Chennai: The 12th edition of Madras Naturalists’ Society’s (MNS’) Chennai Bird Race will take place 26 January.
It’s a dawn-to-dusk event where large numbers of experienced amateurs and budding birdwatchers spend a whole day spotting, identifying birds and capturing a picture in an attempt to record as many species as possible, a press release said.
Teams of four will visit various birding spots in Chennai. Experts will be available on request to enable new initiates and learn the finer points of bird watching.

MNS president K V Sudhakar and Institute of Bird Studies – Rishi Valley director V Santharam will be the coordinators for the event.

The event has been attracting increasing numbers of participants since the first edition. People are invited to use this occasion to learn more about birds and start a new hobby. All you need is a pair of binoculars. The Chennai Bird Race has since 2014 eschewed competition and wants participants to bird watch for the pleasure of it and to sensitise them to the environment around themselves. No prizes are awarded, but at the end of the day, the participants meet to discuss the ‘finds’ of the day and to regale each other with the encounters they had. Participants are encouraged to become green birders, that is, practise eco-friendly ways of birding, using public transport, cycle or walk to indulge in this hobby.

Registration closes at midnight of 22 January. Registration is through the MNS’ website – www.blackbuck.org.in