Chennai Bird Race is here. take your binoculars

A flock of flamingos was seen at Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh | Photo Credit: Jyoti Ramalingam B

One day you have to stop whatever you are doing just look at the sky, the trees, the ponds. The Chennai Bird Race, an annual event that encourages people to observe and document birds, is all set to return to its good old format after a pandemic-induced break of two years. “This is the 16th edition,” says KV Sudhakar, president of the Madras Naturalists’ Society (MNS). “Last year, it was open only to MNS members as we did not want to risk breaking the COVID protocol,” he says.

In the bird race, participants, in groups of four, set out to count the species of birds in and around Chennai | Photo credit: Periyasamy M

In the bird run, participants, in groups of four, set out to enumerate bird species in and around Chennai, usually within a radius of 60 to 80 km. “It is a fun event, and it is not just for bird experts,” explains Sudhakar, adding that it is not competitive. “It is an opportunity for people to go outside as a family, get some fresh air and watch the birds in the city. Parents can pass on some enthusiasm about nature and conservation to their children along the way,” he added. Told.

Sudhakar says that when people register, they try to club two experienced people with two others who are new to birding. Every year about 40 teams participate in the bird race, which is attended by 160 to 180 people. Sudhakar believes, ‘It will have a multiplier effect on the environment.’ For example, children will be excited to spot a bird seen elsewhere on the run, and share this knowledge with their friends at school. “It fires up their imagination,” he says.

House sparrows are becoming a rarity in the city these days, a scene in Tondiarpet, Chennai | Photo Credit: Jyoti Ramalingam B

Finally, the environment deserves everyone’s attention. “I believe that conservation does not depend only on the forest department, existing laws or government officials,” says Sudhakar. enjoy myself.

In the Chennai Bird Race, participants can travel as far as Pulicat and Kanchipuram. “We have had some interesting and rare sightings and recordings of beautiful bird songs over the years,” explains Sudhakar. “After the race, participants gather for dinner and share their experiences from the day.”

So far, all the bird race participants have ticked the names of the birds they sighted on a booklet of 140 species provided by the MNS. “This year, we hope to provide an online link in which they can record their comments,” he added.