The Vetal Tekdi Birding Marathon, which began on November 5 and concluded on November 12, was a tremendous success, with enthusiastic participation from birders, wildlife enthusiasts, and families, including children. The event aimed to document the winter arrival of various bird species and foster a connection with the region’s ecological wealth while promoting sustainable tourism.
Now, the much-awaited prize distribution ceremony will be held on December 16 (Monday) at 6.30 PM, where the winners of the marathon will be felicitated. This event offers an excellent opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, including birders, wildlife enthusiasts, and officials from the Pune Forest Department.
It will be held at Antarnad Yog Kendra in Kothrud.
The marathon featured numerous trails and walks designed to document the bird species found in Vetal Tekdi, which has become an important stopover for migratory birds, especially during winter. The event also underscored Pune’s ongoing commitment to preserving its natural diversity and ecological heritage.
If “blink and you miss” ever needed a poster model, it would be the “swift” family of butterflies
Small Branded Swift (Pelopidas mathias)
Vetal Tekdi, Pune. September 2024. #IndiAves #BBCWildlifePOTD #ThePhotoHour #NatGeoIndia #TitliTuesday pic.twitter.com/FomA8SnFaw
— Ranjeet Rane (@OldWonk) December 10, 2024
Ranjeet Rane, the organizer of the marathon, shared his thoughts on the event’s significance: “Through the Vetal Tekdi Birding Marathon, the citizens of Pune have once again shown their love and affection for Tekdi. The data gathered during this event will serve as critical evidence for ensuring that a complete ‘no-construction’ zone is enforced on the remaining hill complex. We will continue to work with organizations like VTBKS to further the cause of conserving Vetal Tekdi.”
Bird week
The marathon was held in conjunction with Maharashtra’s ‘Bird Week’ or ‘Pakshi Saptah,’ which honors renowned ornithologists Dr. Salim Ali and Shri Maruti Chitampalli, who introduced birdwatching to the Indian public and helped sustain interest in the field.
As winter sets in, Vetal Tekdi’s popularity among migratory birds continues to grow, making the birding marathon an important event for raising awareness about the hill’s unique birdlife. We look forward to celebrating the marathon’s success and recognizing the dedicated participants at the prize distribution ceremony on December 16.
