Kidoor Bird Festival--2019

Kidoor, a small village; united for a noble cause, and that was to preserve the environment for a better sustainable living. They fought against all odds to revive a natural pond in the laterite area which was once polluted completely. Likewise, the people of Kidoor along with local panchayat have strived hard to keep the village neat and clean with zero plastic usage. Setting up such an example in front of the world is an absolute necessity.

It's an event that represents an occurrence on the calendar. A flock of Orange Breasted Green Pigeon perched on a tree encouraged the local birding fraternity to welcome birders from different parts to explore the habit of Kidoor by hosting a bird festival and hence, Kidoor Bird fest came into existence.

A warm welcome with a piece of Jaggery and water quenched my thirst. There were posters of different birds, mammals and insects on the pillars of the community hall where the event was hosted.

Bird Fest banner.

The fest started with an inauguration ceremony where some of the local heroes were felicitated. There are hidden talents everywhere that are worth recognising. Likewise, Kidoor has some amazing talents that they must be proud of.

Inaugural song by the Guides.

Felicitating a medic who has saved many people from snake bites.  

Felicitating an achiever.

Felicitating the head of the village panchayat.

Felicitating young e-birders.

Maxim Rodrigues addressing the gathering.

I was pleased with the ceremony. There were like minded guests on the stage who urged the naturalists to step up and help the governing bodies to preserve a biodiversity hotspot.
But what was more interesting to know was naming a street.

We have seen and heard naming the streets after someone who have done great things to the mankind, society etc. But we may not have come across a street named after a bird..! This happened in Kidoor.

Dignitaries naming the street as "Orange breasted green pigeon road" after the bird was first seen here.  

And right opposite to this street is a big Magnolia tree where my lifer(s) were resting; Orange breasted Green pigeons, sharing space with yellow footed green pigeons. It was a magnificent sight.

Orange Breasted Green Pigeon.

Yellow Footed Green Pigeon.

White Bellied Sea Eagle negotiating high skies.

I loitered around the laterite area in search of birds. There were a few pipits, larks and bee eaters. But above all, the best sighting was the young school students studying spiders, dragonflies, butterflies and other interesting species of nature. They took photographs of them and started discussing amongst themselves. Something which I appreciated Mr. Raju Kidoor a lot, he is the key man for this turn around in kids.

Oriental Skylark.

We finished post noon birding with a decent list of birds and got back to the camp for an introductory session. I met fellow birders who traveled from distant places to be part of this fest and it was great to know them. After a sumptuous dinner, it was time for us to retire and look forward to morning birding at the Gumpe hills.