Pugdundee Safaris has launched the ‘Joy of Birding Beginners Foundation Course’ under its ‘Learn with Pugdundee’ initiative. The five-day, four-night programme will be held from October 7 to 11, 2026, at Kanha Earth Lodge in Madhya Pradesh and is designed for beginners, nature enthusiasts, wildlife lovers, photographers and anyone interested in learning the basics of birding. Want to know more about it? Read on!
Pugdundee Safaris Launches Birding Beginners Course At Kanha Earth Lodge
The fully immersive course focuses on observation rather than simply memorising bird names. Participants will learn to identify birds through their appearance, movement, behaviour, habitat and calls through guided bird walks and outdoor sessions. One of the key modules, ‘Birding Without Binoculars’, encourages participants to develop naked-eye observation skills, recognise silhouettes and track movement before relying on optical equipment. Another session, ‘Listening to the Forest’, explores bird songs, calls, alarm notes and mimicry. Participants will also experience a dawn chorus, a night-birding session covering owls and nightjars, and activities focused on identifying different bird families and understanding their ecological roles.
The programme will also introduce participants to citizen science platforms, including eBird, iNaturalist, Merlin Bird ID and Bird Count India. They will maintain field journals with sketches, observations and sound notes before undertaking an independent bird walk under mentor guidance.
The course will be led by Dr Nikhil Bhopale, a wildlife educator, naturalist and conservationist with more than two decades of experience. A former ornithologist and herpetologist with the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), he has been involved in natural history education and naturalist training programmes in India and Nepal.
Course Details And What’s Included
The Joy of Birding – Beginners Foundation Course is open to participants aged 18 and above, with no previous birding experience required. The programme costs ₹47,500 plus 5% GST per person, based on twin sharing, and is limited to 12 participants.
The fee includes accommodation at Kanha Earth Lodge, meals, tea and coffee, and two safaris in Kanha National Park. The new programme joins Pugdundee Safaris’ existing naturalist training courses, including Professional Naturalist Training, Amateur Naturalist Training and Young Naturalist Training, expanding its nature-education offerings for different age groups and experience levels.
Also Read: Good News! Ladakh To Get India’s 1st High-Altitude Safari To Spot Snow Leopards & Birds
So, for all the nature enthusiasts, this is a perfect chance to learn more about birds and nature.
Cover Image Courtesy: Pexels/Gundula Vogel
FAQs
What is bird watching?
Bird watching (also called birding) is the hobby of looking for, listening to, and studying wild birds in nature.
Where can I go bird watching in Mumbai?
Mumbai offers exceptional bird watching opportunities, ranging from dense forests within city limits to wetlands and mangrove sanctuaries, particularly during the winter months from November to May 2026.
How can I start bird watching?
To get into bird watching, start right where you are by looking and listening in your backyard or a local park.
