Niranjan Sardar.
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