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DIRECTOR’S NOTE

“2024 has been a landmark year for the Salem Ornithological Foundation, marked by incredible new bird records, impactful outreach, and conservation efforts. With nine first records, our birding community has once again proven its dedication to documenting Salem’s avian diversity. A special mention to all the birders and photographers whose efforts enriched our knowledge of the region’s biodiversity. With 21,720+ eBird checklists, 9,000+ bird photographs, and 302 species recorded, Salem’s birding community continues to lead in citizen science contributions. As we step into 2025, let’s keep the momentum going, fostering a deeper connection with nature and working towards impactful conservation.” – Ganeshwar S V

FIRST RECORD (1)

On 19 October 2024, Krishnamoorthy Raju sighted and photographed Long-billed Pipit  Anthus similis at Yercaud. This is the first record for the Salem district. To see the complete checklist, please click here. 

FIRST RECORD (2)

On 31 October 2024, Shanavas Mohamed sighted and photographed Common Quail Coturnix coturnix at Stanley Reservoir–Pannavadi. This is the first record for Tamil Nadu and the Salem district. To see the complete checklist, please click here. 

FIRST RECORD (3)

On 15 December 2024, Kalaiselvan V sighted and photographed Red-headed Bunting Emberiza bruniceps at Mannarpalayam, Salem. This is the first record for the Salem district. To see the complete checklist, please click here. 

SOF IN OTHER EVENTS (1)

On 8 October 2024, SOF’s Research Assistant and Nature Educator, Angeline Mano M was invited to the Wildlife Week celebration as a chief guest for a guest lecture on ‘Empowering Young Minds for Bird Conservation’ organized by the Department of Zoology, Vivekanandha College of Arts and Science for Women, Tiruchengode, Namakkal. A total of 150+ students, research scholars, and faculty members participated in the seminar. SOF expresses heartfelt thanks to Dr. G. Satheeshkumar, Coordinator, Dr. K. E. Poorni, Head of the Department, and Dr. P. Baby Shakila, Principal for the opportunity. 

WORKSHOPS/CONFERENCES PARTICIPATED (1)

On 30 September & 01 October, Angeline Mano M and Ganeshwar S V from Salem Ornithological Foundation participated in the Children NEED Nature conference organized by the Karma Bhoomi Trust at NIMHANS Convention Center, Bengaluru. The purpose of this conference is to create a space for parents, educators, and school administrators to share research findings and nature education practices and join a movement to include Nature education sessions in schools to care for the future of our children and the future of our planet. 

WORKSHOPS/CONFERENCES PARTICIPATED (2) 

On 24 October 2024, Angeline Mano M and Ganeshwar S V from Salem Ornithological Foundation participated in the training program on Wetland Ground Truthing and Wetland Assessment as a part of the International Climate Action Day celebration organized by the Department of Environment and Climate Change, Government of Tamil Nadu and Department of Forest, Salem Division, District Climate Change Mission, Salem District. 

WORKSHOPS/CONFERENCES PARTICIPATED (3) 

From 11 to 14 November 2024, Angeline Mano M from Salem Ornithological Foundation participated in the workshop, “Birds in Focus: An Introduction to Specimen-based Research” by Feather Library and National Centre for Biological Sciences, Bangalore. 

BIRDNOV 2024

BirdNov is a social media initiative celebrated in November to honor the birth month of Dr. Sálim Ali, the renowned Indian ornithologist known as the “Birdman of India.” For BirdNov 2024, SOF showcased Thalaivasal Taluk’s 30 Government Primary and Middle School’s Project OrniSchool, the climate literacy and nature education initiative of the Salem Ornithological Foundation aimed at educating government primary and middle school students. The initiative collaborates with the District Education Office (DEO), Salem, and the District Institute of Education and Training (DIET), Salem. To view the work, click here.

