Deccan Birders

Dear Members
Deccan Birders is happy to invite you to an overnight trip to Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary on 12 – 13 October 2019. As seats are  limited you may book your slots now!
Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary is in Kurnool District of Andhra Pradesh and  covers an area of 6.14 square kilometres. It was established in 1988 to protect the now criticlaly endangered Great Indian Bustard and the Lesser Florican.  Roallapdu is also home to the handsome  Blackbuck.
Those interested in joining this trip may touch base immediately with Gowthama at 9440910967 or Srikanth 9738840070 or Sudhir at 9652283335 for complete trip details. So hurry up and book your slot and enjoy the wonderful surprises that Rollapadu WLS may hold for you.
Thanks &
Regards
Surekha 
Secretary 
Deccan Birders
9949038532

Dear Members
You are invited to join us for a birding trip to  Mrugavani National Park located at Chilkur beginning at 0630 am on 15.09.19 ( Sunday ). Spread over 850 acres, Mrugavani National Park falls in Moinabad Mandal, Ranga Reddy District about 25 km from Hyderabad city. The Park is home to a wide array of animals, birds and butterflies and boasts of a rich avifauna.  
The convoy  will leave at 0600 am sharp, fromthe converge point at Mangatrai Pearls, Punjagutta Cross Roads. Our Trip Coordinator is Vice President of Deccan Birders, Bharadwaj Korni who can be reached at 9949095660. Those who are driving down and those seeking lift may kindly touch base with the Trip Coordinator so as to carpool and thereby reduce our carbon footprint. 
Carry snacks and water for this half day’s trip and gear up for a long and wonderful Sunday morning walk in the forest. 
Please note that Deccan Birders’ T Shirts ( Rs 450/ ) and Caps (Rs 250/) will be made available on this trip so kindly carry adequate change. Also please note that non members need to pay Rs100/ as day charges and members are requested to wear their Deccan Birders id card on person. 
Please do come coz we are looking forward to birding with you 
Warm Regards
Surekha A 
Secretary 
Deccan Birders9949038532

Dear Birders
We take great pleasure in inviting you to join us for a promising birding in the Geological Survey of India (GSI) Southern Region Campus, Nagole Bandlaguda on 25.08.19 beginning at 0630 am. Please reach destination directly.
The 300 acre campus of GSI has excellent green cover that is home to many birds and butterflies. To give you an idea about the route, in case we start from TTD Devasthanam-Himayat Nagar-Narayanguda Cross Roads-Fever Hospital-Doordarshan Kendra-Uppal-turn towards Nagole- hit Nagole cross roads-look out for Bharat Petroleum Petrol Pump on your left- turn left skirting the Petrol Pump and head towards Bandlaguda- turn right at Rajiv Swagruha at Anand Nagar Cross roads- go ahead for 500 meters, you will arrive at GSI (SR) on your left- there are two gates at the threshold- take the ‘TRAINING INSTITUTE’ gate. 
We have also lined up a visit to the Dr William King Geological Museum  where lies the complete articulated skeleton of Rhynchosaurus and the femur (thigh bone ) of Kotosaurus and  fossilised egg and bones of dinosaurs. Bring your children! Besides these, there are several samples of various minerals and gemstones which will be explained to you by expert Geologists. You will also be taken around a Rock Garden that showcases all types of rocks found in South India. We suggest you dont miss this extremely interesting learning experience.
For security reasons GSI needs every participants’ s name, telephone number and email id,  therefore please confirm your attendance/participation to this email address : secretarydeccanbirders@gmail.co positively before 20.08.19. 
Please note that non members need to pay Rs 100/ as Day charges and members need to wear their Deccan Birders identity card on person. Deccan Birders T shirts ( Rs 450/ ) and Caps Rs 250/ ) in Small,  Medium and Large sizes will be made available to you so please carry adequate cash and change. 
Should you need any other information do not hesitate to call me at 9949038532.
Hoping to see you in large numbers to partake in this very interesting trip to GSI. 
Best Regards
Surekha A
Secretary
Deccan Birders
9949038532

