Karnataka and Bird Count India Initiate Inaugural Rajyotsava Bird Survey

Karnataka’s Forest Department, in partnership with Bird Count India, will run the state’s first Rajyotsava Bird Count from October 30 to November 2, inviting anyone interested to log bird sightings, The Hindu reported.

What is the Rajyotsava Bird Count?

It is a four‑day citizen‑science initiative that asks volunteers to record avian species across the state during Karnataka’s Rajyotsava festival. The effort mirrors national bird‑count programs but is timed to the regional celebration, aiming to capture seasonal migration patterns.

How can the public take part?

Participants simply register on the Bird Count India portal, download a mobile app or use a printable form, and submit observations of birds they spot in their neighbourhoods, parks or forests. No prior expertise is required; the platform provides identification guides and a forum for sharing photos.

Why the survey matters

The data will feed into the state’s biodiversity database, helping officials assess habitat health and prioritize conservation actions. Bird counts have become a key tool for tracking climate‑induced shifts in species distribution, and Karnataka’s rich ecosystems—from the Western Ghats to the Deccan plateau—host many endemic and migratory birds.

Karnataka’s Rajyotsava, celebrated on November 1, marks the state’s formation and is a time of cultural pride. Aligning a scientific survey with this holiday leverages heightened public engagement, a strategy that has proven effective in other Indian states where similar initiatives have boosted community awareness of wildlife issues. The collaboration also reflects a broader national push toward citizen‑science projects, following the successful All‑India Bird Count launched in 2015, which now gathers millions of observations each year.

Organisers hope the inaugural count will lay the groundwork for an annual tradition, creating a long‑term dataset that can inform policy and support the protection of Karnataka’s diverse birdlife. By opening the survey to the general public, the program seeks to democratise data collection and foster a sense of stewardship among residents.

The Hindu noted that the count remains open to anyone willing to contribute, emphasizing the inclusive nature of the effort and its potential to generate a comprehensive snapshot of the state’s avian population during a key migratory window.