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Mint
6 days ago
- Sport
- Mint
Who was Sunjoy Monga? Mumbai's ‘bird man' passes away at 63 after battling blood cancer
Mumbai: Award winning wildlife photographer and veteran journalist Sunjoy Monga was to go birding in Lokhandwala this weekend. Unfortunately, he passed away on Wednesday, May 30, succumbing to a nine-year battle with blood cancer. Sunjoy Monga was 63-years-old. His death has left nature lovers and activists in deep shock. Apart from his award-winning photography, Sunjoy Monga also left his footprints in 'Bird Race' — an annual bird-spotting event that inspired the love of birds among hundreds of Mumbaikars over the years. In 2005, Monga launched Mumbai's first-ever bird race—an event that has since become an annual tradition known as 'Wings – Birds of India.' Monga's idea of launching a bird race was inspired by the Hong Kong bird race. As part of the Mumbai race, Monga invited birdwatchers to dedicate 12 hours to spotting as many bird species as possible. The inaugural race saw around 100 enthusiasts record 277 different species in and around Mumbai. Since then, Monga expanded the event to 33 cities across India, with the tradition still thriving today. As per experts, Sunjoy Monga started his bird-watching journey with other prominent names in the field such as Humayun Abdulali and Salim Ali. 'A great tree has fallen,' Pravin Subramanian, who organised the Bird Race with Monga since 2007, told HT. 'Back then, there were only two books for bird enthusiasts to follow. Monga filled this void by writing comprehensible books for all,' added the Bird Race co-organiser. Sunjoy Monga served for several years on the governing council of the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), a testament to his deep-rooted expertise as a naturalist. Monga's knowledge and passion for the environment made him a valuable contributor to several key conservation bodies. The 63-year-old was also a member of the Executive Committee of the MMRDA's Environment Improvement Society, the Maharashtra Nature Park Society, and also held the honorary post of Warden at the Sanjay Gandhi National Park. Raju Kasambe, programme manager, lands, at The Nature Conservancy, an environmental organisation, told HT: 'At the end of each race, Sunjoy would put together an amusing presentation with a lot of takeaways. It took a lot of grit in the early years to put together a checklist of birds and hand it over to 30 groups, then analyse each sheet and the data, but he did it every year. A lot it has migrated to the e-bird app.'
Hindustan Times
19-05-2025
- General
- Hindustan Times
Threatened, near-threatened birds flock to Udaipur's Menar wetland
In Rajasthan, a small village, less than 50 km off Udaipur, has emerged as a biodiversity hotspot with sightings of several threatened and near-threatened bird species over the last few years. These sightings and community-driven conservation efforts have bestowed Menar with the moniker of 'bird village'. Two wetlands — large and deep Brahma and small and shallow Dhandh — along with a host of ponds constitute the Menar wetland complex, providing habitat to nearly 200 species of birds every winter. A bird census earlier this year, conducted by the Bombay Natural History Society and the state's forest department, revealed presence of several species of vultures and a large number of resident and migratory wetland birds around the grasslands of the hamlet. Recent sightings include species such as cinereous vulture, long-billed vulture, Himalayan griffon vulture and Egyptian vulture in the grasslands, besides Asian wooly-necked stork, ferruginous pochard, Dalmatian pelican, and black-tailed godwit in the wetlands. Villagers conserving these wetlands for generations as a 'common' resource for their livestock and water requirements during the dry season, have only recently realised that the hundreds of birds that are spotted in these wetlands, perched on balconies and temple tops, are in fact threatened species. 'We conducted a bird census in Menar along with the forest department. All wetlands in India fall in the Central Asian Flyway. Menar also plays a very important role because of its strategic location in southern part of Rajasthan. It's important to understand why so many birds are visiting that area,' Sujit Narwade, deputy director, Bombay Natural History Society, said. He emphasised the key role the 'very supportive' local community plays in ensuring the birds are safe. 'Menarians are known for their coexistence with birds. Look anywhere in the village and you will find birds. In Rajasthan, we largely see this love for nature. We see the same thing at Khichan bird sanctuary as well,' he added. Menar is not one wetland, but a complex of wetlands, making it conducive for birds, which normally visit large areas with multiple wetlands and grasslands. 