Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 14 April 2025
South Andaman’s skies were alive with the promise of discovery as the Andaman Avians Club hosted its much-anticipated two-day Bird Watching Workshop, “Hello Birding Chapter 6,” on April 12th and 13th. The event attracted 33 enthusiastic students from various local schools, who eagerly took part in the immersive bird-watching experience.
The first day of the workshop focused on the fundamentals of birdwatching, including identification skills and habitat knowledge. Experts Mr. Amrit Raha and G. Thikanna guided the young participants, helping them develop their understanding of the avian world. The session also featured a hands-on field activity, where attendees had the chance to explore the art of using binoculars to observe birds up close.
The excitement continued on day two with a trip to the Sippighat Wetlands, where the young birdwatchers were thrilled to spot over 30 bird species, including the rare and endemic Andaman Teal. The day wrapped up with an enjoyable sun-gazing session, followed by bird-themed games and thought-provoking discussions at the Whistling Wood Stargazing Centre. The workshop culminated in the presentation of certificates, marking a successful conclusion to the event.
In a heartwarming gesture, the Andaman Avians Club extended the opportunity to five underprivileged children from Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram, ensuring that the event fostered a love for wildlife conservation from the grassroots level.
The club also expressed sincere gratitude to its generous sponsors, including Hotel Divyum Manor, Hotel Bayleaf, and MAK Logistics, whose invaluable support helped bring the event to life. A special thanks was extended to the dedicated club members—Dr. M.G. Madanan, Mrs. Padumma Gohain, Mr. Jegan Malhotra, Mr. PD Prasad, Mr. D. Sekhar, Miss Chandralekha, and Miss Priya—whose hard work and unwavering support were instrumental in the workshop’s success.
The “Hello Birding Chapter 6” workshop not only provided a platform for young enthusiasts to connect with nature but also emphasised the importance of conservation and wildlife education for future generations.