Kovai Birders began organically when G. Parameswaran launched a monthly bird count at Perur–Sundakamuthur Lake (commonly known as Perur Lake) in March 2014. Trained in scientific bird identification and survey methods through the Seattle Audubon’s Masterbirder Programme, he envisioned creating a conservation‑focused organization in his hometown, Coimbatore.
During the early phase, several volunteers supported his efforts. The initiative gained momentum as dedicated members like R. Sivashankar, R. Vridhi, Sai Vivek, Prakash G., and Mohanprasath consistently participated in the monthly bird surveys at Perur Lake. As the bird count expanded, the group collaborated with environmental organizations such as Zoo Outreach to deepen their understanding of wetland ecology. Committed volunteers like Dilip Joshi joined in late 2015, while Chetankumar Joshi, Sharang Satish, and Sarayu Ramakrishnan offered support whenever required. Recently Jayashree Raman, Anita Balasubramanian and her daughter Yukti has also joined the team.
In addition to Perur Lake, the group started a monthly bird count at Anuvavi Subramaniarkovil in the Thadagam region beginning January 2018.
Our history
Where it all begin
G. Parameswaran begins Monthly Bird Counts in Perur-Sundakamuthur Lake, a wetland in the Southwest area of Greater Coimbatore, by putting the lessons into practice the knowledge learned from Seattle Audubon’s Master Birder Programme
Nature-loving Supporters
Vridhi. R, R. Sivashankar and Sai Vivek became early associates in this effort and continue to support the group’s activities till the present day. Prakash. G and Mohanprasad also joined the team soon after
Our Birding Team
The team of volunteers increased with the addition of Chetankumar Joshi, Sharang Satish, Gajamohanraj and Sarayu Ramakrishnan
Community Champions
The Zoo Outreach organization led by Dr. Sanjay Molur along with team members Priyanka Iyer and Keerthi Kurtha participated in our Monthly Bird Counts and helped our group in understanding the ecology of wetlands
New Associate and Steady as a Rock
Dilip Joshi also joined our team, where he played a crucial role in filling the checklist during the counts. He still continues to help with the effort
Expansion of Mission
Monthly Bird Count was started in Anuvavi Subramaniar Temple (surrounded by reserve forest) in the Thadagam area with the help of existing volunteers
Our first Scientific paper
On October 26th, 2018 our two-year summary on the waterbirds of Perur Lake was published in the Journal of Threatened Taxa (JoTT), a peer reviewed publication. It was authored by G. Parameswaran and R. Sivashankar
Bird Monitoring during COVID pandemic
The Bird Counts in Perur Lake and Anuvavi Temple were suspended during the COVID pandemic. When the counts resumed with restrictions in place, all the safeguards were duly observed
Our second Scientific paper
On October 28th, 2023 our second peer reviewed Scientific paper was published in Indian Birds (IB) magazine. This six-year summary was written by G. Parameswaran, R. Sivashankar and Vridhi. R
Completion of Decade
On April 2024 our group was able to complete a decade of monthly Bird Counts in Perur Lake. Dilip Joshi and Sai Vivek were the two associates that were the backbone in this data collection effort
A New Decade with a New Name
In 2025 a decision was taken to rename ourselves as Kovai Birders (our former name being Perur Lake Forum). During 2025-26 Our group has been strengthened by addition of Jayashree Raman, Anita Balasubramaian and her daughter Yukti.
Journal of Threatened Taxa
A decadal study on the waterbirds of Perur Lake published in the Journal of Threatened Taxa
Our Team
G. Parameswaran
Vridhi
Sivashankar
Dilip Joshi
Sai Vivek