'For example, cranes will feed in the farm land and come to roost in the wetland. There are so many grasslands nearby which also support unique and endangered species like vultures. This is seen in Menar. We are trying for some long-term studies around the village to understand the commute of migratory birds,' Narwade said. Menar wetland complex was notified in 2023, effectively giving it legal protection and ensuring that the land use cannot be changed. However, the move has evoked mixed reactions from the locals, popularly known as Menarians. While residents are happy with the recognition to their collective conservation efforts running into generations, their primary concern stems from the apprehension whether such legal protection would restrict their rights to graze livestock or extract fertile soil from wetlands. A proposed 765-KV sub grid power station near the Kheroda wetland, also part of the Menar complex, is also a reason for their concern as locals believe the project could endanger migratory birds that traverse Kheroda on their way to Menar. The gram panchayat of Kheroda has objected to the proposal, according to documents seen by HT. 'These wetlands are formed through a collection of rainwater and overflow from our farms. Brahmasagar overflow forms Dhandh wetland while Dhandh lake's overflow creates other ponds. We do not extract water from these overflow wetlands because these are left for livestock and birds,' Shankar Lal Menariya, former vice-sarpanch of Menar, said. Villagers' resolve to the wetland free of disturbance may also have helped create a bird habitat in Menar. 'Hunting and fishing is not allowed here. Even disturbance to still water is discouraged. There is strict penalty for those who violate. The birds need fish, which is in abundance in these wetlands,' local resident Mangi Lal Menariya (82) said. The scientific assessment of bird diversity has enhanced the pride of villagers, who see themselves as custodians of these wetlands, the octogenarian said. 'We have consciously decided not to allow any shops, commercial establishments bordering these wetlands because that can disturb the birds,' another resident Shankar Lal said. Birders like Darshan Menariya, by documenting the frequent sightings in the recent years, have played crucial role in establishing Menar as a key bird habitat. 'You can never become familiar with any species unless you know their names. Once I started identifying them by name, it became addictive and very interesting,' Darshan, who also teaches at a government school, said. 'During winter, you can see 200 species of birds. We see two species of Pelicans — greater white pelican and Dalmatian pelican — as well as common cranes, flamingos that come from Rann of Kutch, and sarus cranes, etc. Black-necked stork has started breeding in Brahma Talab. We have created some islands for roosting of these birds and planted acacia mainly for their nesting,' he said. 'We also see a lot of common pochards here. They are an indicator of clean water. Bar- headed geese also come in large numbers from high altitude areas.' Darshan's work has also inspired several youngsters take up birding as a hobby. 'Every time there is a rare bird sighting many of us are very excited. Most of the younger generation can identify birds here,' 20-year-old Hemlatha, Darshan's niece, said. Sharing Aravalli commons In sharp contrast to some parts of the Aravallis, where mining and real estate are threatening common lands, Gogunda in Udaipur district sees a network of ponds being conserved, utilised and carefully rationed by villagers. The rule here is clear — use water from wetlands efficiently for irrigation, leave the rest for livestock, wild animals, insects and birds. Kanji Ka Guda village in Gogunda tehsil is an example of how wetlands, pastures, hills, small streams and sacred groves are carefully managed as 'common' lands spanning around 400 hectares of Aravalli landscape. 'The rule is that villagers can take water only for the Rabi crop. There is enough water for the crop. The rest will be left for livestock, animals and birds because if there is no water, there is no life,' Bawar Singh (70), head of a local committee looking after pasture land, said. Foundation for Ecological Security (FES), a non-profit, in its monitoring of the area has found at least 36 species of odonates (insects), including the red marsh trotter, black stream glider, blue ground skimmer, ditch jewel, blue darner, and little blue marsh hawk. These findings are likely to be published in a journal soon. Migratory bird species, including greenish warbler, garganey, citrine wagtail, Siberian stonechat, ferruginous duck, white wagtail, western yellow wagtail, green avadavat, red-breasted flycatcher, bluethroat, common pochard, green-winged teal, northern pintail, gadwall, and northern shoveler are also reported in Gogunda. Just as in most places across Rajasthan, caste is a dominant aspect in all villages, including Menar. But when it comes to 'commons', the rules are even. 'You may say that caste inequities take a backseat when it comes to access of common resources,' Vinod Paliwal, senior programme manager, Foundation for Ecological Security, said. While Gogunda is largely dominated by scheduled tribes, Menar is an all-Brahmin village. (The reporter is a recipient of Promise of Commons Media Fellowship, on the significance of Commons and its community stewardship)