SOF REPORT: PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENT ON THE IMPACT OF THE METTUR OIL SPILL ON BIRDS

Following the detailed report released by the Suzhal Arivom team, the Salem Ornithological Foundation conducted a preliminary assessment of the effects of the oil spill on birds. A brief report to be released soon. For more details, refer Mettur Oil Spill Rapid Assessment Report by Suzhal Arivom. To view the SOF’s report, click here. 

SALEM BIRDS AT SALEM BOOK FAIR 2024

Thiru Rajendran R, Minister for Tourism, Govt. of Tamil Nadu, inaugurated the Salem Book Fair 2024 on 29 November 2024 at the Corporation Grounds near Salem New Bus Stand. Other notable dignitaries are Dr R Brindha Devi IAS, District Collector, Thiru. Arul Ramadas, MLA, Salem West, Thiru. Ramachandran A, Mayor, Salem Corporation. All the dignitaries visited the stall set up by SOF and appreciated this new initiative in the book fair. SOF is thankful to the Department of School Education and Dr Maanvizhi, District Education Officer for the opportunity and support. We thank Early Bird for supporting us with the educational materials in Tamil. We extend our sincere thanks to the volunteers who supported us and the photographers who supported us with their excellent photographic skills.

FEEDBACK ANALYSIS: SALEM BOOK FAIR 2024

Feedback from people who visited the SOF stall during the Salem Book Fair 2024 is a testimony to our success! We thank everyone for the support and hope to continue the good work in conservation.

PRESENTATION AT SALEM BOOK FAIR 2024 (1)

On 5 December 2024, Ganeshwar S V Founder-Director, SOF was invited to give a presentation on the bird diversity of Salem district at the Salem Book Fair.

PRESENTATION AT SALEM BOOK FAIR 2024 (2)

Following the successful first session, on 5 December 2024, Ganeshwar S V Founder-Director, SOF was invited to repeat the presentation on Salem Birds for a different set of school students at the Salem Book Fair.

PRESENTATION AT SALEM BOOK FAIR 2024 (3)

On 5 December 2024, Ganeshwar S V Founder-Director, SOF was invited to give the third presentation on the Biodiversity of Salem District at the Salem Book Fair. He emphasized the importance of citizen science and encouraged everyone to use iNaturalist. 

Fellows Circle of the Earth Educators Fellowship 2024

On 19 December 2024, Earth Educator Fellow Angeline Mano M (SOF’s Research Assistant and Nature Educator) gave a talk titled, Feathers of Purpose: A Life in Flight with Birds for the first Fellows Circle of the Earth Educators Fellowship 2024. A Fellows Circle is a virtual platform for the Earth Education Fellows to introduce their story, education practice, and insights from it to the larger community. 

TAMIL NADU – ALL DISTRICTS BIRDING

On 7 November 2024, SOF’s Research Assistant and Nature Educator, Angeline Mano, also a leading women ornithologist with the completion of birding in the last four districts, became the first female birder to do birding in all 38 districts of Tamil Nadu. Many thanks to Dr. Jeganathan P., and Anand S for their support. To view Angeline’s Final Frontier to cover all the TN districts, click here.

TOP eBIRD PHOTOS FROM SALEM IN 2024

Every year, SOF features the top eBird Photos from the Salem district. There were also several other good photos that we couldn’t share as we wanted to feature only 20 photos. The photos featured here were randomly chosen and in no particular order. Copyright of the photographs remains with the respective photographers. To view the photos, click here. 

TOP eBIRD BIRD IN HABITAT PHOTOS FROM SALEM IN 2024

Every year, SOF features the top eBird Bird in Habitat Photos from the Salem district. It need not be always about close-up shots. This year, we wanted to have a new section particularly for people who don’t have big cameras but still contribute to citizen science without worrying about the quality of the image and for those who like to click birds that portray the surrounding habitat too. Photos in no particular order. Copyright of the photographs remains with the respective photographer. To view the photos, click here.

TOP eBIRD RARITIES FROM SALEM IN 2024

Every year, SOF features the top eBird Rarities from the Salem district. Rare doesn’t necessarily mean that the species is actually rare by definition but they are rarely seen in Salem District. Photos in no particular order. Copyright of the images remains with the respective photographers. To view the photos, click here.

