COIMBATORE: As a tribute to legendary ornithologist and naturalist Dr Salim Ali, popularly known as the ‘Birdman of India’, birdwatchers and enthusiasts are dedicating his birth month, November, to various activities. While some are sketching birds, others are clicking photographs and making reels related to resident and migratory birds in different languages and posting them on social media with the tag #birdnov2025.
As #birdnov initiative enters its sixth year, the number of birders participating in various activities has gone up this year.
K Selva Ganesh, a school teacher involved in educating the younger generations about birding for over 13 years, said amidst the clutter on social media, it is joyful to see useful messages related to birds sounds, bird paintings and bird-related stories.
"We have seen active participation from people in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Assam and Andaman this year," he said.
Vidya Sundar, another birder who shifted to Austin, Texas, USA, six years ago, has never missed observing birds in November, and continues to draw pictures of a variety of birds using Tamil letters. "Despite moving to the US along with my family and working as a school teacher, I used to draw birds in kolam form using Tamil alphabets. After learning about the resident and migratory birds of India, I now work with an NGO and go birding frequently across Texas," she said.
Karnataka-based Nishchita draws birds such as flamingo and Brahmini kite using flower petals and shares them on her social media handles.
Anitha Veeravendhan, a homemaker and wildlife photographer from Madurai, spoke about Dodo, a bird that is now extinct but was painted by Ustad Mansur, an artist under Emperor Jahangir’s rule, during the 16th century. “Ustad Mansur also painted the Great Hornbill, and I have shared them on my social pages. I wish to share such information about rare birds throughout November, and educate youngsters.”
Chennai-based art teacher R Dhiyaneshwaran, who works at a private school, said while people are aware of crows and sparrows, they must learn about more bird species. “I have been painting rare birds such as Great horn bill and Great Indian bustard and educating school children. I have also been coordinating with other artists in various schools to create awareness about the birds and their conservation," he said.
AS Hareesha, citizens’ science coordinator at Indian Institute of Science and Research Education in Tirupathi told TNIE he conducts bird walks for people, and has been doing it for the second consecutive year at Venkateswara Zoo in Tirupathi.