Bhutan Annual Waterbird Count
Bhutan Annual Waterbird Count is a citizen-science initiative as a part of the Asian Waterbird Census (AWC) forming a bigger part of the global International Waterbird Census (IWC). This citizen-science program is supporting the conservation and management of wetlands and waterbirds worldwide.
This year, Bhutan Annual Waterbird Count is happening from 22nd - 24th of this month. Due to the pandemic, no major events will be conducted during the count and we are not suggesting even to go birding. Even if you are not birding on a particular date, the data of your waterbird of January and February months will be accepted.
Any individuals submitting the data needs to kindly adhere to the following protocols and requirements while carrying out the waterbird count:
- Need to use Count & Wetland Assessment Entry Form 2021 (Click here)
- Need to read the protocol for birding (Click here)
- Give importance in counting Important Bird Areas (IBA) identified in the country OR previously assessed areas mentioned below (Click here).
- Completed form can be submitted to the following address: Dr. Sherub (Ph.D.) at sherubird@gmail.com and Tshering Tobgay at tsheringtobgay2@gmail.com
- Learn to identify waterbirds in Bhutan (Click here)
- For any clarification regarding the count, need to contact AWC country coordinator Sherub (Ph.D.) at sherubird@gmail.com
- Participants submitting the complete checklist as per the format of the count will be recognized.
NB: While participating in the count, please ensure that you adhere to COVID-19 guidelines provided by National, Dzongkhag, and any relevant authorities. Each participant must carry their personal sanitizer and wear a face mask to ensure safety. Pair or group birding is not recommended.
Suggested areas to count are listed below:
Along Dungzam chu till Char Kilo
Along Mao Khola,
Along Mochu river (till Shatem Nature camp)
Along Phochu River till Samdingkha
Along Toorsa River
Along Wangchu (Thim-chu)
Bumdiling
BUMTHANG Wetlands: Gyetsa Valley
BUMTHANG Wetlands: Kurjey Valley
Burichhu
Chengmari River
Dechenphu Forest Wetland
Dhoti river
Drangmeychhu Chazam
Dungkar
Dungsum Chhu
Dungzam - Zhapang bridge
Garbang to Kurjey base
Haachhu
Ingo bridge to Dumcho Bridge
Paachhu
Jomotshangkha
Khotakha Valley
Kurichu Dam to Kurizampa bridge
Lhamoizingkha to Karmaling
Mangde Chhu River Tingtibi - Berti
Mo Chhu River: Goenshari
Mo Chhu River Punakha- Sirigang
Nichula
Nikachhu
Panbang, Manas river
PARO Wetlands along Pachhu
Phobjikha Valley
Pho Chhu River Punakha- Samdekha
Pugli river
Punatshangchhu River Chime Chorten- Punakha
Punatshangchhu River Wangdue Phodrang Bridge-Chime Lhakhang Chorten
Rangjung (Gamrichu)- Dangmechu Confluence
Sewage-Moakhola
Thimphu Surrounding Wetlands (Inc. Thimpu River & Babesa)
Tingtibe to Berti Village (along Mangdechu River)
Waichenchhu
Wangdue Bridge to Punakha Dzong
Zhilingchhu
Any other new location