NEW RECORDS FROM SALEM IN 2024

Every year, SOF features the top eBird New records for the year from the Salem district. What an amazing year it has been with nine new additions to the region! All records have been uploaded to eBird India. To view the photos, click here. Many thanks and congratulations to the birders for their fantastic effort! The order is by the most recent addition,

1. Red-headed Bunting by Kalaiselvan V
2. Common Quail by Shanavash Mohamed
3. Red-naped Ibis (sight record) by Ganeshwar S V and Angeline Mano M
4. Long-billed Pipit by Krishnamoorthy Raju
5. Lesser Black-backed Gull by Ganeshwar S V, Angeline Mano M and Krishnamoorthy Raju
6. Terek Sandpiper by Ganeshwar S V and Angeline Mano M
7. Fulvous Whistling-Duck by Ganeshwar S V and Angeline Mano M
8. Besra by Thanigai Velu
9. Eastern Yellow Wagtail (call record) by Ganeshwar S V

FIRST PHOTOGRAPHIC RECORD FROM SALEM IN 2024

Every year, SOF features the first photographic records for the year from the Salem district. The first Photographic Record of the year was Grey-fronted Green-Pigeon by Gopi Raji. 

SALEM eBIRD STATS 2024

Salem submitted 21,720+ complete checklists to eBird in 2024. 180+ resident and migrant eBirders uploaded 9,000+ bird photographs. In 2024, 302 species were recorded, with nine new additions, in the Salem district.

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. 

DIRECTOR’S NOTE

Our activities this quarter have strengthened our commitment to conservation, education, and research. With each event and long-term monitoring, we edge closer to a more comprehensive understanding of the avian and ecological landscapes around us. – Ganeshwar S V

EARTH DAY BIRD WALK

On April 21, 2024, an Earth Day Bird Walk for Kids was organized at Poolavari Lake in Salem. A group of eager children participated in activities organized by Early Bird. The walk provided the opportunity to observe a lot of Little Cormorants fishing, while the children also delighted in spotting Little Grebes, White-throated Kingfishers, and various other water birds. They gained insights into the local habitat and even sketched the birds they encountered. The event was initiated by Early Bird and led by Angeline Mano M and Ganeshwar S V from the Salem Ornithological Foundation. To view the complete checklist of birds, click here. 

SOF IN OTHER EVENTS

On 20 April 2024, SOF got an opportunity to be a part of the (SoIB) State of India’s Birds – Release at The Theosophical Society, Adyar, Chennai. The event was moderated by A M Aravind followed by the release of the documentary, SoIB- Tamil Nadu’s Report, a demo of MYNA, a Report release, Talks, felicitations, and a vote of thanks. A total of 75+ participants took part in this event. We’re thankful to everyone who was a part of this wonderful event.

Presentations by the SOF team

* ‘SoIB – Tamil Nadu Report, Demo of SoIB, Demo of MYNA’ by Ganeshwar SV

* Talk on ‘A 600+ hour study on River Terns’ by Angeline Mano M

SYSTEMATIC BIRD MONITORING AND BIODIVERSITY DOCUMENTATION AT WETLANDS UNDER PROJECT NANNEER (APRIL & MAY)

For April and May, systematic bird monitoring was continued by Angeline Mano M and Ganeshwar S V from SOF in Kanmais Chettiyan, Vadakudipatti, Kanappettai, Panangudi, and Oonaiyur under Project Nanneer. All the observations were uploaded to eBird.  To view the complete checklists, please click here. Other observations of flora and fauna were uploaded to iNaturalist. To view all the observations, click here. 

FIRST RECORD

On 29 April 2024, Thanigai Velu and Karthick VS sighted and photographed Besra Accipiter virgatus for the first at Yercaud, Salem. Following this record, the nesting of a pair of Besra was monitored and documented by various photographers across the state until June. To view the complete checklist, click here. All the details and photographs can be viewed in eBird. 

