Rohit Kumar
Sri Vijaya Puram, 14 November 2024
The Andaman Avians Club (AAC) wrapped up ANI Bird Week 3.0, a vibrant week-long celebration marking the 128th birth anniversary of Dr. Salim Ali, India’s celebrated “Birdman.” Held from November 6th to 12th, 2024, this year’s event showcased the club’s commitment to fostering bird conservation and education in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
The week featured an array of activities, drawing nature enthusiasts and students from across the region:
– Documentary Screening: AAC organized an inspiring screening of a documentary on Dr. Salim Ali’s legacy and the unique avian life of the Andaman Islands. The event was held at GDMS Primary School, Port Blair, presented by D. Kishore Kumar and directed by Vinay K. Jindal.
– Expert Talks: Renowned bird experts Bivash Kirtania and D. Sekhar engaged students with talks on bird ecology and behaviour at various schools, including Coast Guard Public School in Campbell Bay. Their presentations emphasised the delicate balance of local ecosystems and the role birds play within them.
– Citizen Science Initiative: Organized by G. Thikanna, this project involved club members gathering valuable data on local bird populations, contributing to a deeper understanding of species diversity in the Andaman Islands.
– Bird Walk: A guided bird walk led by Ram Vikas and N. Moorthy at the IRBn Campus gave participants a firsthand view of diverse bird species in their natural habitats, fostering a greater appreciation for local avifauna.
– Online Webinar: In collaboration with eBird India, Bird Count India, and Bird Watchers Society, Mr. Santanu Manna hosted an online webinar on birdwatching techniques and data collection. Coordinated by Amrit Raha, this session provided invaluable insights into citizen science and effective birdwatching practices.
The week culminated in a virtual valedictory ceremony where AAC General Secretary and event coordinator Mr. Kishore Kumar extended his gratitude to the participants, AAC members, and the supportive staff of GDMS Primary School, Sri Vijaya Puram, and Coast Guard Public School, Campbell Bay.
About Andaman Avians Club:
The Andaman Avians Club is a dedicated network of bird enthusiasts focused on advancing bird conservation, research, and public education across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. By organising engaging events like ANI Bird Week, the club aims to inspire communities to embrace and protect the rich birdlife of the region.