A Report on Bird Watching and Identification Training

A Report on Basic Training on Ornithology for Undergraduates 2020

Submitted by

Bird Conservation Nepal

Pokhara Branch

Pokhara-15, Kaski Nepal

Email: [email protected]

A Report on Basic Training on Ornithology for

Undergraduate 2020

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Acknowledgement:

We would like to extend our gratitude to Bird Conservation Nepal (BCN), Pokhara Bird

Society (PBS), National Trust for Nature Conservation-Annapurna Conservation Area Project

(NTNC-ACAP), Friends of Nature-Nepal (FoN) for their financial support.

We are grateful to Dr. Ram Prasad Sharma (Campus chief, Institute of Forestry, Pokhara

Campus, Pokhara), Mr. Krishna Bhusal (Vulture Conservation Program Officer, BCN), Mr.

Manshanta Ghimire (Renowned Photographer & President, PBS), Mr. Hemanta Dhakal

(Secretary, PBS), Mr. Amrit Sharma (Conservation Officer, DNPWC), Mr. Amrit Poudel

(Researcher, FAN), Mr. Prashant Ghimire (Bird Researcher), Mr. Abiral Neupane( MSc in Iof)

for their glorious presence without which the program wouldn’t have been accomplished

successfully.

We are also indebted by thorough support from College Administration for

every legal processes, Paudel Khaja ghar, Department store & IOF Cafeteria for

snacks and juice, Ms. Bhawana Prajuli, Mr. Roshan Chaudhary, Mr. Bibek Belbase

& Mr. Durgananda Yadav for their diligent work throughout event helping us as

volunteers. At last, we would like to thank all well -wishers.


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Table of Contents

Acknowledgement……………………………………………………………………………...2

Table of Contents………………………………………………………………………………3

Acronyms……………………………………………………………………………………….4

Abstract………………………………………………………………………………………....5

Background…………………………………………………………………………………......5

Introduction…………………………………………………………………………………….6

Justification…………………………………………………………………………………….6

Objectives……………………………………………………………………………………....7

Methodology…………………………………………………………………………………....7

Conclusion……………………………………………………………………………………..12

Recommendation……………………………………………………………………………....12

Annex I………………………………………………………………………………………...13

Annex II………………………………………………………………………………………..15

Annex III………………………………………………………………………………………17

Annex IV………………………………………………………………………………………18

Annex V………………………………………………………………………………………..21

Annex VI……………………………………………………………………………………….22

Annex VII………………………………………………………………………………………23

Annex VIII……………………………………………………………………...........................40


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Acronyms

BCN Bird Conservation Nepal

DNPWC Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation

FAN Forest Action Nepal

FON Friends of Nature

PBS Pokhara Bird Society

IoF Institute of Forestry


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Abstract:

Bird Conservation Nepal, Pokhara Branch, has successfully organized 3 days training

“Basic Training on Ornithology for Undergraduates 2020” from 30th January to February 1, aiming

for undergraduates for bird conservation in Nepal. The main objective of this training was to make

them familiar with the common techniques and practices used in bird research and their

identification. Event consisted theory session and assignments to participant along with field

practice and visit. Various presentations were included namely; Bird Census Techniques and Bird

Survey Method, Bird Identification and Photography, Law and Policy, Bird Migration, Monitoring

and Telemetry, Raptor Monitoring with respect to Vulture, Looking Back to Avian Research in

Nepal, Use of GIS and Wetland Birds and their Habitat. Trainees were provided with necessary

paper, posters and booklets for further information. Finally, event was wrapped up with

distribution of certificates to trainer, trainee and volunteers along with token of love to trainers

from different organizations.

Background:

Bird Conservation Nepal (BCN), Pokhara Branch is a branch of Bird conservation

Nepal, a leading organization working for bird conservation and research activities in Nepal. Till

date, BCN, Pokhara Branch has been conducting various programs and activities related to Bird

conservation in and around Pokhara Valley. It is a voluntary base, non-profit organization led by

students of Institute of Forestry, Pokhara. The program that is being carried out by this organization

seems justifiable in the sense that it will impart knowledge and understanding to various youths

and students of Forestry campus and other institutions.


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Introduction:

Bird biodiversity is one of the major components of biodiversity and Nepal harbors around 887

species of bird and many at the verge of extinction due to illegal hunting and trading. It can be

argued that bird watching is a part of the ecotourism that will ultimately help in enhancing the

economy and in conserving the biodiversity as well.

