DIRECTOR’S NOTE
“2024 has been a landmark year for the Salem Ornithological Foundation, marked by incredible new bird records, impactful outreach, and conservation efforts. With nine first records, our birding community has once again proven its dedication to documenting Salem’s avian diversity. A special mention to all the birders and photographers whose efforts enriched our knowledge of the region’s biodiversity. With 21,720+ eBird checklists, 9,000+ bird photographs, and 302 species recorded, Salem’s birding community continues to lead in citizen science contributions. As we step into 2025, let’s keep the momentum going, fostering a deeper connection with nature and working towards impactful conservation.” – Ganeshwar S V
FIRST RECORD (1)
On 19 October 2024, Krishnamoorthy Raju sighted and photographed Long-billed Pipit Anthus similis at Yercaud. This is the first record for the Salem district. To see the complete checklist, please click here.
FIRST RECORD (2)
On 31 October 2024, Shanavas Mohamed sighted and photographed Common Quail Coturnix coturnix at Stanley Reservoir–Pannavadi. This is the first record for Tamil Nadu and the Salem district. To see the complete checklist, please click here.
FIRST RECORD (3)
On 15 December 2024, Kalaiselvan V sighted and photographed Red-headed Bunting Emberiza bruniceps at Mannarpalayam, Salem. This is the first record for the Salem district. To see the complete checklist, please click here.
SOF IN OTHER EVENTS (1)
On 8 October 2024, SOF’s Research Assistant and Nature Educator, Angeline Mano M was invited to the Wildlife Week celebration as a chief guest for a guest lecture on ‘Empowering Young Minds for Bird Conservation’ organized by the Department of Zoology, Vivekanandha College of Arts and Science for Women, Tiruchengode, Namakkal. A total of 150+ students, research scholars, and faculty members participated in the seminar. SOF expresses heartfelt thanks to Dr. G. Satheeshkumar, Coordinator, Dr. K. E. Poorni, Head of the Department, and Dr. P. Baby Shakila, Principal for the opportunity.
WORKSHOPS/CONFERENCES PARTICIPATED (1)
On 30 September & 01 October, Angeline Mano M and Ganeshwar S V from Salem Ornithological Foundation participated in the Children NEED Nature conference organized by the Karma Bhoomi Trust at NIMHANS Convention Center, Bengaluru. The purpose of this conference is to create a space for parents, educators, and school administrators to share research findings and nature education practices and join a movement to include Nature education sessions in schools to care for the future of our children and the future of our planet.
WORKSHOPS/CONFERENCES PARTICIPATED (2)
On 24 October 2024, Angeline Mano M and Ganeshwar S V from Salem Ornithological Foundation participated in the training program on Wetland Ground Truthing and Wetland Assessment as a part of the International Climate Action Day celebration organized by the Department of Environment and Climate Change, Government of Tamil Nadu and Department of Forest, Salem Division, District Climate Change Mission, Salem District.
WORKSHOPS/CONFERENCES PARTICIPATED (3)
From 11 to 14 November 2024, Angeline Mano M from Salem Ornithological Foundation participated in the workshop, “Birds in Focus: An Introduction to Specimen-based Research” by Feather Library and National Centre for Biological Sciences, Bangalore.
BIRDNOV 2024
BirdNov is a social media initiative celebrated in November to honor the birth month of Dr. Sálim Ali, the renowned Indian ornithologist known as the “Birdman of India.” For BirdNov 2024, SOF showcased Thalaivasal Taluk’s 30 Government Primary and Middle School’s Project OrniSchool, the climate literacy and nature education initiative of the Salem Ornithological Foundation aimed at educating government primary and middle school students. The initiative collaborates with the District Education Office (DEO), Salem, and the District Institute of Education and Training (DIET), Salem. To view the work, click here.
SOF REPORT: PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENT ON THE IMPACT OF THE METTUR OIL SPILL ON BIRDS
Following the detailed report released by the Suzhal Arivom team, the Salem Ornithological Foundation conducted a preliminary assessment of the effects of the oil spill on birds. A brief report to be released soon. For more details, refer Mettur Oil Spill Rapid Assessment Report by Suzhal Arivom. To view the SOF’s report, click here.
SALEM BIRDS AT SALEM BOOK FAIR 2024
Thiru Rajendran R, Minister for Tourism, Govt. of Tamil Nadu, inaugurated the Salem Book Fair 2024 on 29 November 2024 at the Corporation Grounds near Salem New Bus Stand. Other notable dignitaries are Dr R Brindha Devi IAS, District Collector, Thiru. Arul Ramadas, MLA, Salem West, Thiru. Ramachandran A, Mayor, Salem Corporation. All the dignitaries visited the stall set up by SOF and appreciated this new initiative in the book fair. SOF is thankful to the Department of School Education and Dr Maanvizhi, District Education Officer for the opportunity and support. We thank Early Bird for supporting us with the educational materials in Tamil. We extend our sincere thanks to the volunteers who supported us and the photographers who supported us with their excellent photographic skills.
