Campus Bird Count at RV University
- Bengaluru, India
- 14 February, 2026
- Indian Institute of Science Nature Club
Highlights from the Event
The Campus Bird Count 2026, held as part of the global Great Backyard Bird Count, was organized under the Ataavi College Chapter in collaboration with the Centre for Sustainable Development, School of Liberal Arts and Sciences at RV University, in association with The Green Alliance Environment Society of RV University. The event saw enthusiastic participation from a group of 15 participants and was led by Bird Experts Manasvi Dadbhawala and Aksheeta Mahapatra.
Partnered with
Aksheeta began the walk with an engaging briefing on the importance of birdwatching and systematically recording sightings on eBird. She highlighted the role of citizen science in building long-term bird datasets, explaining how consistent bird lists contribute to a better understanding of species distribution, population trends, and conservation planning. She also spoke about the global significance of the Great Backyard Bird Count and how Campus Bird Counts in India are helping expand participation and awareness among young birders.
Manasvi further elaborated on how such initiatives generate valuable information even on common bird species, which are often under-documented despite living close to us. During the count, a total of 29 species were recorded, including White-cheeked Barbet, Black-rumped Flameback, Indian Golden Oriole, Asian Tit, and Red-whiskered Bulbul. A key highlight was the sighting of an Indian Golden Oriole catching prey mid-flight and savoring it, along with the fascinating behavior of a Black-rumped Flameback remaining completely still after noticing observers. The walk concluded with an enriching session where Manasvi showcased her bird feather collection, explaining feather structure, function, and their role in flight and incubation, followed by an engaging discussion over breakfast.
Number of Participants
0
Number of Species Recorded
0
Bird Guide: Aksheeta Mahapatra
Aksheeta is a PhD Scholar in Wildlife Science and the Project Head for the Birding Bharat initiative at Ataavi Bird Foundation. With over a decade of experience in bird education and conservation, she is dedicated to sharing knowledge and fostering a vibrant, inclusive birding community.
Bird Guide: Manasvi Dadbhawala
A 16 year old birder and writer from Bengaluru. She has been birding since last 7 years, using ebird to record all observations. She has written and illustrated a children's novella "Wings Stretched Out" about an Oriole's migration. She has also published a short story "In the Eyes of a pigeon" in anthology by Jane Goodall's roots and shoots foundation. She loves using stories to express her fascination with birds.
