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:

1. Need to use Count & Wetland Assessment Entry Form 2021 (Click here)
2. Need to read the protocol for birding (Click here)
3. Give importance in counting Important Bird Areas (IBA) identified in the country OR previously assessed areas mentioned below (Click here).
4. Completed form can be submitted to the following address: Dr. Sherub (Ph.D.) at sherubird@gmail.com and Tshering Tobgay at tsheringtobgay2@gmail.com
5. Learn to identify waterbirds in Bhutan (Click here)
6. For any clarification regarding the count, need to contact AWC country coordinator Sherub (Ph.D.) at sherubird@gmail.com
7.  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