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Scientists floored after tracking eagle's flight throughout vast journey: 'Flying by instinct'
Researchers discovered that the Pallas's fish eagle returns to the same spot in an Indian national park for its annual breeding season. According to the Hindu, the eagle has been flying to Assam's Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve to breed for five years in a row. It's one of the largest fishing eagles and is listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The tracked individual, a bird called Ider, exhibits reverse migration habits. Kaziranga acts as its home base for breeding, but it flies back to Mongolia after each breeding season. Two months after hatching, the baby birds are strong enough to fly to Mongolia as well. Dr. Sachin Ranade, one of the scientists tracking the flight patterns from the Bombay Natural History Society, said, "They don't need parental guidance, flying by instinct to navigate the [Central Asian Flyway]." Ranade explained, "We observed two chicks in the tagged bird's nest. Although we cannot say how many chicks it has sired, we can conclude it bred every year in Kaziranga for five successive years." According to the Hindu, it's estimated that only 2,500 mature Pallas's eagles exist in the wild. Seeing it return to Kaziranga each year is a positive sign for the species. Kaziranga's field director, Sonali Ghosh, noted, "Kaziranga is one of the best locations on Earth to observe this bird." It's also one of the safest places. Kaziranga is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a protected area, home to some of India's rarest creatures. One-horned rhinos, elephants, wild water buffalo, tigers, and swamp deer all reside here. Seeing the Pallas's eagle breed here means the young birds will have a safe place to grow before flying to Mongolia. Places like Kaziranga are essential for protecting biodiversity. The more species within an ecosystem, the more resilient it is. All creatures, including humans, rely on biodiversity for food and water security, disease control, and climate stability. Protecting birds like this eagle and preserving areas like Kaziranga help foster a cooler, healthier planet. According to the New Indian Express, Ghosh said in a statement that this development "highlights the importance of Kaziranga as a critical habitat for migratory birds [and] the need for continued conservation efforts to protect such endangered species." Hopefully, the Pallas's eagles will safely return to Kaziranga for many more breeding seasons. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
NDTV
08-05-2025
- NDTV
8 Best Places To Spot Flamingos In India
Wish to spot flamingos in India? Absolutely. These elegant pink birds aren't just found on African safaris — they flock to India's lakes, salt pans, and coastlines every winter and early summer. From the surreal white desert of the Rann of Kutch to the unexpected mudflats of Mumbai, India offers some seriously photogenic flamingo hangouts. Whether you're a birdwatching pro or just chasing that perfect Insta shot, there's no shortage of scenic spots to catch them in action. So grab your binoculars (or your camera) and head to one of these top destinations where flamingos strut their stuff in full, feathered glory. Here Are 8 Destinations To See Flamingos In India: 1. Thol Lake, Gujarat A short drive from Ahmedabad, Thol Lake is a birdwatcher's dream. This freshwater lake is surrounded by marshes and farmland, making it an ideal nesting and feeding ground for both greater and lesser flamingos. Visit between November and February, and you'll catch them wading through glassy water under golden skies. Bring a pair of binoculars — and maybe a thermos of chai. Best Time To Visit: November to February Nearest City: Ahmedabad (25 km) 2. Rann of Kutch, Gujarat The surreal white expanse of the Rann of Kutch isn't just for the Rann Utsav crowd. It's also the only known breeding ground for the greater flamingo in South Asia. The birds gather in thousands at the 'Flamingo City' in the Rann's mudflats. Getting there isn't super straightforward (you'll need local guides), but the sight of thousands of pink birds against a white desert? Worth