Dear Birders
We are happy to invite all our members to Osman Sagar Reservoir aka Gandipet on 04.08.19 ( SUNDAY ). The convoy will leave converge point  Mangatrai Pearls in Punjagutta Cross Roads at 0630 am sharp. Likewise the convoy will make a pitstop for five minutes opposite Mrugavani National Park, Chilkur and leave from here at 0715 am. For your information, the route broadly is Punjagutta, Masab Tank, Mehdipatnam, Langar House, APPA Junction, Mrugavani and Chilkur Village.
A word about our birding destination. Osman Sagar was created by damming the Musi River in 1920, to provide an additional source of drinking water for Hyderabad It was constructed during the reign of the last Nizam of Hyderabad State, Osman Ali Khan, hence the name. 
So do come and enjoy birding by the water. Lift seekers and lift givers may please get in touch with me at 9949038532 so that I can coordinate car pooling to reduce our carbon footprint. Carry snacks,  water and rain gear ( optimistically speaking ) and do bring your children along for this half a day’s joyful bird outing.   
Please note that non members need to pay Rs100/ as day charges and members are requested to wear their identity cards on person.Kindly carry adequate cash and change to buy Deccan Birders’ T Shirts ( Rs450/ ) and Caps ( Rs 250/ ) which will be made available to you in sizes Small, Medium and Large.  
Expecting you in large numbers and looking forward to seeing you 
Best Regards
Surekha A
Secretary
Deccan Birders
9949038532

Dear Members 
We cordially invite you to join us for a birdwatching trip to our regular Narsapur Reserve Forest on 28.07.19 ( SUNDAY). 
 Located in Medak District, Narsapur Forest is about 45 km from Hyderabad and its range is spread over 11,576 hectares. This forest has intersting flora and fauna and some of us remember the day we saw eight Coppersmith Barbets on a single tree! Deep inside the forest lies a serene lake which houses waterfowl. 
Our Executive Committee Member and bird expert Gowthama Poludasu is the Trip Coordinator who can be reached at 9440910967. 
The convoy going towards Narsapur will leave from the converge point at Mangatrai Pearls, Punjagutta Circle at 0515am sharp and proceed to the next converge point  opposite Dindigul Air Force Station on Medak – Hyderabad Road at 0545 am sharp on 28.07.19 (SUNDAY). Participants can choose either of the converge points as per their geographical convenience. Those driving down may please indicate here, the number of seats available in their car and those seeking lift can indicate their location here for smooth coordination of carpooling.
Please carry adequate water and snacks and protect yourself from the sun or the rain as per the weather dictates. Please note that non members need to pay Rs100/ as Day charges and the members are requested to wear the Deccan Birders identity card on person. 
So, do clear your calendar as you have ample time to do so. Looking forward to your wonderful company and expecting to see you in large numbers. Happy birding !

Dear Members
The Deccan Birders is pleased to invite each and every one of you to join us on 14th July (Sunday )  for a field outing to Umamaheswaram located about 155 km from Hyderabad on Srisailam Highway. Called the Gateway to Srisailam, Umamaheswaram nestles atop a hill. The path along the hill extends right upto the hill top,( if some of you wish to trek up) from where you can get a splendid view of the valley and the surrounding forest. Umamaheswaram temple region is home to a variety of birds and also a hotspot for the endemic Yellow throated Bulbul. So come and visit this interesting bird site which comes with an exciting long drive as a bonus!
Our Executive Committee Member and bird expert, Sudhir Moorti will be the Trip Coordinator to Umamaheswaram. . You can reach him at 9652283335 for any assistance you need. Those who are driving down may kndly indicate here, the number of seats available in their car and those seeking lift may indicate their location here for smooth coordination of carpooling.
The convoy will leave for Umamaheswaram at 0500 am sharp from UNIVERSAL BAKERY, near NMDC, Masab Tank on 14.07.19 (SUNDAY). 
Please carry adequate water and snacks and protect yourself from the sun or the rain. Please note that non members have to pay Rs 100/ as Day charges and members are requested to wear their Deccan Birders identity card on person. 
So please do clear your calendar as you have ample time to do so. Expecting to see you in large numbers and hoping you will not miss the chance to visit this bird site full of promise.

