Snuggled between the lush green Western Ghats and blue vastness of the Arabian Sea, Goa is blessed with a large number of species of birds. In fact the state is said to have 440+ species of birds, many of which are listed as endemic and some are endangered. Thus not surprisingly, bird watching is fast developing as one of the key activity of the discerning tourists coming to Goa.
To showcase this rich biodiversity of birds inhabiting the protected areas, wetlands and coastal waters, Goa Forest Department is all set to welcome bird enthusiasts, nature lovers and ornithologists from all over India and beyond for the second edition of the Goa Bird Festival which will be held from January 12 to 14 at Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, Canacona. The previous edition which witnessed an enthusiastic response was held at Vonda Wildlife Sanctuary. The Bird Festival is being organized with the support of Goa Tourism, EDC, GBCN and Birderpics.com.
During the Bird Festival, Goa will host some of the India's well-known naturalists, bird experts, photographers and artists as resource persons. Also for the first time delegates will be taken for a special birding trip for oceanic birds in the Arabian Sea. The festival will include many interesting sessions, talks and workshops from experts. Among these is a workshop on origami with Coralie D' Lima, WWF, India, Goa Unit and a workshop on green humour with Rohan Chakraborty.
Bird walks will be conducted by experts from the Goa Bird Conservation Network (GBCN) and films on nature and bird conservation will be screened. There will also be a cultural programme.
Delegates can register online @ www.forest.goa.gov.in/web, as well as on the spot. The registration free for the festival is Rs 3500 while the Boat Trip fee is Rs.4500 .Local participants, who do not want to attend the full festival, can pay Rs 100 per person for a day delegate pass for the first two days and Rs 1500 for the third day. Limited camping facility on first cum first served basis is available for stay at Haatipal.
(For further detail visit: www.forest.goa.gov.in )
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