DARTER – Vol. 5 – Issue 4 (Oct-Dec 2021)
EDITOR’S NOTE
“The last quarter of the year showcases imported sightings and observations and conservation initiatives in Salem throughout the year 2021. Each observation highlights the significant efforts of the passionate birders across the district. The year had a beautiful end for the launching event of the Asian Waterbird Census 2022. All these accomplishments highlight the value of citizen science and collaborative efforts in protecting Salem’s bird life.” — Ganeshwar S V
FIRST RECORD (1)
On October 02, 2021, Dr. Sakthi Chinnakannu sighted and photographed Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea for the first time in Salem at Stanley Reservoir–Pannavadi, Mettur. To see the complete checklist of birds, please click here.
FIRST RECORD (2)
On October 09, 2021, a team of SOF birders sighted and photographed Green Imperial-Pigeon Ducula aenea for the first time in Salem. To see the complete checklist of birds, please click here.
FIRST RECORD (3)
On October 23, 2021, B E Rajendran sighted and photographed Spotted Crake Porzana porzana for the first time in Salem at Thennangudipalayam Lake. This is the first photographic record of one of the super rare migratory birds for Tamil Nadu from Salem. The mention of the first record for Tamil Nadu is based on the data from eBird India. To see the complete checklist of birds, please click here.
SIGNIFICANT SIGHTINGS FROM STANLEY RESERVOIR–PANNAVADI
SIGHTINGS (1)
On October 17, 2021, Dr. Sakthi Chinnakannu sighted and photographed Montagu’s Harrier Circus pygargus for the first time at Stanley Reservoir–Pannavadi. To see the complete checklist of birds, please click here.
SIGHTINGS (2)
On October 09, 2021, the team Ananth T, Angeline Mano M, Ganeshwar S V, Geetha Ananth, Karunya, Subash Babu, Magizhndhan S K, Mithran A, Sakthi Chinnakannu, Subash Babu sighted Blyth’s Swift (Fork-tailed Swift) Apus leuconyx for the first time at Stanley Reservoir–Pannavadi. To see the complete checklist of birds, please click here.
OCTOBER BIG DAY/ WORLD MIGRATORY BIRD DAY
On the occasion of World Migratory Bird Day and Wild Bird Day on October 09, 2021, Salem Ornithological Foundation organized bird walks at Stanley Reservoir–Pannavadi & Stanley Reservoir–Thanamoorthikadu, and in total, 78 species were recorded. Ananth T, Angeline Mano M, Ganeshwar S V, Geetha Ananth, Karunya, Subash Babu, Magizhndhan S K, Mithran A, Sakthi Chinnakannu, Subash Babu, and Suguna R participated. Sankar V and Kalaivendhan K S submitted their bird observations from Yethapur. All mandatory precautions were strictly followed during bird walks.
BIRD WALKS FOR SALIM ALI BIRD COUNT 2021
Salim Ali Bird Count commemorates the birth anniversary of the Birdman of India Salim Ali. Salem Ornithological Foundation organized bird walks for eight days, from 5 – 12 Nov 2021 at Jamboothumalai and at different hotspots of the Stanley Reservoir. A team of birders Akshara R U, Angeline Mano M, Elavarasan M, Ganeshwar S V, Kalaiselvan V, Ramachandran M, Senthil Kumar S, Sithanathan S, Tamilselvi R, Umarajeswari R, Venkatesh S, Yaadhumaagi R U participated in the bird walk at Jamboothumalai. One of the notable observations was the sighting of a Brown Wood-Owl during the nocturnal session. Other highlights of the trip were Jerdon’s Nightjar, Jungle Owlet, Brown-breasted Flycatcher, Green Warbler, Forest Wagtail, White-tailed Iora, Indian Paradise Flycatcher, and Painted Spurfowl. All the checklists were submitted to ebird.org/india
OUTREACH
On December 03, 2021, our bird educator Angeline Mano M was invited to give an introduction about bird watching and citizen science programs. This session was organized by the Vidhayal Ayudham Sei, Thanjavur.
ASIAN WATERBIRD CENSUS
Asian Waterbird Census 2022 was flagged off by the Salem District Collector, S Karmegam I.A.S on December 29, 2021, at Manivilundhan Old Tank, Salem. Salem Ornithological Foundation (SOF) is thankful to ACSEN Foundation for their tremendous support in our efforts towards the conservation of birds through research and monitoring. The ACSEN Foundation is committed to supporting biodiversity – on land, air, and water. We also thank the Manithuli Sutrusoolal Membaattu Iyyakkam and Manivilundhan Panchayat for their joint support in our initiatives.
Some of the notable dignitaries who graced the occasion: S Karmegam I.A.S, Salem District Collector, Veeramani, Forest Range Officer, Attur, Sumathi, Tahsildhar, Thalaivasal, Venkatraman, Block Development Officer, Thalaivasal, Thamaraiselvi, Panchayat Union Commissioner, Thalaivasal, Vijayakumari Natesan, Panchayat President, Kaliyannan, Balakrishnan–Panchayat Union Councilors, Govindharaj, Sugarcane Farmers Association President, Manithuli Sutrusoolal Membaattu Iyakkam, S Senthilnathan, Executive Chairman, ACSEN Group, S Senthil Vel, Trustee, ACSEN Foundation, Ganesan, Amman Sago Factory, Prabhu, Apex Industries, Sathiyamoorthy, Bharat Sago Factory, Abhishek Senthilnathan, CEO, ACSEN Tex Pvt. Ltd. and staff of ACSEN Tex Pvt. Ltd.
We also thank Dr Radhakrishnan, a professor from Forest College and Research Institute, and Prasath Selvaraj, a junior research biologist from Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History for their visit, appreciation, and valuable input. The memorable compliments (photo frames of Peregrine Falcon) presented to the dignitaries were possible only due to the excellent photography skills of Thirumalai RT Venkatraman. We extend our sincere thanks to T Jayamurugan for writing, composing, and singing a song on the spot about AWC. Click here for the AWC Anthem. Disclaimer: The list of notable people given here is in no particular order.
SALEM EBIRD – 2021 STATS
Salem is the second most district in India for submitting 21,300+ complete checklists to eBird in 2021. A total of 4,500+ bird photographs, 200+ bird calls & songs were uploaded by 100+ resident and migrant eBirders. In the year 2021, 270+ species were recorded with eight new additions in the Salem district.
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