India, Feb. 22 -- As the sun rose over Delhi-NCR on February 16, birders armed with binoculars and cameras fanned out across parks, wetlands, and forests, eager to document the rich avian life of the region. By the end of the day, they amassed an impressive tally - 243 species, nine more than the 234 last year.

The 25th edition of Big Bird Day (BBD) was deemed a success.

The annual citizen-led birding event, held on February each year, saw over 500 experts covering 40 locations, from the lush expanse of Sultanpur to the wetlands of Dhanauri and the urban greens of Asita East.

Veteran and amateur birders alike celebrated the diverse sightings, which included Oriental pied hornbills, Dusky eagle owls, Short-eared owls, and Indian spotted...