Port Blair, Sept. 2: On Sunday, 1st of September, the Andaman Avians Club, in collaboration with friends and family, successfully organized its fourth consecutive Andaman Birding Marathon.
This unique event, a first of its kind in the islands, involves club members embarking on a 12-hour bird-watching expedition across all Important Bird Areas (IBAs) in the region.
The club was divided into two teams, each covering different parts of South Andaman Island. A total of 23 members participated, with 16 completing the full 12-hour marathon. Mr. G. Thikkanna and Mr. Kishore Kumar captained their respective teams.
The birding marathon concluded at Chidiyatapu, covering approximately 15 IBAs in South Andaman. During the event, birders reported approximately 90 species of endemic, resident, and migratory birds. Notable sightings included the Andaman Wood Pigeon, the state bird of Andaman, the Bridled Tern, and the Black-backed Dwarf Kingfisher, a species that visits the islands only during the breeding season.
Andaman Avians Club remains committed to its mission of "Observe, Preserve, and Educate" and looks forward to organizing more such birding events across the islands to foster a greater appreciation for avian diversity.