it. Best Time To Visit: October to March Nearest City: Bhuj 3. Sewri Mudflats, Mumbai Yes, you read that right. Mumbai may be all high-rises and traffic, but come January, its eastern coast transforms. The Sewri mudflats, tucked near a smelly dockyard and old oil tanks, are where thousands of flamingos chill like they're at a spa retreat. The Bombay Natural History Society even organises flamingo-watching events here. Best Time To Visit: January to May Nearest City: Sewri (Harbour Line) 4. Sambhar Lake, Rajasthan Sambhar Lake, India's largest inland saltwater lake, sits just a couple of hours from Jaipur and turns into a flamingo hotspot during winter. The lake's high salinity makes it ideal for algae — the pink bird's favourite snack. When thousands of flamingos descend here, the white salt flats and pale waters turn into a surreal pink-and-white canvas. It's popular with photographers, so come early if you want front-row views. Best Time To Visit: November to February Nearest City: Jaipur (80 km) 5. Pulicat Lake, Tamil Nadu-Andhra Pradesh Border Pulicat Lake is India's second-largest brackish lagoon, stretching across Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. Flamingos love the shallow waters here, especially between October and March. The annual Flamingo Festival held by the Andhra Pradesh government draws birders and tourists alike, and the vibe is more coastal than typical birdwatching. Best Time To Visit: October to March Nearest City: Chennai (60 km) 6. Chilika Lake, Odisha India's largest coastal lagoon, Chilika Lake is a flamingo hotspot with a twist. You might also spot Irrawaddy dolphins here. Birds arrive in massive flocks, particularly near Nalabana Island, which becomes a temporary flamingo colony in the winter. It's not as famous as Bharatpur, but it should be. Best Time To Visit: November to February Nearest City: Puri or Bhubaneswar 7. Bhigwan, Maharashtra Often called Maharashtra's mini Bharatpur, Bhigwan is a little over 100 km from Pune and lies on the backwaters of the Ujani Dam. Every year, flamingos arrive along with other migratory birds, turning the otherwise sleepy landscape into a flurry of colour and camera shutters. Boat rides here are super chill and highly recommended. Best Time To Visit: December to March Nearest City: Pune 8. Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary, Gujarat Located near Ahmedabad, Nal Sarovar is a sprawling wetland that attracts flamingos, pelicans, and over 200 species of birds. It's a quiet spot, with early mornings offering the best chance to watch the birds take flight. Renting a boat here is the move — you'll glide past feeding flocks and get Insta-worthy views. Best Time To Visit: November to February Nearest City: Ahmedabad (60 km)
The Hindu
23-04-2025
- General
- The Hindu
On the tail of a tagged Curlew sandpiper
When a wintering bird doubles back to its breeding grounds to attend to the visceral business of procreation, it becomes essentially 'unreachable' for the human friends it has made in its wintering grounds. It is impossible to keep tabs on the bird. One only knows its vast breeding range, which could straddle countries. It would be easier to find a needle in a haystack than trace this bird. Birder Jithesh Babu is engaged in an exercise of this kind: he is trying to trace the address of a curlew sandpiper (he made friends with, on April 18, 2025 at Kelambakkam backwaters). Jithesh would likely succeed in this effort; he is not playing blind man's buff. The curlew sandpiper (found in its breeding plumage and likely to be around in its wintering grounds for some more time) is wearing a tag. A bird with a tag usually has a recorded history to fall back on. In a couple of days, Jithesh is likely know where exactly the Curlew sandpiper would go. The tagged Curlew sandpiper having crossed his 150-600 mm telephoto lens, he has a photo of the creature, which he has sent to Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) along with a request for information about it. And Jithesh knows what exactly to expect. Around the same time four years ago — April 21, 2021 — he found a tagged flimingo at Pallikaranai marshland and he wrote to BNHS seeking information, and in response, Tuhina Katti, a scientist with the Wetlands Programme, BNHS, wrote back to him: 'From the combination on the tag, it appears to be 'AAP'. This individual was tagged in Panje, Navi Mumbai (on the outskirts of Mumbai) on 24 September 2018. It was resighted in Chennai in August 2020 and since then it has been resighted in Sholinganallur on a couple more occasions. It is interesting that the bird was still present there in April.' Jithesh remarks: 'As this happened at the height of the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, the response took some time. Usually, it is prompt with a turnaround time of just two days.'
