Introduction to eBird and Merlin by Dr. Swetashree Purohit
On the occasion of World Environment Day, 5th June 2026, an enlightening session titled "Introduction to eBird and Merlin" was organized by GENCF with renowned ornithologist and birding enthusiast Dr. Swetashree Purohit as the keynote speaker. The event was gracefully hosted by Ms. Dyuti Karmakar, who welcomed the audience and introduced the programme's objectives of promoting citizen science and bird conservation.
The event commenced with an exciting presentation by Mr. Subrato Sengupta and Mr. Tapas Biswas, who introduced the audience to an innovative AI-generated animated series that they had collaboratively developed. They shared the vision behind the project and highlighted the role of technology in spreading awareness about wildlife and environmental conservation. Dr. Swetashree Purohit officially launched the series, "Earth: The Wild Planet," appreciating the initiative as a creative approach to inspiring people to connect with nature.
Following the launch, Dr. Purohit conducted an engaging and informative demonstration of the popular birding platforms eBird and Merlin. She explained their features, practical applications, and the importance of documenting bird sightings to contribute to global biodiversity research. Through live examples and interactive guidance, participants learned how these tools can enhance birdwatching experiences while supporting conservation efforts.
The session was highly appreciated by the audience, who found it both educational and inspiring. Participants actively interacted with the speaker, raising thoughtful questions about bird identification, citizen science, and the effective use of the applications. Dr. Purohit addressed each query with clarity and enthusiasm, making the discussion lively and enriching. The programme concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks, leaving attendees motivated to explore the world of birds and contribute to environmental conservation through technology and collective action.
Watch Earth The Wild Planet, Episode 1 on YouTube: https://youtu.be/K-nviy-NvWQ?si=jQI6BoYlDs7K4VPh