JOIN USNature enthusiasts explore variety of winged beauties
“It was really a wonderful experience. I am feeling like I am amid a musical world. It is one of the most memorable days in my life,” said Ramya Arun, a homemaker from Mysuru.
She was one among 135 bird enthusiasts including students, general public and dignitaries who explored the beauty of bird species at Karanji Lake Nature Park on Lalith Mahal Road in the city on Sunday. The occasion was a bird watching programme organised by Mysore Natures Ark and the participants braved early morning chill and mist to keep their passion alive.
Sathish R Sagar, a nature enthusiast, had come all the way from Sagara in Shivamogga district to watch the winged beauties.
“I have a great passion for birds and I attend these kind of nature watching events regularly,” he said. He is also a regular visitor to Mysuru to enjoy serene beauty of the city and nature.
However, Sagar also has a complaint. The number of bird species have declined, with a meagre 48 species of birds spotted in the day against the 210 species of birds in the recent past. The birds included Spotbill duck, purple heron, common quote, greyhorn bill, cuckoo and paradise fly catcher.
No migratory birds were found, thanks to contamination of waterbodies that has been keeping birds from other regions away.
Ravishankar, the organiser, said, “The programme is aimed at sensitising young minds on protection of lakes. Many children and even elderly people are unaware of the importance of nature and water bodies.”
Zoo Authority of Karnataka Chairperson Rehana Banu, Zilla Panchayat President B Pushpa Amarnath were among the dignitaries who enjoyed watching birds along with the participants on the occasion.
Environmentalists D Raj Kumar, Shantappa, Sunil, Surya Prakash, Mohan, Anil Kumar, M Tejeshwar, Pruthivi and Prabha educated the participants about birds and their activities.
Apart from Mysuru, participants from Madikeri, Shivamogga, Mandya and other districts took part in the event held between 6.30 am and 9.30 am on Karanji Lake premises.