The discovery of Nordmann’s Greenshank (Tringa guttifer) in Lothian Island in February 2022, followed by further sightings at Meidinagar – Hijli beach in East Midnapore in 2023 – prompted by telemetry data – confirmed the region’s importance as a wintering ground for this endangered species. A subsequent sighting at Lothian Island during the Coastal Bird Camp in 2024 strengthened this hypothesis. The second edition of the Coastal Camp, held during February 21 – 23 2025, aimed to further explore these protected islands as safe havens for migratory shorebirds.
The Birdwatchers’ Society organized a birdwatching camp as part of its annual camp plans at Kila Dalijoda near Cuttack, Odisha from 25-29 December, 2024. 23 wildlife enthusiasts, some seasoned and some novices, joined us
Early morning tea at Kila Dalijoda and leave for Mundali Barrage
( on River Mahanadi ) with packed breakfast. 1st half of the day for Skimmer and other attractions of local river side area. Lunch on the way. Then drive to Bhubaneswar to Ekamra Kanan for Pale-capped Pigeon and other species. Return to Kila Dalijoda for a Camp Fire and dinner. Retire for the night. (170km).
It was a race against time to secure a spot. The call for action had barely begun before the limited seats were filled! The next announcement from the organisers came about engaging the professional services of Zigzag India Tours, represented by Soumya Kundu (a fellow birder & member of BWS). As D-Day came by, 21 members boarded the bus from Kolkata
The second BWS bird watching camp was organised over five days (December 17 to 21, 2022) near Majua under Darjeeling District of West Bengal. The camp was attended by a total of 26 enthusiastic members covering all age groups from college going students to retired seniors.
It had all along been an idea at the back of our minds to conduct an Annual Birdwatching Camp, where members could pursue their passion for birdwatching and engage in meaningful ‘adda’ to hone their skills.