The HSBC Pune Bird Race 2008, an event aimed at inculcating the love for bird watching and generating interest towards nature, will be held for the second consecutive year, on Sunday. The Bird Race is all about spotting different species of birds in different areas of the city and district. “

“We have a list of 300 species of birds. The bird watchers have to go around spotting them and note down the details. Those who locate the maximum species of birds will be declared the winners,” says Rahul Rao, one of the organisers.

The event was held for the first time last year in Pune, Mumbai, Nagpur, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Ahmedabad. “Last year, the winners were adjudged so after they came up with a list of 138 species of birds found across Pune,” says Mayuresh Borse, another bird watcher.

Last year’s winning team included Abhijit Gandhi, Meenal Kshirsagar, Kishore and Rasika Gumaste. Rao and Borse work for Foliage Outdoor, that’s engaged in the field of eco-tourism.

Bird watchers can scan any part of the city. But there are certain spots where popular species are common. For instance in Sinhagad area, flycatchers abound. “That is the paradise flycatcher variety which is very attractive,” says Rao.

In city areas on M G Road or Fergusson College Road, the shikra bird can be sighted. In the wada area, grey hornbill and barbets flutter around. In Pimpri’s Telco lake, CME lake and Pashan lake area water birds are common. In Alandi, lapwings and larks can be spotted. Bigvan is famous for flamingoes. And in the vicinity of Mutha river, black-winged stilts rule supreme.

All that the participants have to do is carry a pair of binoculars with them. Each team will consist of four members. “The teams are provided with a bird logbook that consists of a checklist of all species of birds recorded with geographical limits of the city, and appropriate columns for the observations. In case the participants happen to see any species not on the list, they can note them down,” says Rao.