Forest Department invites public participation to choose ‘Bird of Salem’

Vote for the Bird of Salem to raise awareness about birds and biodiversity conservation among residents, especially the youth.

The Forest Department has launched voting to elect the Bird of Salem, a unique initiative by the Salem and Attur Forest Divisions to raise awareness about birds, particularly among young people.

The two divisions, in collaboration with the Salem Ornithological Foundation, are inviting Salem residents to choose one bird to be recognized as the Bird of Salem. This initiative is aimed at creating awareness about biodiversity conservation and forest protection, and cultivating enthusiasm about birds. The Department has listed seven birds for people to select from, which are the black-winged kite, black-winged stilt, coppersmith barbet, oriental darter, crested serpent eagle, river tern, and white-rumped shama. 

People can vote for their preferred bird online via https://birdofsalem.tnfdsutrula.com or offline by choosing their favorite bird in the boxes placed at crucial spots like Salem Collectorate, Yercaud Anna Park, Kurumbapatti Zoological Park, Aanaivari Muttal Park, and Mettur Dam Park. The selection process through online and offline opens from April 12 to April 30 for 20 days. The result will be announced on May 4.

District Forest Officer (DFO) Kashyap Shashank Ravi said that the initiative is intended to raise awareness about birds among the public, especially the younger generation. These seven birds listed for voting are the top seven birds found in the bird census in the district.

Participants can provide their mobile number via the official website. Online voting will be available 24/7 during the campaign period. Offline voters can mark their preferred bird on a printed pamphlet provided by Forest Department staff and drop it into the designated boxes. The boxes have been placed at spots that attract several tourists, Mr. Ravi added.