Though Lake Cluster of Pokhara valley is listed as RAMSAR site but basic

ornithological knowledge is found to be lacking among the youth and students. Youth of this valley

have been involving in bird watching and also formed the bird watching club and groups but they

lack the proper birding techniques. In this scenario, with the aim to develop the skills of bird

identification and their research among those youths of Pokhara valley BCN Pokhara branch

planned to conduct the Basic Training on Ornithology for Undergraduates, 2020. Thus, this

program is primarily targeted to the undergraduates of Pokhara who are really deserving and

interested for working on bird conservation.

Justification:

As ornithology is major component of forest and wildlife science, young student’s keen

interest on bird watching and identification. As a result, they have been participating in the various

bird watching program conducted by themselves and BCN but, they are facing the awful situation

i.e. the problem of proper identification. Even a mere introduction regarding this has not been

included in the curricula of the University. It seemed reasonable in the sense that it would be

successful to be a means to motivate the young who have been working and interested to work in

the sector of bird conservation through the development of birding skills.


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Objectives:

The main objective of the training was to make the youth and students familiar to the

common techniques and practice used in bird identification and research. Furthermore, it aimed to

1. Develop the bird identification and research skills among the youth.

2. Encourage young students on the sector of bird conservation.

3. Impart the knowledge on the global scenario of bird conservation.

4. Methodology/ Brief day wise activities:

The training was scheduled for three days including theory session, field practice and closing

session. Moreover, the training program can be best described in the following way.

Day 1

Inauguration

The 3 days “Basic Training on Ornithology for Undergraduates 2020” was formally

inaugurated at the conference hall of Dean Office, IOF Pokhara on the chairmanship of Ms.

Rakshya Thakuri (Coordinator of BCN, Pokhara Branch) with the chief guest Mr. Mahendra Singh

Thapa (Assistant Dean of IOF) by watering a plant. Similarly, Mr.Krishna Bhusal of BCN (Vulture

Conservation Program Officer), Mr. Manshanta Ghimire (Chairman of Pokhara Bird Society), Mr.

Amrit Sharma (Conservation Officer, NTNC-ACAP), Mr. Hemanta Dhakal (Secretary of Pokhara

Bird Society) and Mr. Prashant Ghimire (Researcher on Asian Woolly Neck) were the guest of the

opening ceremony. There were altogether 30 participants from different institutes and each

participant was given with a name of bird. The program was conducted by Ms. Ambika Regmi

and the welcome speech was delivered by Mr. Milan Baral.

1) Presentation

a) Introduction to BCN Pokhara Branch

This presentation mainly focused on the general introduction of BCN Pokhara Branch and

their activities to the participants was presented by Mr. Milan Baral, Vice co-ordinator of

BCN Pokhara Branch. Bird Conservation Nepal (BCN), Pokhara Branch is a branch of

Bird conservation Nepal, a leading organization working for bird conservation and research

activities in Nepal. Till date, BCN, Pokhara Branch has been conducting various programs

and activities related to Bird conservation in and around Pokhara Valley. It is a voluntary

base, non-profit organization led by students of Institute of Forestry, Pokhara.


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b) Bird Identification Technique

The presentation on the Bird identification technique was given by Mr. Manshanta

Ghimire, Chairman of Pokhara Bird Society. He gave the knowledge about the birds and

their characteristics and their identification by their shape, size, color pattern, beak, wing,

tail, legs, behavior, habitat and various features.

c) Law and Policy of PAs of Nepal

In order to make the participant familiar with the “Law and Policies related to Pas” was

presented by Mr. Amrit Sharma, Conservation Officer, NTNC-ACAP Liaison office.

d) Bird Survey Method

Mr. Krishna Bhusal of BCN, Vulture Conservation Program Officer presented on the

various bird census technique. The presentation was mainly focused the importance of bird

census, time for bird census, things to be considered before a bird survey, way of compiling

the list of species, different ways of bird survey methods and their advantages and

disadvantages with data sheet preparation and analysis.

e) Raptor Monitoring with respect to Vulture

Mr. Hemanta Dhakal shared his experience on recently done Raptor monitoring at Thula

Kharka, Lumle, Kaski. He also presented on vultures’ status, identified threats, distribution

in Nepal along with its identification techniques.

