Learn to Bird
A Beginner’s Field Birding Course with Samay Srivastava.

Have you ever wondered how to identify the birds around you, understand their behaviour, or contribute to protecting them?

Join Learn to Bird, a fun and interactive introductory birding course designed to introduce young people to the fascinating world of birds.

Through an online learning session and two exciting field sessions, participants will discover the basics of birding, develop bird-identification skills, and learn how they can contribute to bird conservation.

Who is this course for?
This course is open to all young people and beginner birders aged 8–16 years who have a keen interest in birds and nature. No previous birding experience is required!

(Parents are welcome to join)

What will you learn?
Throughout the course, participants will:

• Discover what birding is and why it is important.
• Develop basic bird identification skills.
• Learn to use the Merlin Bird ID app to identify birds in the field.
• Understand citizen science and how platforms like eBird help scientists and birders.
• Explore the importance of bird and habitat conservation.
• Meet fellow young birders and get an opportunity to interact with experienced bird experts.
• Enjoy exciting field experiences and discover some amazing birds!
• Get ongoing mentoring from Samay Srivastava

When:

One online (15 Nov, 6-7 pm) and 2 on-field sessions (on 20 & 21 Nov, 7-9 am)

Additional: Ongoing mentoring, walks, expert talks, and conservation projects with Samay

Certificate

All participants will also receive a certificate of participation upon completing the course.

Contributions: The total cost of this programme is 500 rupees per head.

Course Schedule
Module 1

Session 1 – Introduction to Birding (Online Webinar)
15 Nov, Sunday, 6- 7 pm

An interactive online session with Samay Srivastava introducing participants to the world of birding. Learn what birding is, why people bird, a little about the history of birding, and some fascinating facts about Indian birds.

Session 2 – Discovering Birds at Pashan Lake (Field Session)
21 Nov, Saturday, 7 am to 9 am

Head outdoors for an exciting birding session at Pashan Lake! Learn how to observe birds, recognise their features and identify different species using the Merlin Bird ID app. Put your newly acquired knowledge into practice while discovering the birds around you.

Session 3 – Birding, Citizen Science and Conservation at Vetal Tekdi (Field Session)
22 Nov, Sunday, 7 am to 9 am

Explore Vetal Tekdi while learning how birdwatchers contribute to science and conservation. Get introduced to eBird, learn how to record bird observations and understand the importance of citizen science. The session will also explore the challenges Vetal Tekdi faces and how young birders can play a role in protecting it.

Module 2 (for those who wish to continue their journey to the next level):

All Module 1 participants can opt to continue their Young Birder journey with ongoing mentoring with Samay. Module 2 will include–

• Online mentoring from Samay through a WhatsApp group (Birding Trails with Samay)
• Join Samay’s monthly bird walks in partnership with Aataavi Foundation to learn in the field
• Monthly– Expert conversations (on Zoom) with experienced Birders.
• Opportunity to participate in Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) in Feb 2027 and lead Campus Bird Counts in their schools.

Come Discover the World of Birds!
Whether you are completely new to birding or already enjoy spotting birds in your backyard, Learn to Bird is a wonderful opportunity to explore nature, make new friends, and begin your journey as a young birder.

About the Birding Mentor and Walk Guide: 

Samay Srivastava is a 14-year-old passionate young birder, writer, conservationist, and guide. His journey started when he was just 7 years old. He has documented more than 770 bird species over several parts of the world and writes about his expeditions on his blog (WingsAcrossWorlds). 

Samay has participated in leading national bird surveys/ counts and shares his interest in birds with everyone by leading bird walks in collaboration with Ataavi Bird Foundation. He is a lead volunteer for Vetal Tekdi trails that work towards the conservation of bird habitat in Pune. Samay’s mission is to create a large movement of birders who can stand up for the conservation of important bird habitats.

Expert Guest Speakers: 

Dr. Ashwin Vishwanathan – Nature Conservation Foundation (NCF)
Ranjeet Rane – Vetal Tekdi Birding Marathon (VTBM)