It is time for birders in the town to take out their binoculars and cameras. A group of enthusiastic bird-watchers have joined hands to conduct Pongal Bird Count for the first time in the State. Modelled after Onam Bird Count and Dasara Birding, conducted annually in Kerala and Karnataka, the event aims to document native varieties of birds found in the region. “In other States, people are more aware of the need to learn and document birds. We are trying to emulate the same idea and planning it as a regular activity every year,” says Dr. T. Badri Narayanan, Ophthalmologist and an avid bird watcher.
The bird count has been planned in association with Tamil Birds, an online group of birders across the state. “Birding volunteers can take part as individuals or groups and will be required to observe birds for a minimum of 15 minutes and upload the sightings into bird listing and documentation platform eBird. The final data will provide valuable information on the distribution and abundance of the birds of Tamil Nadu,” says N. Raveendran.
As a start, the Pongal Count scheduled between January 15 to18, will happen in Madurai, Ramanathapuram, Sivagangai and Rajapalayam. For more details: 9843136786
