Birds like the coppersmith barbet, red-vented bulbul, and yellow-throated bulbul were seen by the Forest Department during the winter bird count in wetlands of Vellore, Ranipet, Tirupattur, and Tiruvannamalai on Sunday. This two-day exercise, held for the first time in winter, aims to study the winged creatures present in December, after the northeast monsoon rains have eased. “Winter bird count helps us assess birds’ habitat, prey availability, and environment,” said M. Babu, forest range officer (Ambur). He added that most volunteers were school students, which helps raise environmental awareness. The bird count took place between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. Each team included a forester, forest guard, students, ornithologists, and bird lovers. On average, five wetlands were covered in each forest range within the districts. Officials noted that local birds like white-browed bulbul, white-cheeked barbet, pale-billed flowerpecker, black-rumped flameback, black-winged kite, and common myna were spotted. A variety of owls were also seen in the Vellore forest division. The collected data will be analyzed soon to understand bird patterns, habitats, and the health of the ecosystem. The bird count will also reveal increases or decreases in bird populations, helping officials plan necessary actions.