Bird Watchers Society Of Andhra Pradesh

No, it's not headquartered on Necklace Road. And how can we resist that dig?

The name Bird Watchers might mislead you into assuming that this is a flock of bird enthusiasts does nothing to kill time apart from bird-watching. Well, it's not very different, only that it's a much more serious business.

Started in 1980, Bird Watchers' prime goal was to record and study the appearance of migratory birds in and around Andhra Pradesh. Initially, the group comprised of only ornithologists or conservationists who corresponded through a newsletter. However, the terms for membership were eventually relaxed, and even enthusiasts can now be a part of this organization.

As the membership levels soared owing to the popularity of their monthly newsletter 'Pitta' - meaning bird in Telugu - the activities included monthly field trips to places flourishing with rare birds such as the pelicans and floricans.

The membership fee is Rs. 200 per year, with an admission fee of Rs. 100. Life-time membership is Rs. 2,000. So if you're a bird enthusiast wanting to join the ranks of Salim Ali and delve into ornithology, Bird Watchers is the primary school.