The third day of the fifth edition of Tokhü Emong Bird Count (TEBC) 2026 recorded the highest species count so far, with 138 bird species documented through 296 eBird checklists as of 5 p.m. on Friday. The count is expected to increase as participants continue uploading their observations.
The day witnessed participation from birders, volunteers and students across Nagaland, with school-based birding outreach activities conducted at various locations to promote awareness of bird diversity and citizen-led biodiversity documentation.
Students were encouraged to observe birds in their surroundings and understand the importance of recording sightings, while birders from different parts of the state contributed to the statewide count by exploring their respective areas and submitting checklists through eBird.
Contributions on the third day came from Wokha, Noklak, Phek, Dimapur, Niuland and Peren districts, reflecting growing community participation in documenting Nagaland’s avian diversity.
As part of the school outreach initiative, Government Middle School, Okotso, Wokha, participated under the guidance of TEBC Wokha District Coordinator Longshibemo Shidio. In Peren district, Government Higher Secondary School (GHSS), Tening, took part under the guidance of District Coordinator Lunsetdile, while Xavier College, Jalukie, participated under District Coordinator Chonben Yanthan.
In Noklak, Frontier School, Noklak Village, joined the programme under District Coordinator Kuisuthung, while Jireh School, Tseminyu, participated under the guidance of Tseminyu District Coordinator Khichulo Semy. Government Higher Secondary School (GHSS), Tobu, Mon, also took part under the leadership of Lihnyu.
The school-based activities provided students with opportunities to engage with nature through direct observation, while contributions from individual and group birders extended the count across different landscapes and locations.
The organisers stated that every checklist submitted contributes to citizen-science data, helping strengthen the documentation and monitoring of birdlife across Nagaland. The initiative also seeks to nurture curiosity among students and communities and encourage greater responsibility towards biodiversity conservation.
As the bird count continues, students, birdwatchers and members of the public have been encouraged to observe birds in their surroundings and submit their sightings through eBird. The collective effort is expected to contribute valuable information for long-term research, monitoring and conservation of the state’s avian diversity.
Saturday, November 7, 2026