Birding at my University premises The identification and observation of wild birds in their natural habitat as a recreation is known as birding or bird watching. Bird watching has various benefits in terms of economic, educational, environmental point of view. While it is a good means of recreation, it is helpful in scientific research, tourism promotion, determining conservation measure etc. And in my view its best advantage is that it helps to keep record guiding the addition or loss of birds in number and specie at any site and determining the possible threats as well as conservation measures. Personally I enjoy birding and I am with biggest advantage as it happens here most of the Saturday's and Bird Conservation Nepal makes it happen. Bird Conservation Nepal is an environmental non –Governmental organization established in 1982 A.D. and has its branch at my university. It focuses on conservation of birds emphasizing the conservation of their habitats and sites. Its other goal is to promote general people and researcher's interest in birds to fight their threats. It works under Birdlife International. The Birding is done in different wetland sites as well as at our University premises. And last Saturday that is on 1st August 2015, it was done at University premises which comprise the "Ban Pale" forest. Describing about the "Pale forest", it is a Sub tropical forest dominated by Schima-castonopsis species.It covers an area of 31.04 ha at an altitude of 750-915 m. Seti river flows on the south west of the forest and is the major source of water. Though small in area it is home to fourteen mammals, twelve herpes, five reptiles, four amphibians and ninety nine birds (BCN Pokhara branch, 2012).Including major species like common leopard, barking deer, three species of bats, viper species and pythons etc. Also it is rich in non timber forest products (NTFPS) and harbors 30 species of medicinal, economical and religious value. For more information you can go through the link https://www.academia.edu/3476619/Banpale_Danda_Forest_management_Plan . For birding we gathered at 7:00 A.M. NST and were divided in two groups including ten members each and were dispersed entering the forest from northern and southern side. We had 2 binoculars and 2 bird books for identification help in each group. Though the day was gloomy we were able to sight thirty two species of birds.Our birding ended at 10:00 A.M. NST. The birds name are listed below:- 1) Red vented bulbul 2) Blue throated barbet 3) Spotted dove 4) Oriental magpie robin 5) Black drongo 6) Large billed crow 7) Cattle egret 8) Common myna 9) Large billed crow 10) Scarlet minivet 11) Great barbet 12) Grey headed woodpecker 13) Rufous treppie 14) Greater coucal 15) Rock Pigeon 16) Spangled drongo 17) Great tit 18) Black lored tit 19) Grey hooded warbler 20) Yellow vented warbler 21) Velvet fronted nuthatch 22) Oriental white-eye 23) Black kite 24) Steppe eagle 25) White throated kingfisher 26) House crow 27) Little egret 28) House sparrow 29) Common stonechat 30) Barn swallow 31) Long tailed shrike 32) Scally-breasted munia Along with these birds I also got to observe many beautiful butterflies on this day.Birding keeps you close to nature with the sight of amazing birds and also helps in their conservation.So keep birding everyone. P.S:- If you happen to be in Pokhara and love birding you can join us.J  #Birders  #Skipper_butterfly #Birders_on_The_way #Seti_river #Insect  #Group_picture
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