2025

DIRECTOR’S NOTE

 “I write this note with great joy and gratitude as the trend of fabulous first quarters of the year continues. From connecting with birders from across Tamil Nadu and launching the idea of a bird educators’ network for the State, our participation in the Tamil Birders Meet 2025 was truly enriching. We completed the Salem Annual Wetlands Survey and also partnered with the Salem Forest Division to support the TN Synchronized Wetland and Terrestrial Bird Estimates. The enthusiasm of volunteers, particularly the college students, is highly appreciated. 

Besides, there had been a significant number of bird walks and nature education programs conducted. We are also proud of the MoU signed with the Government Arts College (A), Salem 7, to implement CEPA-based programs of the Ramsar Convention. The Great Backyard Bird Count 2025 in the Perambalur district was another high point. It can be considered the wholesome GBBC conducted by SOF so far, with campus bird count, bird walks, and public engagements generating significant interest by the local people to take Perambalur birding forward. 

Two notable awards were won by our Research Assistant and Nature Educator, Angeline Mano, namely the WINGS Flag Carrier Award and the Best Poster Award at the IRALE Conference 2025. I congratulate her on these huge milestones and wish her more accolades. I thank everyone who shared their input, support, and time to journey with us. I look forward to a continued association with you all. Together, we shall contribute more towards conservation.” – Ganeshwar S V, Founder-Director, Salem Ornithological Foundation.

TAMIL BIRDERS’ MEET 2025

SOF got an opportunity to participate in the recently concluded Tamil Birders Meet 2025 at Thanthai Hans Roever College (A), Perambalur. We are happy to have met so many birders and enthusiasts from across Tamil Nadu. It was surely a great learning experience for us. We’re thankful to everyone who was a part of this wonderful event.

Presentations by the SOF team

* Identification of Swallows and Wagtails by Ganeshwar SV

* State of India’s Birds 2023 and MYNA by Ganeshwar SV

* Initiating Bird Educators Network in Tamil Nadu by Angeline Mano M and Ganeshwar S V

Parallel sessions for college students by the SOF team

* Introduction to Birds and Bird Watching by Angeline Mano M

* Activity-based Bird Education by Angeline Mano M

For more details, please see Tamil Birders Network

PONGAL BIRD COUNT 2025

The Pongal Bird Count (PBC), an initiative of the Tamilbirds network, is an annual bird monitoring program for Tamil Nadu. The 11th edition of the Pongal Bird Count was between 14 and 17 January 2025. Many birders across the Salem district participated and uploaded all their observations to eBird. The final data will provide valuable information on the distribution and abundance of the birds of Tamil Nadu.

SALEM ANNUAL WETLANDS SURVEY 2025

A total of 114 wetlands of 68.45 hours of survey and 1,839 km were traveled by 7 participants. A total of 12,892 waterbirds belonging to 46 species were counted. A total of 159 species, 19,860 birds, including 33 migrants overall, and 15 high-priority species were identified. We hope to continue the same in the long term as well. To view the complete trip report of SAWS 2025, click here. The detailed report will be published soon.

WINGS WOMEN OF DISCOVERY FLAG CARRIER AWARD

Angeline Mano M, Research Assistant & Nature Educator, SOF, was awarded the WINGS Flag Carrier Award by the WINGS Women of Discovery (WINGS World Quest, New York) to carry out the expedition titled “Annual Assessment of Bird Population in 100 Ecologically Important Wetlands in Salem District”. She carried flag #39 from India and completed her expedition in the Salem & Perambalur districts. The final report will be published soon. To view her feature on the WINGS official website, click here. 

ORIENTATION SESSION – SALEM FOREST DIVISION

An online orientation session was conducted by the Salem Forest Division and presented by SOF toward the upcoming TN Synchronized Wetlands Bird Estimate 2025. Two topics were primarily discussed 

1) Guidelines for Responsible Bird Watching and 

2) How to fill the Data Sheet for the Wetlands Bird Estimate? 

A total of 75 enthusiastic participants attended the meeting. We thank Thiru. Shashank Ravi Kashyap, I.F.S, District Forest Officer, Salem, for his guidance, support, and the opportunity given to us. We also thank Ms. Keerthana Kumar, ACF (trainee), for her input and coordination for the Estimate and all the staff of the Salem Forest Division.

