About Friends of Bird.
Hello and Namaste!
Friends of Bird (FoB) is an informal forum of avid bird lovers who’re interested in birdwatching, bird conservation, bird photography, nature guide and students. The forum regularly promotes birdwatching events, environmental awareness programs and conversation activities for the local citizens in the Kathmandu valley. Its main objective is to raise public awareness about the protection of birds and their habitats. Founded as an informal forum on 21st May 2005, FoB provides a platform where bird lovers can connect, exchange knowledge, share experiences, and participate in bird-related activities. Through regular communication, discussions, and outreach initiatives, FoB encourages greater appreciation and conservation of Nepal’s rich avian diversity.
The idea of forming FoB emerged during one of Bird Conservation Nepal (BCN)’s regular Saturday birdwatching events at Mrigasthali in the Pashupati area of Kathmandu. Recognizing the need for a more informal and inclusive platform where bird enthusiasts could interact more frequently, share knowledge, exchange experiences, and contribute to conservation efforts, the eight founding members (Arend van Riessen, Bhushan Raj Shrestha, Deepak Shrestha, Lalit J. Lalchan, Rajendra Gurung, Sarbendra Pachhai, Tej B. Basnet, and Vimal Thapa) founded FoB. All of whom were among the most active and regular birdwatchers in the valley at the time. From its inception, FoB was not intended to replace or compete with BCN, rather it was created to complement and support BCN’s conservation initiatives by encouraging wider public participation in birdwatching and conservation activities.
Since 2005, FoB has been leading periodic birdwatching events in Kathmandu valley for all types of bird lovers. These days, leading birdwatching events twice a month. Today, Friends of Bird continues to serve as a welcoming platform for anyone interested in birds, providing opportunities to learn about Nepal’s remarkable bird diversity, develop birdwatching skills, contribute to conservation efforts, and foster a deeper appreciation for nature. By connecting people through a shared passion for birds, FoB remains committed to supporting bird conservation and promoting responsible birdwatching practices throughout Nepal.
Growing threats to birds and their habitats highlight the need for greater awareness and conservation efforts. Birdwatching not only fosters appreciation for nature but also contributes to monitoring bird populations and promoting environmental stewardship. FoB was established to strengthen the birdwatching community and encourage collective action for the protection of birds and their habitats.
Moreover, FoB realizes a big responsibility to raise awareness of birdlife importance, bird diversity and conservation to the younger generation, so college and school students are highly encouraged to join birdwatching events and conservation awareness programs in local society.
– Friends of Bird
Frequently asked questions.
Everything you need to know about Friends of Bird and Birdwatching.
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FoB is an abbreviation of ‘Friends of Bird’.
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FoB organizes periodic birdwatching events for the bird lovers, nature guides, amateur photographers and college students in the Kathmandu valley.
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FoB’s birdwatching is led by expert birders. The leader shows the birds to participants and tells a name of bird and species information; this allows new participants to see birds which they haven’t seen before and also know their name. This will help new birdwatchers to self-identify as a bird which they will be seen on following days.
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Most of the birdwatching led by FoB takes place at the rim of Kathmandu valley such as National Park, Protected Forest, Community Forest or buffer zones. Many bird species prefer to stay in forest areas, they do not like to enter dense urban areas, so it’s better to go birdwatching around forest. Sometimes we organize birdwatching even near city areas such as small community forest, river bank and small pond.
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Everyone who loves birds, is interested in observing birdlife and bird photography. There are no age and gender boundaries.
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A new schedule is published on FoB’s official Facebook page a few days before birdwatching.
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No, it’s totally free of cost for everyone.
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Yes, but conditional. Children should complete 5 years. They shouldn’t be forced to participate by their parents.