Mangaluru: Fifteen members of the informal birding group Kudla Birders recorded 73 bird species during a birdwatching outing to the wetlands of Manjalpaade and Bondel in Mangaluru on Sunday, November 1, as part of the Karnataka Rajyotsava Bird Count 2026.
The statewide citizen-science initiative, organised by Bird Count India, encourages birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts to document bird diversity across Karnataka and contribute valuable observations to a shared database. The initiative also aims to increase public awareness about the importance of conserving natural habitats and protecting biodiversity.
The Kudla Birders team documented the morning’s sightings through an eBird checklist, contributing to the statewide exercise while highlighting the rich birdlife found in Mangaluru’s urban wetlands and green spaces.
Rare and notable bird species spotted
Among the 73 species recorded during the outing were several noteworthy birds, including the Grey-headed Bulbul and Malabar Flameback, both endemic to the Western Ghats. Their presence highlighted the ecological significance of the region’s natural habitats, which provide shelter and feeding grounds for a variety of bird species.
Other notable sightings included the Western Marsh Harrier, Changeable Hawk-Eagle and Black-throated Munia. The diversity of species observed during the morning walk reflected the importance of wetlands and adjoining green patches in supporting both resident and visiting birds.
The Western Marsh Harrier, a bird of prey associated with marshes and open wetlands, was among the interesting sightings. The Changeable Hawk-Eagle also added to the day’s observations, while the Black-throated Munia represented the smaller bird species recorded during the exercise.
The Grey-headed Bulbul and Malabar Flameback were particularly significant from a regional biodiversity perspective because of their association with the Western Ghats. Such sightings underline the importance of maintaining suitable habitats even within rapidly expanding urban areas.
Four decades of observing Manjalpaade’s birdlife
The birdwatching outing was coordinated by Deepika Prasad, Vivek M and Rohit S. Rao of Kudla Birders. The walk was led by Rohit S. Rao, who has been observing the birdlife of the Manjalpaade area for more than 40 years.
His long association with the locality has provided him with an opportunity to witness its bird diversity and the changes taking place in its natural environment over the decades.
Speaking about the importance of conserving urban natural habitats, Rao pointed out that Mangaluru still had several small pockets of natural vegetation and wetlands that supported a surprising variety of birds and other wildlife.
He said Manjalpaade was one such valuable natural space, demonstrating how even relatively small habitat patches could sustain considerable biodiversity within a city.
However, he expressed concern over the growing pressure on these areas due to urbanisation, trespassing and littering. Such activities can disturb wildlife, degrade natural surroundings and threaten the ecological balance of these fragile habitats.
Rao emphasised that greater public awareness and collective efforts were essential to protect these spaces. He also highlighted the need for residents to recognise the ecological value of natural areas and contribute towards their conservation.
Citizen science and the importance of urban wetlands
The Karnataka Rajyotsava Bird Count provides an opportunity for birdwatchers, naturalists and members of the public to participate in documenting the state’s bird diversity. Through observations submitted to platforms such as eBird, participants contribute information that can help build a better understanding of bird distribution and habitat patterns.
Citizen-science initiatives also encourage people to engage directly with nature. Regular birdwatching activities can help participants identify different species, observe seasonal changes and understand the relationship between birds and their habitats.
For cities such as Mangaluru, these exercises are particularly relevant as urban expansion increasingly places pressure on wetlands, wooded areas and other natural ecosystems.
Wetlands and urban forest patches perform important ecological functions. They provide feeding, nesting and resting habitats for birds, support other forms of wildlife and contribute to the environmental health of urban areas.
Manjalpaade and Bondel are among the locations where such natural spaces continue to support a variety of bird species. Protecting them is important not only for birds but also for maintaining the city’s wider ecological diversity.
Kudla Birders seek greater public participation
Through its participation in the Karnataka Rajyotsava Bird Count 2026, Kudla Birders hopes to encourage wider public interest in birdwatching and nature conservation.
The group also seeks to draw attention to the ecological importance of Mangaluru’s wetlands and urban forest patches, particularly at a time when development pressures are increasing.
The recording of 73 species during a single morning outing serves as a reminder of the biodiversity that exists within the city’s natural spaces. It also demonstrates the contribution that local birdwatchers can make towards documenting and understanding this diversity.
The group hopes that such initiatives will motivate more residents, especially younger generations, to take an interest in local wildlife and participate in conservation activities.
Protecting natural habitats requires sustained public involvement, responsible use of open spaces and greater recognition of the ecological services they provide. The observations from Manjalpaade and Bondel underline the need to preserve Mangaluru’s remaining natural pockets so that their rich birdlife can continue to thrive for future generations.