With numerous environmental events being marked and celebrated as special days, it was a matter of time when a dedicated event was planned to cherish the aviary community surrounding us. Bengal Bird day was hence celebrated on 19^th January and this event aimed at gathering information about the aviary population in the state of West Bengal, India. The event was not only aimed at identifying the various species of bird in the state but also helped to build a list of birds which have migrated to the state in the winters and thus generative a comparative study based on the previously available numbers.

House Sparrow - Male

Spotted Dove

I, in a small way contributed to this significant event by covering my residential locality of Kaikahli, VIP Road, Kolkata-700052, West Bengal, India. The locality is hustling and bustling with city traffic and residential high rises but it is marked by pockets of some dense large trees which are a welcome respite to a significant group of birds in the locality. This balance between the manmade structures and the natural surroundings is well exploited by the birds and they have found a way to lead their life chirping away and spreading their wings of freedom. I spotted 28 different species of birds on Bengal Bird day.

Black Hooded Oriole

White Throated Kingfisher

On any average day, one would spot at least a dozen species of birds in my locality and that would be majorly constituted by the sparrows, Tailor Birds, Asian Koels, Black Kites, Ravens, House Crows, common Myna, Bulbuls, Spotted Doves and Rock pigeons. However a closer look around my surroundings reveals a secret story. There are certain elusive species available here and there presence amongst the man made high rises is a treat for the eyes. Some of these being a pair of Black Hooded Orioles, Indian Treepie, Blue Throated Barbets, Coppersmith Barbets, Lesser Flameback Woodpecker, Chestnut Starlings, Shikra, White Wagtail, Oriental Magpie Robins, White Breasted Kingfisher and few more.

Red-Vented Bulbul

Blue-Throated Barbet

At times we do listen to the calls and shrills of these winged creatures in our surroundings but rarely do we make a conscious effort to try and identify them. Once known though, it would be surprising to know their characteristics and how well they have adapted to the city life living in harmony with the two legged beings around them. 

White Wagtail in background

Copper smith Barbet

Jungle Myna