OUTREACH 

On 18 April 2024, SOF’s Founder and Director, Ganeshwar S V, had the opportunity to interact with a group of students from Ganges Valley School, Hyderabad. This was one of the most inquisitive 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.

ENDEMIC BIRD DAY

The tenth edition of Endemic Bird Day, which coincided with Global Big Day on 11 May 2024, was dedicated to documenting the endemic birds of our subcontinent. Many birders across Salem district participated, uploading all their observations to eBird. The lists compiled each year during Endemic Bird Day provide an annual snapshot of the distribution and breeding of these endemic species, and over time, will serve as a valuable resource.

FIELD VISITS

BIODIVERSITY DOCUMENTATION PROJECT

On 4 & 5 June 2024, Salem Ornithological Foundation (SOF) conducted a detailed preliminary assessment of the wetland biodiversity in the two ponds present within the E.I.D Parry (India) Ltd. campus at Haliyal, Karnataka, India. The Hanumanth Pond and Paswan Pond were surveyed for a total time duration of 16.25 hours. Overall, 208 species of flora and fauna were documented, out of which 77 species of plants belonging to 26 families, 64 species of birds (6 species of conservation priority) belonging to 38 families, 18 species of butterflies belonging to 5 families, 11 species of odonates belonging to 3 families, 4 species of moths belonging to 3 families, 2 species of spiders belonging to 2 families, 3 species of ants belonging to 1 family and other fauna such as reptiles, mammals were also recorded. Since June falls under non-migratory season for birds, no migratory bird was recorded. To view the complete checklists in eBird, click here. To view other observations of flora and fauna in iNaturalist, click here.  

RESEARCH IN BIRD CONSERVATION GRANT

We are also delighted to share that Angeline Mano from Salem Ornithological Foundation has been awarded a grant for research in bird conservation, with a project on the globally threatened bird species White-naped Tit. Her research work is based in the Salem & Erode districts. This initiative marks another step in our commitment to avian research. The grant is a collaborative effort by the Nature Conservation Foundation and IIIT-Delhi. 

DIRECTOR’S NOTE

“It is a great joy to share the remarkable strides we have made in bird monitoring, conservation, and outreach through various initiatives undertaken in the first quarter of 2024. As we look forward, we remain committed to expanding our monitoring, conservation, and outreach efforts. None of this would be possible without the passion and dedication of our volunteers, partners, and supporters. Thank you for being a part of this journey.” – Ganeshwar S V

SYSTEMATIC BIRD MONITORING AND BIODIVERSITY DOCUMENTATION AT WETLANDS UNDER PROJECT NANNEER

From January to March, the systematic bird monitoring was continued by SOF in wetlands under Project Nanneer. A total of 97, 103, and 95 species (month-wise total species) were recorded at the following kanmais Chettiyan, Vadakudipatti, Kanappettai, Panangudi, and Oonaiyur. All the observations were uploaded to eBird.  To view the complete checklists, please click here. 

SALEM ANNUAL WETLANDS SURVEY 2024

A total of 135 wetlands of 202 hours of survey and 2,312 km traveled by 14 participants. A total of 10, 711 waterbirds belonging to 47 species were counted. A total of 170 species, 22,865 birds including 36 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 2024, click here.

PONGAL BIRD COUNT

The Pongal Bird Count (PBC), an initiative of the Tamilbirds network, is an annual bird monitoring program for Tamil Nadu. The tenth edition of the Pongal Bird Count was between 14 and 17, January 2024. A lot of birders across Salem district participated and uploaded all the observations to eBird. Apart from Salem, SOF also covered the Pudukottai & Sivagangai districts. The final data will provide valuable information on the distribution and abundance of the birds of Tamil Nadu. 

