Birdsong at Ferguson College: A Sanctuary for Avian Diversity
Reporter : Zoheb Shaikh
Pune, April 20, 2025 — The lush expanse of Ferguson College recently became a chorus of birdsong, as 81 species were recorded during a campus-wide bird census led by the college’s Nature Club. Among them were rare migratory birds such as the Green Warbler, Red-breasted Flycatcher, and Tree Pipit, showcasing the campus as a seasonal refuge for avifauna from Europe.
Dr. Meenakshi Mahajan, Head of the Botany Department, explained that these migratory birds undertake long and taxing journeys to India to escape Europe’s freezing winters and food shortages. “Ferguson’s rich biodiversity offers them a hospitable stopover from October to February,” she noted.
One of the most frequently spotted birds was the Coppersmith Barbet, known for nesting inside dry tree trunks about 10–12 feet above the ground. Alongside these visitors, several native birds—including the Kite, Parrot, Myna, Brain-fever Bird (Veda Raghu), Paradise Flycatcher, Tailorbird (Tamboli), Red-whiskered Bulbul (Shipai Bulbul), and Owl—were also documented, painting a vivid picture of avian life on campus.
Conducted between February 14–17, 2025, the census involved 68 student volunteers who submitted 2,186 entries via a dedicated app. It was part of the Great Backyard Bird Count, a global initiative by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the National Audubon Society. Nationally, over 6,500 participants recorded 66,000+ observations, while Maharashtra contributed 5,000+ entries and 400 species.
Students expressed deep appreciation for the initiative. Siddhant Mhatre raised concerns over habitat loss due to climate change, while Muskan Srivastava praised the event for blending academics with environmental engagement.
The effort was guided by key figures including Pramod Rawat, Dr. Anand Katikar, Dr. Vijay Tadke, and Dr. Mahajan—collectively fostering a deeper connection between science and sustainability.
