Birdwatching is more enjoyable when it is shared. For young enthusiasts, being part of a community means identifying birds together, exchanging observations, learning from one another and discovering the natural world in a more engaging way.This spirit of shared learning is at the heart of Young Birders’ Month, a nationwide celebration that brings young bird lovers to-gether through walks, workshops, art, stories and observation. The initiative encourages children to look more closely at birds and the natural world around them.As part of the celebrations, the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA), in collaboration with Early Bird (an initiative of the Nature Conservation Foundation), will host a creative workshop for children aged eight to 15. The session will be led by artist and educator Vanita Yaji, who will guide participants in observing birds closely and responding to nature through art.The free workshop will be held at NGMA on Nov 15, from 11.30am to 1pm.The Wingmasters Bird Quiz for children aged 10 to 14 is another much-awaited event celebrating the wonder of the avian world. This year’s edition will be held at the Infosys Science Foundation. The last date to register is Nov 15.The celebrations will continue with Feather Fest 2026, scheduled for Nov 28-29 at the Bangalore International Centre (BIC). The festival is in its second edition and will celebrate birds through stories, art, science and discovery.Designed for curious minds of all ages, Feather Fest will feature storytelling sessions, workshops, talks and competitions aimed at sparking imagination and encouraging a deeper connection with nature.Young Eyes On The SkyFor Arhaan Sunawala, 14, Young Birders’ Month is a chance to share his love for avians with others. The Grade 9 student plans to take part in several activities, including a photography competition, quizzes and art contests. He is particularly looking forward to the Wingmasters quiz led by Bijoy Venugopal. Sunawala will also co-lead a bird walk with Venugopal on Nov 15.He is currently part of Bangalore Birders, a WhatsApp group where members share sightings and help one another identify birds through calls and photographs. One of his fondest memories is leading bird walks around his school campus for more than 100 class 2 students.Another young birder, Saranayaki, 11, from Lingarajapuram, has been volunteering for bird walks across the city. She will take part in the Wingmasters quiz, art contest and other flagship events organised as part of Young Birders Month.The celebrations offer children an opportunity to spot and identify birds. Curiosity is encouraged, skills are shared, and young people begin to see nature as something close, familiar and worth protecting.For budding birders like Arhaan and Saranayaki, the month is also a reminder that every sighting, walk and shared story can deepen their bond with the natural world — and inspire others to look up, listen closely and discover the birds around them.……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..“Young Birders’ Month gives me the chance to meet fellow birders and join them on birdwatching walks. What makes it even more special is that it is celebrated in the birth month of Salim Ali, India’s legendary ornithologist. Saranayaki, 11, Lingarajapuram“I won the Chirp Challenge, a bird imitation competition, during last year’s celebrations. For me, Young Birders’ Month is about sharing the joy of birding with children, so they grow up learning to value and protect nature.Arhaan Sunawala, 14, Iblur