TN SYNCHRONIZED WETLAND BIRD ESTIMATE 2025 – SALEM FOREST DIVISION

On March 8 and 9, 2025, the Salem Ornithological Foundation coordinated the wetland bird estimate at Salem Forest Division. Volunteers took part in the census and collected bird data. All the sightings and observations are uploaded to eBird. SOF expresses its gratitude to the District Forest Officers for the opportunity and to the rangers, foresters, guards, and the entire staff of the Salem Forest Division for their wonderful support. 

TN SYNCHRONIZED TERRESTRIAL BIRD ESTIMATE  2025 – SALEM FOREST DIVISION

On 15 & 16 March 2025, Salem Ornithological Foundation got an opportunity to coordinate the terrestrial bird census at Salem Forest Division. Volunteers took part in the census and collected bird data. All the sightings and observations are uploaded to eBird. SOF expresses its gratitude to the District Forest Officers for the opportunity and to the rangers, foresters, guards, and the entire staff of the Salem Forest Division for their wonderful support. 

WORLD WETLANDS DAY BIRD WALK

On 02 February 2024, SOF organized a wetland bird walk at Poolavari Lake to celebrate World Wetlands Day. The bird walk was led by SOF’s Research Assistant and Nature Educator, Angeline Mano M. To view the complete checklist, click here.  

MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MoU)

SOF is happy to share that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on 5 February 2025 between the Salem Ornithological Foundation and the Government Arts College (Autonomous), Salem 636007. This MoU aims to implement the Communication, Capacity Building, Education, Participation, and Awareness (CEPA) Programme of the Ramsar Convention and to popularize birding and related activities among the college students in Salem. SOF expresses its sincere thanks to the following people of the GAC7 for their inputs, guidance, and support towards this collaborative project Dr N Shenbagalakshmi, Principal, Dr M Abareethan, HOD, Zoology, Dr N Vijayakumar, IQAC, Coordinator, Dr T Gangadharan, HOD, English, Faculties of the Dept. of Zoology, Geography and English.

COLLEGE OUTREACH (1)

On 10 February 2025, SOF’s Research Assistant & Nature Educator Angeline Mano M and SOF’s Founder and Director Ganeshwar S V got an opportunity to present a talk on “Greate Backyard Bird Count- The Biggest Bird Counting in the World”. A total of 50+ students benefitted from the session. SOF expresses its sincere thanks to Dr M Abareethan, HOD, Zoology, and the Faculties of the Dept. of Zoology for the opportunity.

SOF IN OTHER EVENTS (1)

On 28 January 2025, a weekly meeting of the Rotary Club of Salem Galaxy was held at the Radisson Hotel. Ganeshwar SV, the Founder-Director of SOF, delivered a presentation on Birds and Birding in Salem. Once the talk was over, the audience came up with a lot of questions, and it was a good interaction. We thank the Rotary Club of Salem Galaxy and Mr Kumaresh in particular for the opportunity.

SOF IN OTHER EVENTS (2) 

On 31 January 2025, for World Wetlands Day, SOF’s Research Assistant and Nature Educator, Angeline Mano M, was invited as the resource person for the talk to the students at Bengal Fox Interpretation Innovation Incubation Centre, Salem.  The talk was titled “Weltland Wonder: Learn, Explore and Protect”. The students were given a brief introduction to the wetland ecosystem, ecosystem services by water birds, wetlands of Salem district, and the need for conserving the wetland bird species. The students were engaged with activity-based learning methods such as sketching & coloring water birds and origami fish. This was organised by the Bengal Fox Interpretation, Innovation, Incubation Centre, Tamil Nadu Forest Department, in collaboration with the Salem Ornithological Foundation. We extend our thanks to Dr. R. Brawin Kumar for the opportunity and support. 

SOF IN OTHER EVENTS (3) 

On 7 & 8 February 2025, SOF’s Research Assistant and Nature Educator, Angeline Mano M, participated and contributed to the Tirupati Bird Atlas conducted by the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research – IISER Tirupati.

SOF IN OTHER EVENTS (4) 

On 20 February 2025, SOF’s Research Assistant and Nature Educator, Angeline Mano M, was invited as the resource person for the talk to the students of Periyar University. The students were given a brief introduction to the Birds of Yercaud, ecosystem services by birds, and the need for conserving the threatened species with activity-based learning methods. This was a part of the one-day field trip to the Botanical Survey of India, Yercaud, organized by the Department of Environmental Science, Periyar University, and Bengal Fox Interpretation, Innovation, Incubation Centre, Tamil Nadu Forest Department. 

