First Aalo Bird Walk –‘Feathers and Footsteps’ this weekend

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaFebruary 29, 2024

The inaugural edition of the Aalo Bird Walk titled “Feathers and Footsteps,” organised by the West Siang district administration of Arunachal Pradesh in collaboration with the Siang team of Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE-Siang), along with the forest and tourism department will be held on March 2-3.

The event packs an array of engaging activities, including educational talks on bird identification, the significance of bird conservation, and a fun quiz, complemented by exploratory walks in selected spots near Aalo to document diverse avian species led by experienced birders and conservation scientists from ATREE.

The pre-walk orientation and educational talks, along with the post-walk quiz and valedictory function will be held at the Conference Hall at the DC’s office at Aalo.

“We are thrilled to join hands with ATREE-Siang to organize the first ever Aalo bird walk offering residents and nature enthusiasts a unique opportunity to connect with Aalo’s avian diversity,” said Mamu Hage, district commissioner of West Siang herself an avid birder. 

“Such activities will not only encourage the youth and our conservation efforts but also garner a passion for bird watching and research activities” she added.

“Given the ubiquitous presence of birds, they serve as an excellent entry point for individuals keen on observing and documenting biodiversity,” said Dr Rajkamal Goswami, who leads the ATREE-Siang team based out of Pasighat. “One doesn’t require elaborate equipment or specialized skills to begin observing birds— just a deep-rooted love for nature, keen observation skills, and a sense of wonder,” he emphasized.

Registration for the bird walk is free, and interested individuals can secure their spot by contacting Seena Karimbumkara at +919481722708 or simply scanning the provided QR code. Due to limited capacity, early registration is encouraged.

Both ATREE and the District Administration of West Siang are committed to environmental stewardship and will ensure that the event will be plastic and waste-free. Participants are kindly requested to bring along non-disposable water bottles, suitable walking shoes, binoculars, and cameras (if available). We also encourage them to refrain from carrying disposable waste-generating items, including chips and biscuit packets.

ATREE is a non-profit organization dedicated to research, education, and advocacy in the field of environmental conservation. 

The ATREE team has been engaging with local communities and other stakeholders to conserve the last remaining intact forests of Siang Valley and fostering a deep appreciation for its remarkable biodiversity.