Vadodara: More than 200 bird species were recorded during Bird Race 2026, held recently in and around Vadodara, highlighting the rich avian diversity of the district’s wetlands.Organized by Sayaji Avians, Vadodara, the annual bird race saw birdwatchers fan out at dawn across key wetland habitats, binoculars in hand, to document both resident and migratory species. The event brought together experienced birders and conservation enthusiasts to survey lakes and wetlands across the region.Teams were deployed across multiple locations. Vishal Thakur and volunteers surveyed Timbi and Ajwa, while Manish Sitlani, Pritul Shah and Devang Parmar covered Javla and Muval lakes. Another group led by Anika Tere monitored Wadhwana and Kukad lakes, while Shilpa Kulkarni’s team surveyed Pratappura, Paladi and Vadadla lakes.Among the notable sightings were Red-headed Bunting, Red Avadavat, Siberian Stonechat, Rock Bush Chat, Indian Roller, Long-tailed Shrike, Isabelline Shrike and Ashy Prinia, along with several water birds including Greylag Goose, Eurasian Coot, Gadwall, Green-winged Teal, Garganey, Common Pochard, Northern Pintail, Great Cormorant and Cotton Pygmy Goose.The event was supported by the Bird Conservation Society of Gujarat (BCSG), Parinidhi, and Tata Chemicals, reflecting the growing role of citizen science in biodiversity conservation. Organizers said such initiatives not only help generate valuable ecological data but also raise public awareness about protecting fragile wetland habitats.Organizers added that Bird Race 2026 once again underlined the importance of wetlands around Vadodara as critical habitats for birds. The data collected will contribute to long-term monitoring and conservation planning efforts in the region.
