Himalayan Bird Count to Be Celebrated Across All 12 Districts of Himachal Pradesh on May 9
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Shimla, May 08: The “Himalayan Bird Count” (HBC), a unique citizen-participation bird monitoring campaign, will be organised across all 12 districts of Himachal Pradesh on May 9, 2026. The initiative will witness participation from bird watchers, nature enthusiasts, students, forest officials, photographers, conservationists and local communities, who will document the rich avian diversity of the Himalayan region.
The Himalayan Bird Count is observed every year on the second Saturday of May. The campaign was launched in 2022 by , and the . Its objective is to celebrate the remarkable bird diversity of the Himalayas while raising awareness about the fragile Himalayan ecosystem and the need for its conservation.
The Himalayas are among the world’s richest biodiversity regions and are home to nearly 10 percent of the world’s bird species. Rare and endemic birds inhabit snow-covered mountains, dense forests, grasslands and river valleys. However, climate change, shrinking forests and increasing human pressure are posing serious threats to these birds and their natural habitats.
Birds are considered important indicators of environmental health. Changes in their behaviour, migration patterns, population and habitats often reflect ecological changes in nature. By conducting bird counts on the same day every year, scientists and conservationists can better understand which species are thriving and which require urgent conservation attention.
Participants will observe birds from different Himalayan locations and upload their records through the eBird mobile application. Organisers have appealed to participants to prepare at least a 15-minute complete checklist and accurately record the birds they see or hear. Participants may also upload multiple checklists throughout the day.
The event also coincides with the globally celebrated Global Big Day and India’s Endemic Bird Day, adding further significance to the campaign.
Regional Bird Count India Coordinator Santosh Kumar Thakur said such initiatives serve as an effective medium to make people aware of the birds around them. He emphasised that people should not only observe birds but also understand their ecological importance. He added that such programmes help generate valuable scientific data that can indicate whether bird populations are increasing or facing threats, enabling timely conservation measures.
He further informed that three to four bird coordinators have been appointed in every district of Himachal Pradesh to ensure the success of the campaign. These coordinators will organise bird walks, awareness programmes and lectures in schools, colleges and local communities to encourage greater public participation.
Amit Kumar said that for the first time, a “Bird Festival” is being organised in Kinnaur from May 8 to 10, 2026. He stated that all participants of the festival would also take part in the Himalayan Bird Count on May 9. According to him, such initiatives provide people an opportunity to better understand the fragile Himalayan environment and its biodiversity.
He also noted that such programmes are an excellent way to connect youth with nature and birding. If young people adopt birdwatching as a hobby, they are likely to remain connected with nature and environmental conservation for the long term.
Organisers have appealed to citizens, students, educational institutions, wildlife enthusiasts, photographers and local communities across Himachal Pradesh to participate enthusiastically in the campaign.
“Every bird counted is an important step towards protecting the fragile Himalayan ecosystem.”
Several bird walks, awareness campaigns and bird observation activities will also be organised in different districts of the state by local birding groups and district coordinators.
