Imkongyapang Pongener
Forestry Graduate
My first experience with bird counting dates back to 2022, when I participated in an initiative organised by Eco Warriors Nagaland under the umbrella of the Great Backyard Bird Count, India. The Cornell Lab's bird-counting app was something I found intriguingly fascinating. The entire experience opened up a new window of perspective, broadening my understanding of how intricately interconnected nature is and how the survival of one species or community can influence that of another.
Coming from a forestry background, I fondly remember the early years of our college field trips and excursions to some of the major wildlife sanctuaries and national parks. With a pair of binoculars hanging around my neck and the adrenaline rush of being out in the wild, my naturally curious mind was always eager to explore. What stood out to me the most was the remarkable knowledge of a particular guide who could identify the exact species of a bird simply by listening to its call. It was almost as though he possessed some superhuman ability. However, the reality was that this was no extraordinary or supernatural power, but rather the outcome of passion, dedication, knowledge and experience—qualities that anyone can develop and cultivate with sufficient time and effort.
Coming back to the present, the Tokhu Emung Bird Count (TEBC) marks its fifth year since its inception. Over the years, there has been significant growth in public participation, and I believe this initiative is gradually shaping environmentally conscious minds and fostering a deeper appreciation of the importance of conservation. More importantly, it demonstrates how conservation efforts can be sustained and carried forward through consistent practice, collective participation and commitment.
Bird counting is not merely an activity of recording the number of birds; their presence, diversity and population trends can provide valuable insights into the health of an entire ecosystem. Regardless of age, participation in activities such as these is not only meaningful but also contributes positively to ecological awareness, environmental sustainability and, in the long run, the well-being of society and the economy.
How healthy do you want your body to be? I believe everyone would answer in unison: "As healthy as it can possibly be." The same logic applies to the environment that shapes our very existence. A healthy environment contributes to a healthy society, and a healthy society, in turn, has a greater capacity and responsibility to contribute towards conservation and preservation.
As I mentioned in my keynote address, my last hands-on experience with bird counting was five years ago. Ever since, I have looked forward to and longed for opportunities to participate in similar events. That first experience left a lasting impression on me and significantly transformed my perspective on how nature functions as an interconnected whole.
Today, I may not be able to participate in TEBC 2026 due to personal service obligations. Nevertheless, I would strongly encourage everyone, young and old alike, to seize this opportunity, take a meaningful step towards conservation and rekindle their sense of duty and responsibility towards safeguarding our avian population. After all, meaningful change begins with individual awareness and collective action. Let us each play our part in making a difference and bringing about a positive shift in the world we live in.
