Srinagar: A first-of-its-kind bird calendar was launched today in Kashmir by Mahmood Ahmad Shah (Director Handicrafts) and Raashid Naqash (Regional Wildlife Warden Kashmir) at Srinagar’s Kashmir Haat.
The event was attended by Sarwandeep Singh (author and birder from Delhi), Irfan Jeelani (Founder of Birds of Kashmir), Ovais Mir (DFO Sindh), Mudassar Ahmad (Coordinator WUCMA) and other members of the group. Members of Jammu and Kashmir Mountaineering and Hiking Club also lend a helping hand .
Irfan Jeelani gave a brief introduction about the group and its future endeavors. Sarwandeep Singh discussed the scope of birding and bird tourism in Jammu and Kashmir. He highlighted the potential of ornithology in the valley and promised to bring birding groups to the valley.
Raashid Naqash, while addressing the gathering, promised Wildlife Department’s full support and appreciated the efforts of ‘Birds of Kashmir’ in recording new bird species for Jammu and Kashmir. Mahmood Ahmad Shah, while addressing the audience, encouraged the group and promised his full support for exploring new areas. He also stressed upon the convergence of various aspects of outdoor activities including sky running, swimming, mountain biking, birding, climbing, hiking and photography to harness the available talent.
Genesis of Birds of Kashmir
Birds of Kashmir group was founded in March 2020 under the aegis of JKMHC when Covid19 lockdown was implemented. While the birders around the world were watching their backyards and balconies for birds, a Facebook group was created. The group grew very fast and thousands of members joined it and started posting pictures from their balconies and backyards.
These new members started exploring their neighborhood for birds and it is amazing that new records were created, new bird sightings and photographic evidences were recorded. The group is credited to have recorded Pallas’s rosefinch (first record for Indian subcontinent), Duraian redstart ( ist record for J&K), Blyth’s Rosefinch (first records for J&K), Little Bunting (First record from valley) etc.
The group intends to train local youth for bird guiding and also intends to establish a ‘Bird Rescue Centre’ in Kashmir. The group aims to generate mass awareness about the local fauna particularly the avian aspects of the valley. Recently, the members have also photographed Tundra swan in Kashmir. This bird has visited the valley after about 70 years. The group has about 5000 Facebook members and expanding.
