ECO WARRIORS NAGALAND AND GBBC
Since 2022, the Ecowarriors have proudly been an active part of Bird Count India, contributing consistently to the growing movement of citizen science and bird conservation across the country. What began as a small group of enthusiastic nature lovers stepping into their first coordinated bird survey has, over the past four years, evolved into a committed and knowledgeable team of observers dedicated to monitoring and protecting avian diversity.
Over the past four years with Bird Count India, the Ecowarriors have steadily expanded both the depth and reach of our contributions, going beyond participation to become active ambassadors for bird conservation in our community. During the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) and the Christmas Bird Count (CBC), we organize structured outreach programmes that include awareness talks in schools, introductory bird identification workshops, guided bird walks in local parks and wetlands, and interactive sessions on how to record observations accurately. We train first-time participants in using field guides and digital platforms for checklist submission, helping them understand the importance of consistent data collection and ethical birdwatching practices. Through posters, social media campaigns, community announcements, and collaborations with local institutions, we have significantly increased participation each year, drawing in students, parents, and nature enthusiasts who were previously unaware of citizen science initiatives. Our progress is visible not only in the growing number of checklists submitted and species recorded, but also in the confidence and leadership skills developed within our own team, as members now independently lead walks and mentor new volunteers. What started as a small participation effort has transformed into a sustained conservation movement at the grassroots level. Looking ahead, our vision is to expand our outreach to rural areas, conduct year-round awareness drives rather than event-based programmes alone, build partnerships with more schools and environmental groups, and create youth-led conservation clubs that continue bird monitoring throughout the year. We aspire to strengthen community ownership of local biodiversity, ensuring that bird counts are not just annual events, but catalysts for long-term environmental responsibility and action.
Over the years, the Ecowarriors have grown into a well-connected and capable network of birders who collectively cover the entire state of Nagaland, ensuring that bird observations are not limited to a single district or habitat. From urban neighborhoods and agricultural fields to forested hills and wetlands, our team strategically plans surveys to represent diverse ecosystems across the state. This wide coverage is made possible by our experienced and highly committed birders, many of whom have developed strong identification skills, field survey techniques, and data documentation expertise through consistent participation in bird counts and year-round monitoring. Their experience allows for accurate reporting, careful verification of sightings, and mentoring of new participants, strengthening the quality and credibility of our contributions.
Through active participation in the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC), Nagaland has shown steady progress each year in terms of species recorded, number of checklists submitted, and volunteer participation. The collective efforts of the Ecowarriors and collaborating birders have helped the state steadily improve its standing nationally, demonstrating that even smaller states can make a meaningful impact in large-scale citizen science initiatives. The increasing data coming from Nagaland not only highlights its rich avian diversity but also reflects the growing enthusiasm for conservation within the community. As participation continues to expand across districts, Nagaland is gradually strengthening its presence in national bird count statistics, showcasing both its biodiversity potential and the dedication of its birding community.