A five-day bird-watching camp organised by the Siliguri-based Himalayan Nature & Adventure Foundation in association with the Darjeeling wildlife division of the state forest department started on Wednesday at Latpanchar in the Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary of Darjeeling district.

Sources in the department said around 1,300 species of birds can be sighted in India out of which around one-fourth or over 300 species can be found in this sanctuary.

“Latpanchar, which is around 35km from Siliguri and perched on a height of 3,500 feet above sea level, is one of the hotspots for birdwatchers and ornithologists. This is the 16th consecutive camp that we are holding at the site this year,” said Animesh Bose, the foundation’s programme coordinator.

Altogether, 30 bird enthusiasts and ornithologists joined the camp. Participants will study the avian population and discuss conservation of birds.

“A number of rare species like the Hodgson’s Frogmouth, the Rufous-necked Hornbill and the Pale-Blue Flycatcher can be seen in Latpanchar. After the camp, a report on bird-sighting with some other details would be sent to the state forest department,” added Bose.