Watch birds as you sail on Arabian Sea this Hakki Habba

The much-awaited fourth edition of Hakki Habba, the state's own bird festival, will be held in Mangaluru.

The difference this time is that for the first time, birders will be taken deep into the west Arabian Sea to see birds in action.

The first habba was held in Ranganthittu, followed by one in Dandeli. The last edition was held in Daroji sloth bear sanctuary in Ballari last year. This year, Dandeli will also host the first ever Hornbill Festival from February 2 to 5.

Mangaluru has been chosen not just because of the sea birds, but also because it is the election season and the forest minister is from this constituency, said a forest department official.

The festival is being organised by the Karnataka Forest department and Karnataka Eco-Tourism Development Board (KETDB).

"The aim of the festival is to showcase to people, the varied species of birds. This time, we thought of arousing their interest in pelagic birds. We have also tied up with Manipal and Mangaluru bird committees for the Habba," Vijay Mohan Raj, member of KETDB member told DH.

The mascot of this year's Hakki Habba is the Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher. This mascot has been chosen as the bird is rare and suits the location. Participants will be able to spot many famous and lesser known birds like Sooty Terns, he said.

"We have decided that for half a day, ornithologists and birders will be taken 10-16 km into the Arabian Sea to see birds. We are in talks with boatmen and locals for this. Experts from across the country, including those who have studied birds of Andaman and Nicobar Islands will participate," he said.

Bookings for the festival can be done at http://myecotrip.com/ eventDetails/7/1/Karnataka_ Bird_Festival_-_2018.