2) Orientation to Assignment

The participants were divided into three different groups with two group leaders and each

group was given a task with a different objective related to the birding of the next morning.

Mr. Prashant Ghimire gave the brief description to the participants about their topic,

objective and their groups and also about what they should present on their assignment.


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Day 2

a. Bird Watching

The program was conducted to generate data for the further training process. The

participants were divided into three groups and were given different objectives. We had

Mr. Krishna Bhusal, Mr. Manshanta Ghimire and Mr. Prashant Ghimire as the resource

persons. There were altogether 40 participants including trainee, resource person,

volunteers and organizers. Altogether 35 species were recorded. With the silence and ethics

of conservationist, we finished the bird watching program.

b. Presentation by resource person

i. Bird Migration and Telemetry

The presentation mainly focused on the migration pattern and use of satellite to

determine migration of birds. The presentation was delivered by Vulture

conservation officer of BCN Mr. Krishna Bhusal.

ii. Use of GIS

The presentation focused on the basic concepts of GIS and its uses in bird research

and monitoring. The presentation was facilitated by Mr. Abiral Neupane.

iii. Looking Back to Avian Research in Nepal

The presentation mainly focused on history, status and difficulties of Avian

research in Nepal. The presentation was delivered by Mr. Prashant Ghimire.

iv. Photography techniques

The presentation was focused on the general techniques which are used while

taking photographs. The presentation was delivered by Mr. Manshanta Ghimire.

c. Presentation by trainee

The data collected during the bird watching were analyzed with the help of respected team

leaders. Different objectives were given to different groups. Each group was given 1-hour

time for data entry, analysis and preparation for presentation. Trainee from all three groups

presented their presentation. Special prizes were given to the winners.


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Day 3

1) Presentation by Resource Person

i. Wetland Birds and It's Habitat

Mr. Amrit Poudel (Research Officer) presented on the “status of Wetland Birds and its

habitat. He shared his knowledge about the present status of wetlands and wetland birds in

Nepal and extend its importance by further saying that we must preserve the wetland

ecosystem to ensure people and nature thrive.

2) Field Practice

To build connections between theoretical knowledge and real-ground scenarios

participants were taken to field practice (Pame). We took the college bus to visit the field

along with necessary birding stuff like Telescope, Binoculars, Bird Book, Camera. Bird

specialist Manshant Ghimire and senior Amrit Poudel, Prashant Ghimire guided

participants to identify water birds of Pame. Greylag Goose, Black-crowned Night Heron,

Little Plover, Black Stork, Grey Heron, Ruddy Shelduck, Gadwall, Mallard which was the

major bird species that were observed. All together 40 species of wetland birds were

identified. From there, we returned back to College after having a good sighting of wetland

birds.

3) Science Communication Workshop

Returning from the field, Science Communication Workshop was conducted which was

facilitated by Mr. Prashant Ghimire(Avian Researcher). A varied scientific paper relevant

to ornithology was provided to 6 teams of 5 members with their own unique team name to

be called by and was allotted 45 minutes time to go over the paper and to present the act,

comedy poetry, song, news and a love letter.

In that short time period, each team performed excellently, revealing bitter truth about how

our local community perceives wildlife as well as their sentiments through creating an

atmosphere of fun and entertainment. It was beautiful synchronicity of awareness and

entertainment.

Mr. Amrit Poudel was given the position to evaluate the winning team. Thereon observing

everyone's performance, he announced the winner, Singing Team Name -Bunting who was

successful to bring a smile in everyone's faces, built-up energy by entertaining everyone.


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• Wrap up and Closing

In the closing session Chief guest, Dr. Ram Prasad Sharma gave his speech, speaking about

how training will be worthwhile in the conservation of birds and its habitat by giving youth

the opportunity to participate energetically and further assured to support training related

to forest and wildlife in coming days. Thereafter, he, the special guest Manshant Ghimire

spoke on, how the overall training was and what can be done for betterment in the near

future to make it more productive.

At the end BCN, Pokhara Branch coordinator Rakhshya Thakuri gave the ending speech

thanking Chief guest, Special Guest, Guest, all the volunteers, participants, and helping

hands for their valuable time and support to make 3 days training successful and hoping

that the training was success to meet its objective by providing theoretical as well as

practical knowledge through active participation of enthusiastic participants.

Letter of Appreciation was provided to the Institute of Forestry, Pokhara Campus, Pokhara,

Pokhara Bird Society, and Friends of Nature for supporting financially and technically to

make the training successful.

