Green Pencil Foundation, in collaboration with Prithvi, the Environment Society of Sri Aurobindo College, University of Delhi, organised a Bird Guide Walk at Aravali Biodiversity Park, Gurugram, on September 21, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM.
The two-hour nature walk brought together students and young nature enthusiasts who explored the biodiversity of the Aravalli landscape while learning how to observe and identify birds in their natural surroundings. Prerna, President of Prithvi Environment Society, was also present during the walk and actively participated in the session.
The Bird Guide Walk was designed to introduce participants to the basics of bird watching and nature observation. During the walk, participants learnt how to observe birds carefully, notice their behaviour, identify different species through their physical features and calls, and understand the role birds play in maintaining healthy ecosystems.
A key part of the session was an introduction to citizen science and digital birding. Participants were introduced to the Ataavi Bird App, a platform that can help birdwatchers document their observations and develop birding as a regular hobby. The session highlighted how ordinary citizens, students and nature enthusiasts can contribute to biodiversity documentation by recording and sharing their bird observations.
For many participants, the walk offered an opportunity to look at the Aravali Biodiversity Park from a different perspective. Instead of simply walking through the landscape, they were encouraged to slow down, listen to bird calls, observe movement in trees and shrubs, and pay attention to the smaller details of the ecosystem.
Speaking about the importance of such activities, Green Pencil Foundation emphasised that bird walks can play an important role in connecting young people with nature. Regular exposure to local biodiversity can help students develop curiosity about wildlife and understand the importance of protecting urban green spaces.
The collaboration between Green Pencil Foundation and Prithvi Environment Society is part of a broader effort to create meaningful opportunities for students and young people to engage with nature through experiential learning. Activities such as bird walks, biodiversity observations and citizen science can make environmental education more practical, engaging and connected to everyday life.
The Aravali Biodiversity Park in Gurugram provides an important natural landscape for such learning experiences. Its diverse vegetation and habitats offer opportunities to observe a variety of birds and other forms of urban biodiversity.
Green Pencil Foundation continues to organise nature education, birding sessions and environmental awareness activities in collaboration with educational institutions, eco-clubs and environmental organisations across Delhi-NCR. Through these initiatives, the Foundation aims to encourage young people to explore, observe and develop a deeper connection with the natural world.
Building a Culture of Birding Among Young People
Bird watching does not require expensive equipment or extensive technical knowledge. With patience, curiosity and regular observation, anyone can begin exploring the birds around them. Citizen science platforms such as the Ataavi Bird App can further encourage people to document their observations and become part of a wider community of nature enthusiasts.
The Bird Guide Walk at Aravali Biodiversity Park was therefore more than a morning nature activity. It was an opportunity for students to learn directly from the landscape, develop an interest in birding and discover how their own observations can contribute to understanding and appreciating urban biodiversity.
