Kanniyakumari wasn’t widely known as a birdwatching hotspot until just two years ago. However, birders like Anand Shibu, Ajil, Havin, Perumal, Prasanth, Sudhamathy and Civin transformed the birding landscape with their pioneering role. Anand and Ajil approached birdwatching with the commitment of professionals. Their dedication propelled the eBird count for Kanniyakumari into the top five districts in Tamil Nadu. The Kanniyakumari Nature Foundation (KNF) began hosting regular bird walks and secured access to forested areas, allowing birders to explore diverse habitats. These efforts led to sightings of rare species such as the Korean Flycatcher and Yellow-legged Buttonquail, further raising the profile of the region. Birders such as Bala, Kamal, Latha, Naga, Mahadevan, Vidhya, Dharshini, Nihiya, and Nithiya gradually emerged across the district.
As more enthusiasts joined in, the bird count steadily climbed, reaching an impressive 400 species. The coastal region contributed significantly, especially with the arrival of pelagic birds. This influx of bird species allowed Kanniyakumari to jump to second place in Tamil Nadu’s eBird rankings, closely trailing Coimbatore.
To commemorate the remarkable achievement of our team in transforming Kanniyakumari into a renowned birdwatching destination, the team gathered at Chittar Dam for a celebratory cake-cutting ceremony. Though Ajil was unable to be present due to his absence from the country, the team connected with him via video call to ensure his participation in the festivities.
After the joyful cake-cutting ceremony, the team embarked on a short trek to Kaali Malai, a picturesque location that offered breathtaking views and a serene atmosphere. This hike provided a fitting conclusion to the day’s celebrations, allowing the team to bond over their shared passion for nature and their collective accomplishment in elevating Kanniyakumari’s status as a birder’s paradise.
Following a brief stop to pay the parking fee, the team began their ascent up the hill. To accommodate the varying paces of its members, the group divided into smaller subgroups, allowing for frequent pauses to marvel at the natural wonders along the way. The air was alive with the vibrant hues of fluttering butterflies, including the gorgeous Tamil lacewing and the striking Red Helen. The Micronia moth made its presence known, gracefully perched on leaves throughout the journey.
Upon reaching the summit, the team was rewarded with a breathtaking panorama. As they sat and soaked in the scenic beauty, the clouds danced across the sky, adding to the tranquility of the moment. Muthukrishnan, a seasoned nature enthusiast, spotted a fascinating juvenile Monitor lizard basking on the rocks, captivating the team’s attention for a while. The group also discovered a few vibrant wildflowers clinging to the rocky terrain, capturing their beauty in photographs.
To celebrate KNF winning the prestigious Green Champion award for the second time, the team gathered to cut another cake, this time with the majestic mountains as a backdrop. The atmosphere was filled with joy as everyone marked this significant achievement. After the celebration, most of the group decided to head back, while a few team members stayed behind to explore further.
Those who stayed ventured onto a trail behind a nearby temple and were rewarded with some exciting sightings. They came across several gecko species, a beautiful Lunar moth, and even spotted the rare Bridal veil mushroom. It was an exciting and fulfilling day for the KNF team, filled with nature, friendship, and the thrill of discovery.