09/11/2025
The first week of November was a happening time for bird-watchers in Changlangshu village in Mon, Nagaland.
On 3rd November 2025, a group of 11 people visiting the Peangthung Restoration and Conservation Area managed by the Biodiversity Management Committee of Changlangshu (BMCC) sighted more than 30 Amur falcons flying overhead. After an initial sighting of 4 falcons flying towards the eastern side of the restoration area, a few minutes later the group sighted a large flock of around 25-30 Amur falcons from the watchtower at the southern end of the restoration area. The falcons flew northwards after circling above them for a few seconds. The last known sighting of Amur falcons in Changlangshu was in October 2023, when around 30-40 of them were sighted at the Peangthung Restoration and Conservation area.
On 4th November 2025, on a hill between Changlangshu/Bumei village and Monyakshu village, locally known as Bumei Kang, a group of children and teachers from Holy Vineyard School were surprised by the sight of around 50 Asian openbill storks near their school. The flock included adults and juveniles (and possibly some adults in non-breeding plumage). They roosted at a plantation site beside the school for a few minutes, until they were disturbed and flew downhill towards Changlangshu village. The BMC Changlangshu is trying to find out if there have been sightings of the birds in the area previously, if they are recurring, and their migratory route.
It is encouraging to see the two migratory birds--Amur falcons, which travel all the way from Siberia to South Africa--and Asian openbill storks--whose migratory route in the region is still understudied and unclear, in Changlangshu, a village where the community has been leading efforts to restore jhum forests and conserve habitats for wildlife since 2018. Volunteers and nature educators working with the Biodiversity Management Committee of Changlangshu also participated in the Tokhü Emong Bird Count 2025 by contributing bird observations through eBird and conducting birdwatching sessions with local youth and students. Over the last few years, the people of Changlangshu have witnessed many migratory birds in the region, including wreathed hornbills and vultures, and recognise the importance of providing safe passage to these birds by restricting hunting and habitat loss.
Through this winter season and beyond, the BMCC will keep actively documenting bird diversity in Changlangshu and encourage bird watching and appreciation among the youth and children of the village.
Reported by:
Nayantara Siruguri
Volunteer
Biodiversity Management Committee Changlangshu
Nature education activities by H Eangba and M Sangki Kheang from BMC Changlangshu.
