This November, children and young people across India are embarking on a joyful exploration of birds and nature as part of Young Birders’ Month (YBM) - a first-of-its-kind, month-long campaign created to spark curiosity and ecological awareness among young minds. This initiative is organized collaboratively by Early Bird and WWF-India, and supported by a growing network of educators, local birding clubs, schools, and conservation groups.

From early-morning bird walks in urban parks, online quizzes, nature journaling and storytelling sessions to live webinars featuring expert naturalists, YBM’s calendar already boasts more than 50 events happening across the country. Over twenty organizations and numerous individual educators from across India are coming together to make Young Birders’ Month truly nationwide.

In the high-altitude village of Nyukmadung in Arunachal Pradesh, the two-day event Bird For A Day has invited village children to games and a guided bird-walk. At Kee Monastery in Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh, the event Birding with Young Lamas of Kee Monastery brought together young lamas for a guided walk and talk. And down in Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu, the Birding Trail event for young birders will provide a delightful birding experience amidst the scenic Aralvaimozhi Hills. 

Online events include an engaging storytelling session with Zai Whitaker - renowned author, conservationist, and grand-niece of the legendary ornithologist Dr. Salim Ali. The Wild About India Quiz invites children to test their knowledge of India’s birds and biodiversity in a fun, interactive online format. And Song of the Sholakili, led by eminent ornithologist Dr. V. V. Robin will take participants deep into the shola forests of the Western Ghats, helping them experience the calls of the elusive sholakili and learn to listen more closely to the natural world.

Participating groups such as the Bombay Natural History Society, Birdwatchers’ Society (West Bengal), Green Hub (Northeast), and the Mumbai Birdwatchers’ Club are hosting multiple events in their regions. Each event offers a unique opportunity to engage with avian life from alpine valleys to coastal hills. Together, these efforts are creating multiple opportunities for children to connect with birds and nature and helping shape what promises to become an annual tradition celebrating curiosity, conservation, and the joy of discovery.

“Recognising that educators and young birders are spread across the country, we have designed ‘Young Birders Month initiative’ to offer both virtual experiences and in-person field events, catering to diverse age groups,” said Farida Tampal, state director-Hyderabad, WWF-India.

Garima Bhatia, programme manager, Early Bird, said, “Every child who spots a bird, draws its picture, or shares a story takes the first step toward becoming a lifelong guardian of nature. Through Young Birders’ Month, we hope to bring communities together in care for the natural world.”

For more information, see https://youngbirders.in