The certificate was distributed to the trainer volunteer, and all helping hands.

Furthermore, Token If love was given to Trainers Manshant Ghimire, Hemanta Dhakal,

Krishna Bhusal, Prashant Ghimire expressing sincere gratitude for their continual love,

support and guidance throughout the training. Finally, at last, group photos were taken to

keep all our training memories alive in the photograph.


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Conclusion:

With this, end of the event was announced making conclusion to successful

accomplishment by providing basic theory and field ideas to all trainees hoping to continue such

programs time and again coming with additional new innovative events.

Recommendation:

The training should fill the theoretical knowledge and research skill gap by making it more

practical based learning in near future. Similarly engaging and motivating the trainees

encompassing presentation with case studies/discussion of the real-life scenarios for more

effectiveness.


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Annexes:

Annex I

PROGRAM SCHEDULE

DAY 1 (Thrusday- 16th Magh)

S.N. TIME SUBJECT RESOURCE PERSON

1. 10:00 -10:30 Introduction and Welcome

(BCN- Pokhara branch)

Milan Baral

2. 10:30 –11:30 Birds Identification Techniques and

Ethics of Bird Watching

Manshant Ghimire

3. 11:30 –12:30 Law & Policy Amrit Sharma

4. 12:30 – 1:40 Bird Census Technique / Bird Survey

Method

Krishna Bhusal

5. 1:40 – 2:00 Tea Break

6.

7.

2:00 – 3:00

3:30-4:30

Raptor Monitoring with respect to Vulture

Tiffin Break

Hemanta Dhakal

8. 4:30 – 4:45 Assignment to participation Prashant Ghimire

DAY 2 (Friday- 17th Magh)


1. 7:00-9:00 Field: Forest birds watching and Bird

trail routing

Manshanta Ghimire

2. 10:00-11:00 Assignment Presentation (ORAL)

3. 11:00-12:00 Bird Migration and Telemetry Krishna Bhusal


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4.

5.

6.

12:00-1:00

1:00-2:00

2:00-2:30

Use of GIS

Looking Back to Avian Research in

Nepal

Break

Abiral Neupane

Prashant Ghimire

7. 2:30 – 3:30 Photography techniques Manshanta Ghimire

8.

9.

3:30 – 4:30

4:30- 5:00

Presentation preparation by participants

Presentation by participants

DAY 3 (Saturday-18th Magh)

Program Host: Ms. Ambika Regmi and Sujata Shrestha


1. 8:00 – 9:30 Wetland Birds and their Habitat Amrit Poudel

2. 9:30-11:00 Break

3. 11:00 - 2:00 Wetland Bird (Field) Manshanta Ghimire

4, 2:00-2:30 Break

5.

6.

2:30-4:30

4:30-5:30

Science Communication Workshop

Closing and farewell

Prashant Ghimire


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Annex II

Participants name with their authorized bird species name

S.N. Participants Species

1 Aman Sunar Asian Woollyneck

2 Anu Rana Magar Bengal Florican

3 Ashish Ghimire Cheer Pheasant

4 Binita Timilsina Great Hornbill

5 Bishnu Gurung Sarus Crane

6 Dinesh Bhushal White Stork

7 Dipa Gurung Lesser Florican

8 Dristi Chand Black Stork

9 Jagriti Giri Himalayan Monal

10 Karuna Poudel Long-tailed Duck

11 Madhav Dhital Common Pochard

12 Mohan Buchha Magar Black-necked Crane

13 Nitu Adhikari Great Slaty Woodpecker

14 Roshani Thing Tamang Lesser Adjustant

15 Sabal Sharma Yellow Breasted Bunting

16 Sabita Bhandari Finn’s Weaver

17 Sandhya Poudel Greater Adjustant

18 Sangam Shrestha Baer’s Pochard


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19 Sashi Aryal Swamp Francolin

20 Sarika Lamichhane Red Headed Vulture

21 Shanti Bharati Slender Billed Vulture

22 Sudarshan Parajuli Wood Snipe

23 Suman Poudel White-rumped Vulture

24 Sushmita Baniya Kashmir Flycatcher

25 Tirtha Kafle Grey-crowned Prinia

26 Yasmin Chaudhary Spiny Babbler

27 Kshitiz Pathak White – throated Bushchat

28 Orchid Rosy Puri Saker Falcon

29 Sushmita Poudel Pallas’s Fish Eagle

30 Asmita Poudel Black –bellied Tern


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Annex III

Posters & Notices

“Birds don’t love your ringtone

So, better keep it in

SILENCE”

Welcome

to

the world

of the

“BiRDS.”