FEEDBACK ANALYSIS: SALEM BOOK FAIR 2024
Feedback from people who visited the SOF stall during the Salem Book Fair 2024 is a testimony to our success! We thank everyone for the support and hope to continue the good work in conservation.
PRESENTATION AT SALEM BOOK FAIR 2024 (1)
On 5 December 2024, Ganeshwar S V Founder-Director, SOF was invited to give a presentation on the bird diversity of Salem district at the Salem Book Fair.
PRESENTATION AT SALEM BOOK FAIR 2024 (2)
Following the successful first session, on 5 December 2024, Ganeshwar S V Founder-Director, SOF was invited to repeat the presentation on Salem Birds for a different set of school students at the Salem Book Fair.
PRESENTATION AT SALEM BOOK FAIR 2024 (3)
On 5 December 2024, Ganeshwar S V Founder-Director, SOF was invited to give the third presentation on the Biodiversity of Salem District at the Salem Book Fair. He emphasized the importance of citizen science and encouraged everyone to use iNaturalist.
EEF RESIDENCY
Angeline Mano M from Salem Ornithological Foundation successfully finished her Earth Education Fellow 2024-25, 8 days in-residency workshop at Sharavathi, Karnataka. We thank the YouCAN team for the opportunity and support in her work with school children.
Fellows Circle of the Earth Educators Fellowship 2024
On 19 December 2024, Earth Educator Fellow Angeline Mano M (SOF’s Research Assistant and Nature Educator) gave a talk titled, Feathers of Purpose: A Life in Flight with Birds for the first Fellows Circle of the Earth Educators Fellowship 2024. A Fellows Circle is a virtual platform for the Earth Education Fellows to introduce their story, education practice, and insights from it to the larger community.
TAMIL NADU – ALL DISTRICTS BIRDING
On 7 November 2024, SOF’s Research Assistant and Nature Educator, Angeline Mano, also a leading women ornithologist with the completion of birding in the last four districts, became the first female birder to do birding in all 38 districts of Tamil Nadu. Many thanks to Dr. Jeganathan P., and Anand S for their support. To view Angeline’s Final Frontier to cover all the TN districts, click here.
TOP eBIRD PHOTOS FROM SALEM IN 2024
Every year, SOF features the top eBird Photos from the Salem district. There were also several other good photos that we couldn’t share as we wanted to feature only 20 photos. The photos featured here were randomly chosen and in no particular order. Copyright of the photographs remains with the respective photographers. To view the photos, click here.
TOP eBIRD BIRD IN HABITAT PHOTOS FROM SALEM IN 2024
Every year, SOF features the top eBird Bird in Habitat Photos from the Salem district. It need not be always about close-up shots. This year, we wanted to have a new section particularly for people who don’t have big cameras but still contribute to citizen science without worrying about the quality of the image and for those who like to click birds that portray the surrounding habitat too. Photos in no particular order. Copyright of the photographs remains with the respective photographer. To view the photos, click here.
TOP eBIRD RARITIES FROM SALEM IN 2024
Every year, SOF features the top eBird Rarities from the Salem district. Rare doesn’t necessarily mean that the species is actually rare by definition but they are rarely seen in Salem District. Photos in no particular order. Copyright of the images remains with the respective photographers. To view the photos, click here.
NEW RECORDS FROM SALEM IN 2024
Every year, SOF features the top eBird New records for the year from the Salem district. What an amazing year it has been with nine new additions to the region! All records have been uploaded to eBird India. To view the photos, click here. Many thanks and congratulations to the birders for their fantastic effort! The order is by the most recent addition,
- Red-headed Bunting by Kalaiselvan V
- Common Quail by Shanavash Mohamed
- Red-naped Ibis (sight record) by Ganeshwar S V and Angeline Mano M
- Long-billed Pipit by Krishnamoorthy Raju
- Lesser Black-backed Gull by Ganeshwar S V, Angeline Mano M and Krishnamoorthy Raju
- Terek Sandpiper by Ganeshwar S V and Angeline Mano M
- Fulvous Whistling-Duck by Ganeshwar S V and Angeline Mano M
- Besra by Thanigai Velu
- Eastern Yellow Wagtail (call record) by Ganeshwar S V
FIRST PHOTOGRAPHIC RECORD FROM SALEM IN 2024
Every year, SOF features the first photographic records for the year from the Salem district. The first Photographic Record of the year was Grey-fronted Green-Pigeon by Gopi Raji.
SALEM eBIRD STATS 2024
Salem submitted 21,720+ complete checklists to eBird in 2024. 180+ resident and migrant eBirders uploaded 9,000+ bird photographs. In 2024, 302 species were recorded, with nine new additions, in the Salem district.
