A ruddy shelduck. The participants at the camp in Jaldapara are expected to come across this bird along with common teal, night heron and black stork

Siliguri, Jan. 24: Want to know more about birds? Pack your bags and binoculars and head for Jaldapara.

The Siliguri-based Himalayan Nature and Adventure Foundation (Hnaf), in association with the state forest department, will organise a four-day bird watching camp at the wildlife sanctuary from Friday.

“About 600 of the 1,300 species found in India can be seen in north Bengal alone,” said Animesh Bose, the founder-coordinator of Hnaf.

The camp is being organised at a time when there is concern among ornithologists about the dwindling numbers of birds like the Bengal pelican and the white-backed vulture in the region.

“It has been decided that once the camp is over, the participants will return home and spread awareness among their neighbours,” Bose said.

“It is interesting to find that some forest workers, posted in different areas of north Bengal, are also joining the camp to know more about birds,” one of the organisers said.