2nd Global Bird Watchers Conference 2012

On January 19-22, 2012, the 2nd Global Bird Watchers Conference was held in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India, by the Tourism Department of the State Government of Gujarat, India and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry. About 100 foreign delegates from almost 40 countries and some 300 local Indian delegates attended the international gathering of birders, birdwatchers, bird photographers, ornitologists, travel writers, bloggers, tour operators, bird conservationists and nature lovers. The Philippines was represented by Alain Pascua and Rey Sta Ana of Wild Bird Photography Philippines, Anna Gonzales and Mike Lu of Wild Bird Club of the Philippines, and Mark Jason Villa of Rhabdornis Tours. Special thanks to Mr. Uttej Rao of JN Rao Travel Organization for considering a big delegation from the Philippines, for facilitating air travel arrangements and for his continuous support and help that made our participation very meaningful.

The following day was the first day of a two-day field trip in various birding areas. The delegates were divided in three groups corresponding to three trips in various parts of Gurajat. We were on the first group and the first stop was at Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary. <br />
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Wikipedia: Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary, consisting primarily of a huge lake and ambient marshes, is situated about 64 km to the West of Ahmedabad near Sanand Village, in the Gujarat state of India. Mainly inhabited by migratory birds in winter and spring, it is the largest wetland bird sanctuary in Gujarat, and one of the largest in India. The lake measures 123 km², attracts over 210 species of birds in the winter, and harbours a variety of flora and fauna. Thousands of migratory waterfowl flock to this sanctuary just after the Indian monsoon season. The shallow area and ponds on the outer fringes of the lake attract the wading birds that feed in the shallow waters. Besides a few mammalian species including the endangered wild ass and the blackbuck, its migratory bird population includes Rosy Pelicans, Flamingoes, White Storks, Brahminy Ducks and Herons. Millions of birds visit the delightful bird sanctuary in winter and spring. It harbours over 250 species of wetland birds.

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The following day was the first day of a two-day field trip in various birding areas. The delegates were divided in three groups corresponding to three trips in various parts of Gurajat. We were on the first group and the first stop was at Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary.

Wikipedia: Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary, consisting primarily of a huge lake and ambient marshes, is situated about 64 km to the West of Ahmedabad near Sanand Village, in the Gujarat state of India. Mainly inhabited by migratory birds in winter and spring, it is the largest wetland bird sanctuary in Gujarat, and one of the largest in India. The lake measures 123 km², attracts over 210 species of birds in the winter, and harbours a variety of flora and fauna. Thousands of migratory waterfowl flock to this sanctuary just after the Indian monsoon season. The shallow area and ponds on the outer fringes of the lake attract the wading birds that feed in the shallow waters. Besides a few mammalian species including the endangered wild ass and the blackbuck, its migratory bird population includes Rosy Pelicans, Flamingoes, White Storks, Brahminy Ducks and Herons. Millions of birds visit the delightful bird sanctuary in winter and spring. It harbours over 250 species of wetland birds.

Alain Pascua Avian Bird Photography KAAKBAY Philippine Wild Bird gbwc 2012