Karwar: Kaiga Bird Marathon of the Kaiga power plant has identified eight new bird species in the nearby areas.

The 8th edition of the marathon started as an environmental initiative of the plant identified Indian Swiftlet, Eurasian Hobby, northern pintail, northern shoveller, ivory billed cuckoo, greater spotted eagle, and Eurasian sparrow hawk.

The marathon has spotted 284 different variety of birds over the last eight editions. A total of 115 bird watchers took part in the census.

Inaugurating the marathon, Kaiga Plant director Sanjay Kumar said that it is a positive feeling to know that birds are increasing in the Kaiga plant region. “This proves that the environmental here is healthy for birds to live, ” he said.

Kaiga plant 3,4 director JR Deshpande, Dr Hussein from Wildlife Institute of India among others were present.