My birding journey began long before I truly understood the significance of bird counting
Meriyani Ezung
B.Sc. Forestry and Core Member, Eco Warriors Nagaland
As a forestry graduate, birdwatching was an integral part of my academic curriculum. During field tours and educational excursions, we often observed different bird species in their natural habitats, learning about their characteristics and behaviour. At the time, however, birdwatching was primarily an academic activity for me. I enjoyed observing birds and listening to their calls without fully realising how these experiences could contribute to biodiversity documentation and conservation.
My exposure to birdwatching continued beyond my college days. In 2022, I remember visiting a zoological park early one morning during a Bird Count India event. The surroundings were filled with birdsong, making the experience refreshing and memorable. The first sighting that stayed with me was that of the Red-vented Bulbul (Pycnonotus cafer), a memorable moment in my birding journey.
Over time, my understanding of birdwatching began to evolve. I came to realise that there is a difference between simply watching birds and systematically documenting our observations.
The launch of the Tokhu Emong Bird Count (TEBC) in 2022 marked an important step in this journey. Associated with Tokhu Emong, the traditional post-harvest festival of the Lotha community, the initiative brings together cultural identity, community participation and an appreciation of nature. It also encourages people to explore and document Nagaland’s rich avian diversity.
One aspect that made the experience particularly interesting was the use of technology. Through online awareness sessions and the eBird app, we learned how to record our observations, identify species and create checklists. This helped me understand how individual observations could contribute to a broader record of bird diversity.
The awareness sessions with students from different schools made bird counting even more engaging. Instead of simply spotting a bird and moving on, we learned to observe carefully, record our findings and share our observations. Each sighting became an opportunity to learn something new, making the activity both educational and enjoyable.
What I particularly appreciate about initiatives like TEBC is that they make conservation accessible to everyone. One does not necessarily have to be an ornithologist or a professional researcher to contribute to biodiversity documentation. With proper guidance, patience and curiosity, anyone can participate in citizen science and help build a better understanding of the natural world.
For me, the journey from academic birdwatching to understanding the purpose of the Tokhu Emong Bird Count has been a reminder that learning about nature is an ongoing process.
As the Tokhu Emong Bird Count celebrates its fifth edition from 4–7 November 2026, I encourage everyone, especially the younger generation, to take part, step outdoors and develop a deeper appreciation for Nagaland’s rich biodiversity.
In a world where so much of our time is spent on screens, birding offers us an opportunity to slow down, reconnect with our surroundings and discover the fascinating world of birds. We do not have to be experts to begin; all we need is curiosity, patience and a willingness to learn. With initiatives like TEBC and tools such as the eBird app, everyone has an opportunity to document the birds around them and contribute to a wider understanding of our natural heritage. I encourage you to participate in TEBC 2026 and experience the joy of birding firsthand.
