Coastal waterbird census begins in Bhola

Bhola, 6 Jan – The annual coastal waterbird census has begun in Bhola, with a five-member team of bird observers embarking on an eight-day mission to assess waterbird population and the health of wetland ecosystems.

The team set off on Monday morning from a ferry terminal in Bhola Sadar Upazila aboard a trawler, marking the start of an eight-day effort to count waterbirds in the region.

Organised by the Bangladesh Bird Club, this initiative will run until January13.

MA Muhit Zinan, a member of the Bangladesh Bird Club, bird observer, and mountaineer, said that the team will survey the wetlands of Bhola and nearly 50 adjoining islands.

These areas host a diverse range of waterbirds, some of which are rare or threatened species.

The census, which began in 1987, is conducted by volunteers comprising bird enthusiasts, observers and researchers.

The collected data will contribute to a report published by Wetlands International, a global organisation, as this report is considered a critical document for understanding waterbird populations and trends worldwide.

Beyond counting birds, the team will work to promote awareness about protecting bird habitats and ensuring their unrestricted movement. "Our goal is not only to count birds but also to ensure their safety and preserve their habitats," said Zinan.

The team includes Bird Club members and researchers Syam U Chowdhury, Md Faisal, Nazim Uddin Khan and Md Robiul Islam.