Introduction
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. 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.
When was FoB formed?
FoB was founded on 21st May 2005 as an informal forum. 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. 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.
Symbolic graphical image generated by AI
Why was FoB formed?
Growing human threats to birds and their habitats highlight the need for greater awareness and conservation efforts. 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. Birdwatching not only fosters appreciation for nature but also contributes to monitoring bird populations and promoting environmental stewardship. Regular birdwatching in a particular area also helps to be aware about the importance of birds and nature to the local people in that area, which encourages them in conservation of their area.
There were several organizations and individual activists working in Nepal for bird, birdwatching, and bird conservation related activities. None of the organizations except Bird Conservation Nepal (BCN) organizes regular birdwatching activity in Nepal. BCN generally organizes birdwatching activity every alternative Saturday of the month from October to June in different sites of Kathmandu.
Over the years, Friends of Bird has grown from a small gathering of dedicated birdwatchers into a vibrant community of bird lovers from diverse backgrounds. Through regular birdwatching outings, educational programs, awareness campaigns, citizen science initiatives, and conservation activities, FoB has played an important role in nurturing interest in birds and nature among students, professionals, photographers, researchers, and the general public.