We are happy to invite you to join us for birding at Anantagiri Hills on 30.06.2019 ( SUNDAY ). Located in Vikarabad about 80 kms from Hyderabad, Anantagiri is a forested area which is home to many bird species and almost hundred year old trees. Deccan Birders’ trips to Anantagiri have always thrown up many an interesting bird sighting. 
As usual the convoy that will go together to Anantagiri will leave from Mangatrai Pearls, Punjagutta Circle at 0615 am sharpon 30.06.2019. Those driving down may kindly indicate the number of seats to spare in their car here and those seeking lift can feel free to indicate their location here so that coordination of car pooling becomes easier. Let us car pool so as to reduce our carbon footprint. Our member Sri Srikant Bhamidipati will ably coordinate this event. Please feel free to call Srikant at 9738840070 for any kind of assitance you need. Please carry adequate water and snacks protect yourself from either the sun or the rain depending on the weather on this particular day. Please note that non members need to pay Rs 200 per head as Day charges and Members ( life and annual )  are requested to wear their identity cards on person. Absolutely looking forward to your comapny and expecting you in very large numbers.
Thanks & Regards
A Surekha
Secretary
Deccan Birders
9949038532

Dear Members,
We are happy to invite you to join us for a bird outing to Himayat Sagar Reservoir about 20 kms from Hyderabad.This Tank was built during the reign of the last Nizam of Hyderabad, Nizam VII and is named after his youngest son Himayat Ali Khan.
The convoy that will head out to Himayat Sagar together, will leave at 0615 am sharp on coming Sunday 16.06.19 from the converging point i.e. Mangatrai Pearls Punjagutta Circle. 
Those driving down may kindly indicate the number of seats available in their car here and those who are seeking lift can also indicate their location here so that coordination of car pooling becomes easier. Let us try and reduce our carbon footprint. Those who wish to come directly to spot can meet the convoy at Aziz Nagar Crossroads. Our Vice President Sri Bhardwaj Korni will ably coordinate the event. Feel free to call Bhardwaj at 9949095660 for any assistance you need.Please carry adequate water and snacks and protect yourself from the sun with hats and sun glasses. Please note that non members need to pay Rs 200/ per head  as Day charges and Members ( life and annual ) are requested to wear their identity cards on person.Hoping to see you in large numbers and looking forward to your company. 
Thanks & Regards 
A Surekha Secretary
Deccan Birders
9949038532

Dear Members 
We are happy to invite you to join us for the field outing this month to KBR National Park on coming Sunday i.e. 26.05.19 at 0600 am. 
Apologizing for the short notice, here is a bit of information about the Park. Kasu Brahmananda Reddy National Park popularly known as KBR Park is a green lung right next to one of the densest traffic junctions of Hyderabad. KBR is home to rich flora and fauna with around 600 varied species of trees and plants; 140 avian fauna; 20 species of  reptiles; 20 species of mammals and 15 species of butterflies. 
So come and enjoy this promising half a day’s field outing with us. As we all are baking under the scalding May sun, please carry plenty of water, some snacks and dont forget to wear hats and sunglasses. 
For happy birding please carry Binoculars and Field Guide. Expecting you to attend in large numbers as we look forward to your wonderful company. Please reach KBR Park at 0600 am on the dot and please try and reduce carbon footprint by carpooling.  
Please do not hesitate to call me at 9949038532 for any further information on the trip. 
Waiting to see you at KBR
Best Regards
A Surekha
Hon. Secretary
Deccan Birders 

Dear Birders:
We have taken permission from the Curator to visit the Zoo park for birding on Sunday, 21.4.19.We shall all report directly at the Zoo, not later than 6:30 a.m.  When you enter the main gate, take a left turn and park near the Admn. building parking lot.  We shall enter the Zoo from the side entrance to the admn. building.
Carry water and snacks.  We all can have a final meeting, have something to eat and make the bird list after we return.We shall be carrying our new T-Shirts and Caps (Rs.450 & 250 each) and suggest you buy them before the stocks are exhausted.Non-members are most welcome to join us.  However they are requested to contribute Rs.100/- each to the Society kitty.
Trips to the Zoo are always very interesting.  Therefore make a note of the date and do not forget to attend, with family and friends, specially the children –  Date: Sunday, 21st. April, 2019, at 6:30 a.m. at the Zoo.Surekha (9949038532) will coordinate as usual and answer any queries that you may have.
Regards. Shafaat. 9849229552

