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Panjab University Campus Hosts 104 Bird Species, Booted Eagle Spotted

The Campus Bird Survey 2026 at Panjab University documented 104 bird species, including a notable sighting of a booted eagle. Organized by Dr. Ravneet Kaur, the event involved zoology students and expert birders to monitor avian diversity and promote conservation awareness. Participants gained practical experience in visual and auditory bird identification techniques during the survey across campus green spaces. The initiative underscores the importance of citizen science and regular biodiversity monitoring for a sustainable campus ecosystem.

Key Points: 104 Bird Species Recorded at Panjab University Campus

  • 104 bird species recorded
  • Booted eagle sighting
  • Survey part of Monitoring Avian Species project
  • Focus on auditory bird identification
  • Involved students and expert birders
2 min read

Chandigarh's Panjab University is home to 104 bird species

Campus Bird Survey 2026 documents 104 avian species at Panjab University, including a booted eagle, highlighting biodiversity conservation efforts.

"The primary objective was to sensitise students to biodiversity conservation and promote awareness of avian diversity. - Survey Organizers"

Chandigarh, Feb 14

The Campus Bird Survey --2026 recorded nearly 30 bird species across the Panjab University campus on Saturday, taking the cumulative campus checklist to 104 species with the sighting of a booted eagle.

The survey was conducted under the initiative of Bird Count India as part of the ongoing project, "Monitoring Avian Species of Panjab University," sponsored by the Panjab University Alumni Association.

The survey commenced at 6.30 a.m. and covered major birding zones within the campus in Sector 14 in Chandigarh, including the Botanical Garden, Student Centre and adjoining residential areas. These green spaces serve as important habitats supporting diverse avifauna.

The event was organised by Dr Ravneet Kaur, Associate Professor, Department of Zoology, Panjab University, in coordination with the regional bird count survey aimed at documenting and monitoring avian diversity.

Students of the Department of Zoology participated along with experienced birders and experts, including Parveen Nair, wildlife photographer Navtej Singh, Bhavneet Bharti, Professor of Paediatrics at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, wildlife writer Vikram Jit Singh, Aman from the BSF and bank managers Paramjit Singh and Sukhwant Singh Raj.

They guided and mentored the participants during the survey.

The primary objective of the activity was to sensitise students to biodiversity conservation and promote awareness of avian diversity.

Participants gained hands-on experience in field-based ecological assessment techniques.

Apart from visual identification, emphasis was placed on recognising bird species through their songs and calls, strengthening skills in auditory identification, an essential component of avian field studies.

The event concluded with an interactive discussion over breakfast, where participants highlighted the importance of citizen science initiatives and the need for regular biodiversity monitoring to maintain a sustainable and ecologically vibrant campus.

Panjab University, where 75 per cent of graduating students are women, is a 143-year-old varsity with its alma mater include former Prime Ministers Dr Manmohan Singh and I.K. Gujral, and former President Shankar Dayal Sharma.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
104 species on one campus is impressive! It shows how important urban green spaces are for wildlife. I remember the peacocks near the Student Centre. Hope they continue these surveys and maybe even set up nest boxes.
V
Vikram Jit Singh
It was a privilege to mentor the enthusiastic students. The booted eagle sighting was the highlight! Such data is crucial for long-term conservation. Kudos to Dr. Ravneet Kaur and the entire team for their dedication.
A
Aman W
As someone who loves birdwatching, this is fantastic news. But I do hope the university also addresses the growing issue of plastic waste near the Botanical Garden, which can harm these very birds. Conservation needs holistic action.
S
Sarah B
What a brilliant way to combine education with environmental stewardship. The involvement of experts from different fields – doctors, photographers, bankers – shows how biodiversity connects us all. More power to such initiatives!
N
Nikhil C
Proud of my alma mater! 🎓 The fact that they started at 6:30 AM shows real passion. This is the kind of practical, hands-on learning that stays with students forever, much more than just textbook theory.

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