Fri Mar 14 09:42:18 UTC 2025: ## Ernakulam Emerges as Birdwatching Hotspot in Kerala
**Kochi, Kerala, March 14, 2025** – Ernakulam district has been declared the leading birdwatching location in Kerala, boasting an impressive 252 bird species and 676 checklists recorded on eBird India in March 2025. This surge in avian activity highlights the region’s rich biodiversity and the growing interest in citizen science initiatives like the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC).
Mangalavanam, a prominent urban green space, recorded 349 checklists alone, underscoring its significance as a birding hotspot. The HMT Estate in Kalamassery, while facing habitat loss due to construction, remains a vital location, with at least 225 species recorded. Wetlands across the district, including those in Kandakkadavu and Valanthakkadu, attract numerous water birds, further enriching the region’s biodiversity.
The flourishing birdwatching community in Ernakulam comprises students, professionals, and seasoned birders, actively participating in surveys and counts. Experienced birders like Jayadev Menon highlight the importance of conservation efforts, emphasizing the impact of habitat loss and climate change on bird populations. He notes a decline in bird numbers due to human activities.
However, the enthusiasm remains high among young birders, many of whom credit platforms like eBird and the GBBC for sparking their passion. These initiatives provide opportunities to contribute to data collection and analysis, fostering a sense of community and environmental stewardship. Students are actively participating, using apps and AI tools to record sightings with greater efficiency than previous generations. The unpredictable nature of birdwatching, the potential to discover rare species, and the connection with nature are cited as key motivations.
First Piper 