EDITOR’S NOTE
Many birders are consistently on the move to record migratory which are arriving in good numbers. The last part of the year saw the rise of a new interpretation centre, a project by students for birds which have all given a befitting finish to the final quarterly issue of the year. Sightings and records which are entered in eBird are only taken into account towards the writing of this e-magazine. We wish a very Happy New Year 2018 to all to have a peaceful and prosperous life with more memorable moments in the wild! —Ganeshwar SV.
4th TAMIL BIRDERS MEET
In the two-day meet of the Tamil Nadu Birders Network on October 21 and 22, more than 100 birders from many parts of the State took part. The meet was conducted at Yelagiri in Vellore district which aimed at promoting awareness about birds in different habitats, conservation aspects and encouraging locals into birdwatching. Nilgiri Flowerpecker and Oriental Scops Owl were recorded for the first time in Yelagiri during the meet.
POCKET GUIDE for TAMIL NADU BIRDS
During the 4th Tamil Birders Meet, a new pocket guide for birds of Tamil Nadu. The guide consists of 138 familiar bird species across the State. A single pocket guide costs Rs.25 INR. To buy the pocket guide, please click here.
NEW RECORDS
On November 12, 2017, Venkatraman Rajamanickam and Ganeshwar SV observed and recorded the call of TYTLER’S LEAF WARBLER Phylloscopus tytleri in Yercaud which was a first record for Salem.
On November 26, 2017, Dr. M. Ravi photographed ORIENTAL TURTLE DOVE Streptopelia orientalis. This was overall the second record and first photographic evidence for Salem.
INTERPRETATION CENTRE FOR BIRDS
As a part of Salim Ali’s Birthday Celebrations, a new interpretation centre for birds was inaugurated at Panchayat Union Primary School, Neermullikuttai. With more than two years of patience and hard work by teacher Kalaiselvan V, this amazing centre has become a dream come true. This is the first school in Salem district to exclusively have a interpretation centre for birds.
CHILDREN’S DAY
On November 14, Children’s Day, Ganeshwar SV interacted with the students of Panchayat Union Primary School, Neermullikuttai and wished everyone to make the best use of the new interpretation centre.
STUDENTS’ PROJECT
Students of the Indian Roller Bird watching Club were involved in a project to document the bird diversity around Panchayat Union Middle School, Thalavaipatty. The project was later submitted to the 25th National Children’s Science Congress. Teacher Rajangam P guided the students.
BOOK INTRODUCTION
On November 19, 2017 Ganeshwar SV introduced the book ‘The Fall of a Sparrow’ (in Tamil) by Salim Ali at Paalam, the Book Meet.
NOVEMBER eBIRDER of the MONTH
Salem Ornithological Foundation’s youngest birder and a 9th standard student Subramania Siva was the winner of the national level monthly eBirding challenge for November conducted by Bird Count India. He receives a copy of How to be a (bad) birdwatcher by Simon Barnes as a small gift in appreciation.
OTHER NOTABLE SIGHTINGS
During Salim Ali Bird Count on November 12, 2017, S. Subramania Siva recorded and photographed EUROPEAN BEE-EATERS Merops apiaster at Mettur. Please see the complete checklist here.
On November 5, 2017, Elavarasan M recorded and photographed an adult SLATY-BREASTED RAIL Gallirallus striatus at Kannankurichi (Mookaneri) Lake. Please see the complete checklist here.
Due to some unforeseen circumstances, the quarterly magazine has been published late. The team regrets the delay and is working to improve better.
