Gujarat: National bird photography competition in December

RAJKOT: After six years including the two years of Covid-19 pandemic, the national competition of bird photography and an exercise to count and identify new species will be organized in Jamnagar district in December.
The competition which will be organized by Navanagar Nature Club, a voluntary organization working for bird conservation, will be open to all photographers who will be given awards in two categories - birds and other other animals.
Vijay Jadeja, head of this club said, "This year, the attraction for this competition is that the 20 best wildlife photographers will be provided accommodation and travelling cost by the organization. The result by the prominent judges will be declared on January 1 next year and the selected the best will be compensated for their expenses."
The locations for the photography are being finalized but around 10 places including Lakhota lake, Khijadiya, Narara, Gaga Wildlife Sanctuary, Valsura Road, Ranjit Sagar and others are certain.
The aim of the competition is to promote the culture of conservation of birds and allow experts to study the avian behaviour and migratory pattern. "Apart from documenting birds, the teams will also check for any degradation of habitat, pollution, serious human disturbance, spread of harmful chemicals or insecticides and spread of parasitic vegetation in bird habitats or nesting areas. This data will help us in the conservation process. The main motive of this exercise is to bring the future generation closer to birds and make them aware about conservation," Jadeja added.
In 2016, around 16 wildlife photographers from across the country had identified 324 bird species. Jamnagar district is well known for its bird habitats due to its varied geographical features like large wetlands, salt pans, coastal areas, grasslands and scrub lands that are ideal for nesting and breeding.