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Annex IV

Bird Checklist of IoF 2nd day Training

Date 31st Jan 31st Jan 31st Jan 31st Jan 31st Jan 31st Jan

Time (Start-End) 7:45-8:00 AM 8:00 - 8:15 AM 8:15-8:30 AM 8:30-8:40 AM 8:40-8:48 AM 8:48-9:05 AM

Location Banpale Banpale Banpale Banpale Banpale Banpale

Weather Clear Clear Clear Clear Clear Clear

Habitat Open, edge forest Open, edge Forest Open, edge ForestOpen, edge ForestOpen, edge ForestOpen, edge Forest

Threats ? ? ? ? ? ?

Observers Bunting Group Bunting Group Bunting Group Bunting Group Bunting Group Bunting Group

MacKinnon List No. 1 2 3 4 5 6

New Species SN Bird Name Occurance

1 Large-billed Crow 4 1

2 Rock Pigeon 17 1

3 Black Kite 5 1 2 1 4

4 Rose-ringed Parakeet 18 1 4 3

5 Great Cormonant 1 15 2

6 Common Hoopoe 1 1

7 Grey-backed Shrike 1 1 2

8 Blue Whistiling Thrush 2 1

9 Commom tailor bird 1 1 1 3

10 Grey headed canary flycatcher 1 1 2

10 0

11 Hume's leaf warbler 2 1

12 Black-lored Tit 1 3 1 3

13 Greenish warbler 2 1 2

14 Great tit 1 2 1 1 1 5

15 Red billed blue magpie 1 1

16 Oriental white eye 1 1

17 Grey headed woodpecker 1 2 2

18 Tiaga flycatcher 1 1 2

8

19 Red vented bulbul 2 1 2

20 Yellow bellied fantail 1 1

21 Himalayan bulbul 2 10 3 3 4

3

22 Oriental magpie robin 1 3 2 3

23 White rumped munia 7 1

24 Long tailed minivet 2 1

25 Scarlet minivet 2 1

26 Lesser Racket tailed drongo 1 1

27 Chestnut bellied nuthatch 1 1

28 Grey treepie 2 1

7

29 Green Billed Malkoha 1 1

30 Grey hooded warbler 1 1

31 Black drongo 1 1

3

32 Asain Barred owlet 1 1

33 Chestnut tailed starling 2 1

34 White throated kingfisher 1 1

35 Egyptian vulture 2 1


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SN Spps Abundance

1 Cinerous tit 5

2 Black kite 4

3 Himalayan bulbul 4

4

Rose ringed

parakeet 3

5 Black lored tit 3


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6


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Annex V

Attendance sheet


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ANNEX VI

News

https://www.mardinews.com/2020/02/2148/

https://www.mardinews.com/2020/02/2148/


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ANNEX VII

Photo Plates

DAY 1

The chief guest Mr. Mahendra Singh Thapa (Assistant Dean of IOF) watering a plant.


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Trainee all ready for the theory Session


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Presentation on Bird Identification Techniques

-Mr. Manshanta Ghimire (Founder President PBS)


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Presentation on Law and Policy of PAs of Nepal

-Mr. Amrit Sharma (Conservation Officer, NTNC-ACAP)


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Presentation on Bird Survey Method

-Mr. Krishna Prasad Bhusal (Vulture Conservation Program Officer)


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DAY 2

Bird watching session


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Assignment Presentation by Trainee


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Presentation on Looking Back to Avian Research in Nepal

-Mr. Prashant Ghimire (Avian Researcher)


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Group Disscussion For the Presentation


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Presentation by Trainee


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Winning team Evaluation time


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DAY 3

Presentation on Wetland Birds and its habitat.

-Mr. Amrit Poudel (Research Officer-Forest Action Nepal)


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A group photo taken at Pame, Lakeside


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Preparation Phase of Science Communication Workshop


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Winner team of Science Communication Workshop


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Certificate of Appreciation to Trainers


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Closing ceremony group photo


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Annex VIII

Organizer Team

A Report on Bird Watching and Identification Training

Documents

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