DIRECTOR’S NOTE
“The past few months have been truly remarkable for SOF, with significant milestones in bird documentation, conservation, and outreach. We are excited to share multiple first records for Salem district which highlights the richness of our avifauna and the dedication of our birding community. A special congratulations to Angeline Mano M for achieving the 300th bird lifer milestone in Salem and for being recognized with the Avinandan Landscape Ornithology Grant and the Earth Educators Fellowship. These achievements reflect SOF’s commitment to research, capacity building, and conservation awareness.” – Ganeshwar S V
OUTREACH
On 23 August 2024, SOF’s Founder and Director, Ganeshwar S V, had the opportunity to interact with a group of students from grades 3 to 5 of Ganges Valley School, Hyderabad for the Bagless Day with Birds. This was one of the most curious groups SOF has encountered, with every student actively engaging and posing numerous questions. SOF extends its gratitude to the school management and Aarti C Rajaratnam ma’am for their support and for providing this opportunity.
GRANT
On 15 August 2024, the Indian Regional Association of Landscape Ecology announced the results of the Avinandan Landscape Ornithology Grant. Angeline Mano M from Salem Ornithological Foundation is one among the three awardees under the category of Skill Development (Capacity Building and Training). Angeline Mano will be working on the project titled “Capacity Building and Awareness on Birds In Perambalur District, The Least Birded Region of Tamil Nadu”
FELLOWSHIP
On 23 September 2024, Angeline Mano M from Salem Ornithological Foundation was selected as the Earth Education Fellow, from Tamil Nadu! for the Earth Educators Fellowship, 2024-25 by the Youth Conservation Action Network. Angeline Mano’s idea of finding the intersection between nature and education is restoring the deep connection between youngsters and nature through activity-based methods, and igniting happiness through it. The YouCAN team is excited to welcome Angeline to EEF’s 4th Cohort.
FIRST RECORD (1)
On 5 July 2024, Gopi R sighted and photographed Grey-fronted Green-Pigeon (Pompadour Green-Pigeon) Treron affinis at Yercaud. This is the first photographic record for the Salem district. To view the complete checklist, click here.
FIRST RECORD (2)
On 8 August 2024, Angeline Mano M and Ganeshwar S V sighted and photographed Fulvous Whistling-Duck Dendrocygna bicolor at Danishpet Big Tank. This is the first record for the Salem district. To view the complete checklist, click here.
On 11 August 2024, Angeline Mano M and Ganeshwar S V sighted and photographed Fulvous Whistling-Duck Dendrocygna bicolor at Thennangudipalayam Lake. This is the Salem district’s second record and the Attur region’s first record. To view the complete checklist, click here.
FIRST RECORD (3)
On 19 September 2024, Angeline Mano M and Ganeshwar S V sighted and photographed Terek Sandpiper Xenus cinerus at Stanley Reservoir–Pannavadi. This is the first record for the Salem district. To view the complete checklist, click here.
FIRST RECORD (4)
On 21 September 2024, Angeline Mano M, Ganeshwar S V, and Krishnamoorthy Raju sighted and photographed Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus for the first time at Stanley Reservoir–Pannavadi. To view the complete checklist, click here.
300TH SALEM LIFER – A MILESTONE
On 19 September 2024, Angeline Mano M achieved a significant milestone in recording 300 bird species in Salem district. She is the first woman birder of Salem to make a record in the Salem district. The 300th bird lifer was the Terek Sandpiper Xenus cinerus at Stanley Reservoir–Pannavadi. To view the complete checklist click here.
