The dawn of May 11 became the prelude to an exciting day for nature and biodiversity enthusiasts in Colombia, and indeed, around the world. Sounds thrilling, doesn’t it? The Global Big Day (GBD) of 2024 promised to be a unique experience, an opportunity to explore the colors and sounds that make this country a bird paradise like no other. After all, it’s no coincidence that we hold the title of one of the world’s most megadiverse territories!

From early hours, a group of passionate Unicauca members prepared to embark on a journey into the nature surrounding the campuses of our beloved Alma Mater, the Universidad del Cauca. Students and professionals from diverse programs such as Biology, Tourism, Geography, Chemistry, Economics, Anthropology, and Environmental Education came together in a joint effort to immerse themselves in the fascinating world of birdwatching.

That morning, the enthusiasm was palpable as we ventured into the lands of the La Rejoya and La Sultana farms in Timbío, the Tulcán Campus, the Las Guacas Campus, and the Northern Campus located in Santander de Quilichao. Unicauca was fully committed to contributing its observations to the event's record, which ultimately becomes a healthy and enjoyable competition.

Unicaucano Bird Watching Group. La Sultana Farm. Photo by Sergio Barrera

Armed with their guides, ‘Representative Birds of the Universidad del Cauca,’ these modern explorers set out to discover and document the feathered wonders inhabiting Unicauca's campuses.

And do you know what the best part is? The effort paid off when, at the close of the GBD, the impressive achievement was celebrated: 1,558 bird species reported! This milestone not only solidifies Colombia's status as the bird country of the world but also represents the Universidad del Cauca's ongoing commitment to the conservation and study of its rich avifauna.

Manacus vitellinus. Photo by José Manuel Toba

But the day doesn’t end here. With the first goal achieved, our university embarks on an exciting process of birdwatching training. Each student becomes a guardian of knowledge and care for these creatures and their habitats, thereby promoting a sustainable future for generations to come.

Nyctibius griseus. Photo by Roderik Daza

And so concluded this unforgettable day, where waking up early was worth it to witness the natural spectacle that only Colombia can offer. We watched, with hope, the birth of a team of birdwatchers who will proudly carry the Unicauca blue and red.