SOF IN OTHER EVENTS (5) 

On 7 March 2025, SOF’s Research Assistant and Nature Educator, Angeline Mano M, was invited as the resource person for the “Wetlands of Salem: An Introduction from a Conservation Perspective” talk for the Wetlands Day Celebration. The exhibits from the Eco-art competition, Wetland model-making, Wetland-themed music or dance, Eco-comic strip or cartoon, Wetland-themed poetry, Photography contest, and Essay writing were displayed by the students. This event was organised by the Bengal Fox Interpretation, Innovation, Incubation Centre, Salem Forest Division, Tamil Nadu Forest Department, Department of Zoology (DBT Star Sponsored) & Botanical Consortium, Department of Botany (DBT Star Sponsored), and Sri Sarada College for Women (Autonomous), Salem. 

SOF IN OTHER EVENTS (6) 

On 11 March 2025, SOF’s Research Assistant and Nature Educator, Angeline Mano M, was invited as the resource person for the one-day event titled “Guardians of Nature: Engineering A Sustainable Future” for the NSS students of Sona College of Technology. The students were given a brief about the birds and bird-watching, with a special focus on the landscape of the Salem district. This session was followed with three hands-on activities, such as Flashcard games to learn about the habitat and the diet, Bird Survior game to learn the life cycle of the birds, and Build a Nest activity to understand the struggles of a bird building a nest. We thank the organisers for the oppourtunity. This was organised by the Bengal Fox Interpretation, Innovation, Incubation Centre, Salem Forest Division, Tamil Nadu Forest Department, in collaboration with the Young Creator Space.

SOF IN OTHER EVENTS (7) 

On 15 March 2025, SOF’s Research Assistant and Nature Educator, Angeline Mano M, was invited as the resource person for the one-day psychology and life skills training workshop at Sengappa Konar Hall. The event was titled “மகுடம் சூடும் மங்கயருடன் ஓர் நாள்”. Angeline shared her research journey on the topic “Birds and Women: A Woman Ornithologist’s Journey”. A total of 600+ students benefited from this event, and many of them were inspired by her work. This event was organized by Psychologist Dr. Vijay Kumar, Research Institute of Mental Health & Training, Learning Skills Training & Research Institute, and iNet Technologies Computer Education. We extend our heartfelt thanks to  Dr. M. Vijayakumar and Santhosh Mouli for inviting Angeline Mano to be a part of such a meaningful and inspiring event. It was truly an honor to be given the stage to share her thoughts with such passionate young minds.

SOF IN OTHER EVENTS (8)

On 21 March 2025, SOF’s Research Assistant and Nature Educator, Angeline Mano M, was invited as a guest for a women’s day special talk hosted by Sona FM. Angeline shared her perspective on women’s freedom and her experiences in the field as a female ornithologist. We are grateful for the opportunity to share stories about women to a wider audience. Many thanks to Dharun Vignesh from Sona FM for hosting. A total of 200+ people listened to the show.

SOF IN OTHER EVENTS (9) 

On 22 March 2025, the session at Bengal Fox Interpretation, Innovation, Incubation Centre for a team of five students from Mettupalayam Forest College led by SOF’s Research Assistant and Nature Educator, Angeline Mano M, and Ganeshwar SV, the Founder-Director of SOF where they gained insights into the history of ornithological research in Salem. This was followed by presentations from Dr. Brawin Kumar (Biologist). Dr. Kumar shared his expertise on two key topics: Indian pangolins and their significance in conservation, as well as Bengal foxes.

SOF IN OTHER EVENTS (10) 

On 28 March 2025, SOF’s Research Assistant and Nature Educator, Angeline Mano M, was invited to coordinate and assess the Salem Biodiversity Festival 2025 held at Kamarajar Girls Higher Secondary School, Manakkadu, Salem. The event showcased an impressive array of biodiversity models, art, crafts, speeches, and drawings. The sessions culminated with an awards ceremony, where Assistant Conservator of Forests Mr. Selva Kumar presented prizes to the winners. Additionally, Omalur Ranger Mrs. R. Veeramani distributed certificates to the participants commemorating their involvement in the festival. The event promoted awareness and appreciation for biodiversity and environmental responsibility among the young participants of our Salem. Our Salem is our pride. Save nature otherwise no future. The Bengal Fox Interpretation, Innovation, Incubation Centre, Salem Forest Division, Tamil Nadu Forest Department organized this event. We sincerely thank Dr. Brawin Kumar, Biologist, for the opportunity.

