Minister Ramanath Rai inaugurates ‘Hakki Habba’ in City
Mangaluru: State Minister Ramanath Rai inaugurated the “Hakki Habba” (Bird Festival) on 9th February at Town Hall – Mangaluru. After the inauguration, the bird watchers were taken to different places to watch different kinds of birds. Five boats have been arranged for pelagic birding and they will be taken early in the morning. The bird movements will be watched in the backwaters as well. The Habba is being organized under the aegis of State Eco-Tourism Development Board and the Forest Department for the fourth time in Mangaluru. In fact, the three-day Hornbill festival was held from February 2 to 4 at the Kali Tiger Reserve at Dandeli forests in Uttara Kannada district with the idea of developing a community of birdwatchers.
The festival aims at creating awareness among youngsters on different species of birds. Several birds are on the verge of extinction. Their habitats are being destroyed. Amateur birdwatchers and professional ornithologists will have an opportunity to observe different species of birds during the three-day long Hakki Habba in Mangaluru from February 9 to 11. Nearly 200 bird watchers from different parts of the country have arrived in Mangaluru for the event.
Along with rich traditional art forms and culture, the Coastal belt is also known for its natural beauty. The seashores and the forests house several species of birds. The main attraction of the event will be Pelagic birding, shore birding, estuary and riverine birding. Bird lovers will have an opportunity to interact with eminent birders and bird photographers. There will be talks on conservation and a photo exhibition as well. Avian aficionados can also enjoy the chirping of birds. The aim of the festival is to draw the attention of enthusiastic budding conservationists to the varied bird species and explain to them about the various types of birds and their ecological importance.
Today, February 10, drawing and quiz competitions will be held for school children on birds at Pilkula Science Centre. On February 11, birders can watch the birds at Kudremukha, Kundapura, Mangaluru, and Pilikula. Bird watchers and enthusiasts have already registered online. The stay for the participants has been organised at Pilikula Jungle Lodges and at private hotels. Mangaluru has exotic migratory seasonal birds from the sea. All the needed help for bird watching has been provided by the forest department. Some of the pelagic bird species found in the region are Albatrosses, Frigatebirds, Fulmars, Petrels, and Shearwaters.