We have decided to visit Ananthagiri hills, near Vikarabad for our birding trip, on Sunday, 17th, March, 2019.We shall gather at Punjagutta cross roads, near Mangatrai Pearls showroom promptly at 6:00 a.m.From here we can proceed in a convoy.  The route is Mehidipatnam, APPA Junction (now TSPA), past Muruguvani Deer Park, onto Vikarabad road.  We shall have a second pit stop at the Vikarabad tri-junction for a cuppa, for members coming directly, before proceeding to Ananthagiri and park near the temple. The total distance would be about 80 kms, one way.
After we finish with Ananthagiri, and If we have the time and the inclination, we can have a dekho at Kotepally reservoir (about 20 km further up) to catch some wetland migrants – waders, ducks, geese, even flamingos – who knows !!

Carry snacks and plenty of water.  We shall be carrying our new T-Shirts and Caps (450 & 250 resp) which members are requested to purchase.  Non-members are requested to contribute Rs. 100/- each to the Society kitty.(Does not apply to children below 12 years)

Most important:  Please avoid plastic carry bags and containers. Let us all make it a habit – say no to plastic !

Surekha (9949038532) will coordinate as usual.  For details for car pooling etc, feel free to contact her.

Dear Members:
Normally we go to ICRISAT during February.  But we were denied permission this time because a leopard is wandering about in their premises, so as an ample precaution, visitors are not being allowed inside.We therefore decided to visit Pocharam as we have not paid a visit to this place for a long time.

We shall gather at Punjagutta cross road, Mangatrai Pearls showroom, at 6:00 a.m. Sunday, 24.2.19,  and proceed from there in a convoy.  The route is Balgampet, Dindigul, Narsapur, go past Medak townand we meet at the Forest Guest House on the left.We shall first do birding in and around the Forest premises as also the Pocharam WLS and then proceed to the lake side.The total distance is about 120 kms, one way.  We suggest, as a second meeting pont,  we all meet at Dindigul, opp Air Force Academy for a tea stop and proceed further from there.  This stop should be around 7:30 am. app.
Please carry enough water and snacks.  Non-members are requested to donate Rs. 100/- per person to DB kitty.We shall be carrying our new T-Shirts and Caps and we suggest you buy your quota before we exhaust the stocks.T-Shirts at Rs. 450/- ea and Caps at Rs. 250/-.  Please tender exact change.

As usual, Surekha (9949038532) will coordinate.  Please let her know if you need a lift.  Vehicle owners are also requested to contact her in case you have some place for extra passengers.

Hope to see you in large numbers – SUNDAY,  24. 2. 2019.

Regards.

Shafaat.9849229552

Dear Friend,
Attached below is the first detailed announcement for the HSBC sponsored, India BirdRaces, being conducted in Hyderabad. I request you to peruse this carefully and register yourself online at the earliest. Looking forward to your active participation.
Aasheesh Pittie
President, Deccan Birders

Dear Birders:
We have organised a very interesting outing this month.  We shall visit the  AIRFORCE  ACADEMY  at Dindigul.  It is a training institute for training of pilots for Indian Air Force.  The visit has been possible due to the good offices of Wg.Cdr. Praksh Rao (Retd), Life Member of our Society and an experienced birder.  He has taken special permission for the visit of our members.
The academy has got a huge campus with lot of greenery and could afford reasonably good bird variety.  Apart from birding, we expect to be shown their air crafts, etc.
The route to the academy is Balkampet, Balanagar and onto the Narsapur / Medak highway.  It is about 35 kms from the city.  It would be to your right – with a very prominent name board.  Please try to reach by 6:30 a.m, or latest by 7:00 a.m. so that security forrmalities can be completed.  Please carry your Aadhaar cards as also our BSAP ID cards, which may be of some help.
We shall all gather at Punjagutta by 6:00 a.m. and go in a convoy.  You can however come directly to the academy if you wish.Since Surekha is not available, I shall coordinate.  Let me know if any one need a lift as also those who can take passengers.
Remember:  Sunday, 20th January, 2019  –  6:30 a.m.  It would be half day trip.
Regards
Shafaat
9849229552