GREAT BACKYARD BIRD COUNT 2025 – PERAMBALUR

The 13th Indian edition of the Great Backyard Bird Count was held from 14 – 17 February 2025. Perambalur is Tamil Nadu’s No. 2 district in terms of maximum checklists (12,556) uploaded. Angeline Mano M and Ganeshwar S V from SOF are in the World’s No. 1 Rankings by checklists in individual categories. With this year added to, Angeline Mano is the first Indian Woman to be in the Rank 1 for the continuous 6 years. The overall huge numbers by Perambalur were possible because of the major consistent contribution from Malar Matric School, Kurumbalur, and Payir Nursery & Primary School, Thenur. GBBC bird walks were conducted on all four days across the Perambalur district in all possible habitats. We extend our heartfelt thanks and gratitude to Senthilkumar Gopalan and Preethi L Xavier, teaching and non-teaching staff of Payir Trust, for hosting us on the campus for five days. We also thank Kanagaraj P. and Mani K from the Rotaract Club of Perambalur and Ragavan S from Puthiya Payanam for their support throughout the event. To see the global GBBC 2025 results, click here. The Bird Count India’s & SOF’s final report will be published in May 2025. 

GBBC BIRD WALK 2025 (1)

The Salem Ornithological Foundation conducted a bird walk at Thenur Lake in Perambalur, Tamil Nadu. This was the district’s first-ever bird walk, and 40 children from Payir Trust and a few local people participated. The children enjoyed watching several waterbirds, and a couple of sunbasking Oriental Darters kept them thoroughly engaged. Angeline Mano M and Ganeshwar S V from the Salem Ornithological Foundation led the bird walk. The walk was supported by the Indian Regional Association for Landscape Ecology (IRALE).

GBBC BIRD WALK 2025 (2)

The Salem Ornithological Foundation conducted a bird walk at Adaikkampatti Lake in Perambalur, Tamil Nadu. Enthusiastic local people participated, and an Indian Spot-billed Duck with 11 chicks was the walk’s highlight. The way the local people enjoyed watching birds with binoculars, particularly an old man, with so much happiness in their faces, was undoubtedly an evergreen memory. Angeline Mano M and Ganeshwar S V from the Salem Ornithological Foundation led the bird walk. The walk was supported by the Indian Regional Association for Landscape Ecology (IRALE).

GBBC BIRD WALK 2025 (3)

Having experienced the joy of birding in the two previous bird walks at Thenur and Adaikkampatti, Vijay, a local electrical shop owner, reached out to his friends and organized a bird walk at Nakkasalem Lake, Perambalur. This was a total surprise for us, and we were happy to show them migratory birds such as Brown Shrike and Wood Sandpipers. Angeline Mano M and Ganeshwar S V from the Salem Ornithological Foundation led the bird walk. The walk was supported by the Indian Regional Association for Landscape Ecology (IRALE).

GBBC BIRD WALK 2025 (4)

The Salem Ornithological Foundation conducted a bird walk at Thuraimangalam Lake, Perambalur, in which 10 local people participated. They enjoyed watching the stilts, sandpipers, kingfishers, coots, cormorants, herons, and a pair of Red Munia, too. The bird walk was led by Angeline Mano M and Ganeshwar S V from the Salem Ornithological Foundation. The walk was supported by the Indian Regional Association for Landscape Ecology (IRALE).

GBBC BIRD WALK 2025 (5)

Salem Ornithological Foundation conducted a bird walk at Vellanthangi Amman Lake, Perambalur, in which 8 local people participated. They enjoyed watching hundreds of Wood Sandpipers and a pair of Greater Painted-Snipes. The bird walk was led by Angeline Mano M and Ganeshwar S V from the Salem Ornithological Foundation. The walk was supported by the Indian Regional Association for Landscape Ecology (IRALE).

