Khrievotsolie Liezietsu
Birds have always fascinated humankind with their freedom, grace, and resilience. Yet, it was only when I began participating in bird counts that I truly realized how vital these free-winged creatures are to the balance of our ecosystem. As an assistant professor at St. Xavier College, Jalukie, and a core member of Eco Warriors Nagaland, I have had the privilege of engaging with students and fellow nature enthusiasts through the Tokhu Emong Bird Count—an initiative that celebrates both the biodiversity of our land and the community’s growing consciousness toward conservation.
Having conducted the Tokhu Emong Bird Count for three consecutive years with students, each experience has been a journey of discovery. The thrill of venturing into the heart of nature at dawn, binoculars in hand, listening to the chorus of birds awakening the forest—these moments connect us deeply with the living world around us. For the students, it is often their first encounter with birding, and the excitement of spotting and identifying a new species is something that words can hardly capture. For me, it has been both a humbling and transformative experience.
Through these bird counts, I have come to appreciate the immense worth of birds—not only as beautiful creatures but as crucial indicators of the health of our environment. Birds play a vital role in pollination, seed dispersal, and pest control; their presence reflects the vitality of our ecosystem. Observing them in their natural habitat has taught me that protecting their world is, in essence, protecting our own.
Being a part of Eco Warriors Nagaland has been a defining chapter in this journey. The organization has been instrumental in inspiring collective action towards environmental awareness and sustainability across the state. Through clean-up drives, awareness campaigns, biodiversity monitoring, and community involvement, Eco Warriors have brought people—especially the youth—closer to nature. The spirit of volunteerism and shared responsibility that drives the group is both heartening and hopeful.
Peren District, where I work and live, is blessed with rich biodiversity. It is home to countless species of flora and fauna, and notably, serves as one of the co-hosting regions for the migratory Amur Falcon—a majestic bird that travels thousands of miles from Siberia to Africa, stopping over in Nagaland each year. Witnessing these incredible travelers reminds us of how interconnected our ecosystems truly are. Their annual arrival is not just a natural spectacle but also a reminder of our duty to ensure that Nagaland remains a safe haven for all species that share our land.
Birding, to me, has become more than just an activity; it is a way of seeing and understanding the world. It teaches patience, observation, and respect for life in all its forms. Most importantly, it fosters a deep sense of stewardship—a realization that conservation is not the work of a few, but a shared responsibility of all.
As I continue to walk the trails with my students and fellow Eco Warriors, I am constantly reminded that every bird we count is a story of survival, every fluttering wing a symbol of hope. The more we learn to appreciate the beauty and importance of these creatures, the closer we move towards building a future where humans and nature coexist in harmony.
The journey of counting wings has indeed become a journey of conserving hope.
The writer is Assistant Professor, St Xavier College Jalukie and also Core Member, Eco Warriors Nagaland