TN SYNCHRONIZED WETLAND BIRD CENSUS 2024 – ATTUR & NAMAKKAL FOREST DIVISION

On 27 & 28 January 2024, Salem Ornithological Foundation got an opportunity to coordinate the wetland bird census for Namakkal Forest Division. Volunteers took part in the census and collected bird data. All the sightings and observations are uploaded to eBird. To view the trip report, click here. SOF expresses its gratitude to the District Forest Officers, for the opportunity, and to the rangers, foresters, guards, and the entire staff of Attur & Namakkal Forest Division for their wonderful support.

TN SYNCHRONIZED TERRESTRIAL BIRD CENSUS 2024 – ATTUR & NAMAKKAL FOREST DIVISION

On 2 & 3 March 2024, Salem Ornithological Foundation got an opportunity to coordinate the terrestrial bird census at Attur & Namakkal Forest Divisions. Volunteers took part in the census and collected bird data. All the sightings and observations are uploaded to eBird. To view the trip report, click here. SOF expresses its gratitude to the District Forest Officers, for the opportunity, and to the rangers, foresters, guards, and the entire staff of Attur & Namakkal Forest Division for their wonderful support. 

WORLD WETLANDS DAY – GHOST NETS CLEAN-UP DRIVE

On 02 February 2024, to celebrate World Wetlands Day and to ensure the safety of birds and other fauna that use the wetlands, SOF organized a ghost nets clean-up drive at Stanley Reservoir–Pannavadi, as part of the World Wetlands Day activity. 

OUTREACH (1)

On 09 January 2024,  SOF’s Founder and Director, Ganeshwar S V got an opportunity to interact with a set of young kids from G Global School in Tiruchengode, Namakkal. This is one of the most inquisitive bunch that SOF has come across and every single kid was interactive and we had to encounter flocks of questions from all sides. SOF expresses thanks to the school management. 

OUTREACH (2)

On 31 January 2024, SOF’s Founder and Director, Ganeshwar S V got an opportunity to present a talk on “Enhancing Biodiversity by Birding”. This was a part of the one-day Sustainable Lifestyle Workshop organized by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and National Green Corps, Salem District under the Environment Education Programme at Jairam Public School, Salem. 

TAMIL BIRDERS’ MEET 2024

SOF got an opportunity to be a part of the recently concluded Tamil Birders (1 day) Meet at Bishop Heber College, Tiruchirappalli and 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

* Introduction to eBird and Merlin by Angeline Mano M

* Identification of Larks, Pipits, and Swallows by Ganeshwar SV

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

For more details, please see Tamil Birders Network

GREAT BACKYARD BIRD COUNT 2024

The thirteenth Indian edition of Great Backyard Bird Count was held from 16 – 19 February 2024. Salem is the World’s No. 1 district in terms of maximum checklists (12,556) uploaded. Angeline Mano M, Ganeshwar S V, Senthil Kumar S, Subramania Siva, and Vadivukkarasi A from SOF are in the World’s Top 10 Rankings by checklists in individual categories. The overall huge numbers by Salem were possible because of the major consistent contribution from Panchayat Union Middle School, Krishnampudur which also ranked World No. 1 in the group category. GBBC bird walks were conducted on all four days across the Salem district in all possible habitats. To see the GBBC 2024 results, click here. To view/download Salem’s GBBC 2024 report, please click here. 

GBBC SPECIAL BIRD WALK

On 18 February 2024, SOF decided to lead a special bird walk at Manivilundhan Old Lake. The bird walk was led by Ganeshwar S V and Angeline Mano M from SOF. A total of 20 participants including the local people learned more about wetland birds and the ongoing studies on the breeding biology of a pair of River Tern, ecology, and bird conservation. 

LIST OF GBBC BIRD WALKS 2024 – SALEM 

LIST OF GBBC SCHOOL PARTICIPATION 2024 – SALEM 

FIRST RECORDS (1)

On 24 March 2024, Ganeshwar S V sighted and recorded the call of Eastern Yellow Wagtail Motacilla tschutschensis at Stanley Reservoir–Pannavadi. This is the first record for the Salem district. To view the complete checklist, click here.