CAMPUS BIRD COUNT 2025 – PERAMBALUR

The Campus Bird Count was held from 14 – 17 February 2025 in Perambalur. Malar Matric School, Kurumbalur, and Payir Nursery & Primary School, Thenur, participated in the Campus Bird Count. CBC bird walks were conducted on these two campuses. We extend our heartfelt thanks and gratitude to the teachers for supporting the students participating in this event. We also thank Nallaselvam R, an English teacher from the Malar Matric School, for her support throughout the event. To see the CBC 2025 results, click here. 

CBC BIRD WALK (1)

The Salem Ornithological Foundation conducted a campus bird walk for resident children at Payir Trust, Perambalur. They were super excited to watch birds with binoculars, particularly Purple Sunbirds, which captivated the young ones for a long time. It was all fun, laughter, and squabbling for binoculars among the children. Angeline Mano M and Ganeshwar S V from the Salem Ornithological Foundation led the bird walk. The walk was supported by the Indian Regional Association for Landscape Ecology (IRALE).

CBC BIRD WALK (2)

Salem Ornithological Foundation conducted a campus bird walk at the Payir Trust campus for 35 students from four government schools in the area. Early Bird posters and flashcards were used to help the students understand the birds better. The bird walk was led by Angeline Mano M and Ganeshwar S V from the Salem Ornithological Foundation. The walk was supported by the Indian Regional Association for Landscape Ecology (IRALE).

LIST OF GBBC BIRD WALKS 2025 – PERAMBALUR 

S.No	Date	Name of the Hotspot	Link to the Hotspot
1	14 Feb 2025	Thenur Lake	Click here
2	15 Feb 2025	Adaikampatti Lake	Click here
3	15 Feb 2025	Nakkasalem Lake	Click here
4	16 Feb 2025	Thuraimangalam Lake	Click here
5	17 Feb 2025	Vellanthangai Amman Lake	Click here

LIST OF CBC SCHOOL PARTICIPATION 2025 – PERAMBALUR

S.No	School Name	No. of participants
1	Malar Matric School, Kurumbalur, Perambalur	135
3	Payir Nursery & Primary School, Thenur	83

CAMPUS BIRD COUNT 2025 – SALEM

The students of the Department of Zoology, Government Arts College (Autonomous), Salem 7, conducted a campus bird walk at the Government Arts College (Autonomous), Salem 7.  The Early Bird pocket guide to the Birds of Salem & Tamil Nadu was used to help the students understand the birds better. A total of 15 students enthusiastically participated and contributed to citizen science by collecting bird data from the college campus. The event was coordinated by Angeline Mano M from the Salem Ornithological Foundation. We thank Dr M Abareethan, HOD, Zoology, for guiding the students.

FIRST RECORD (1)

On 22 January 2025, Angeline Mano M and Ganeshwar S V sighted and recorded a Common Pochard Aythya ferina, a rare migratory diving duck, at Thedavur Lake. This is the first record for the Salem district. To view the complete checklist, click here. 

FIRST RECORD (2)

On 29 January 2025, Elavarasan M sighted and recorded a Bronze-winged Jacana Metopidius indicus from Kumaragiri Lake. This is the first record for the Salem district. To view the complete checklist, click here.  

BEST POSTER PRESENTATION AWARD AT THE IRALE CONFERENCE 2025

Angeline Mano M, Research Assistant and Nature Educator at the Salem Ornithological Foundation, was awarded the Best Poster Presentation at the IRALE Conference 2025: Restoration for Landscape Integrity. The poster was titled “Capacity Building and Awareness on Birds in Perambalur District, the Least Birded Region of Tamil Nadu.” Thanks to the Indian Regional Association for Landscape Ecology (IRALE) for the opportunity, and I appreciate the platform for the commitment to landscape ecology and conservation.

AVINANDAN LANDSCAPE ORNITHOLOGY GRANT AWARD AT THE IRALE CONFERENCE 2025

Angeline Mano M, Research Assistant and Nature Educator, Salem Ornithological Foundation, was awarded the Avinandan Landscape Ornithology Grant at the IRALE conference 2025 by the Indian Regional Association for Landscape Ecology. The grant has been constituted in memory of Mr. D. Avinandan, a trained wildlife biologist and avid bird lover. We, along with IRALE, appreciate the thoughts and contributions of his family and supporters. 

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