Young Birders Camp

A 3-day residential workshop to provide young adults
a scientific perspective to observe nature

INDIAN INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE EDUCATION & RESEARCH TIRUPATI

If you are an experienced birders between 14 - 18 years and have a keen interest in birds,
this workshop is for you !!

We aim to FOSTER SCIENTIFIC THINKING in young birders

Please note this workshop is not a regular nature camp

APPLY NOW

CAMP HIGHLIGHTS

Field Ornithology

Bird Research & Conservation Talks

Nature journaling, sketching & artwork

Mystery Assignments

Ornithology Masterclasses

Learn from Scientists

This camp in Tirupati, India, is intended to expose young minds to Ornithology and Ecology.
Participants in the age group of 14-18 will learn from ornithology experts in the class room and in the field.
Camp will also include daily birding field trips, team based activities, and solving avian mysteries.
All of these will connect interests in nature, wildlife, and birds to scientific enquiry - using data to understand the mysteries of nature.
Participants will be encouraged to come back (next year) to mentor other students and showcase any research they may have conducted.
IISER Tirupati is part of the IISER family of seven institutions that aim to provide high quality undergraduate education

summary programme

MEET OUR TEAM

CAMP DIRECTORS

RAM RAMAMURTHY

Vast birding experience across the globe. The camp is his brainchild

ROBIN V.V.

Studies birds and their habitats in southern India

RAJA BANDI

Passionate about birds and nature, particularly on building capacity

CAMP FACULTY AND RESOURCE PEOPLE

RUPA SAMARIA

Educator, and expert in bird art. Art Masterclass instructor

SUDHA RAMAMURTHY

Birder with a keen eye in the field. Journaling & sketching instructor

Shubha BHAt

Expert patch birder, artist, and author. Patch birding talk at camp

ASHWIN WARUDKAR

Expert naturalist, with expertise across taxa, including spiders. Works on malaria in birds

ARCHITA SHARMA

Studies bird evolution and interested in taxonomy & systematics.

NAMAN GOYAL

Interests in birds, frogs, and other creatures, but specifically on biogeography.

CAMP VOLUNTEERS

APARNA C.K.

IISER undergraduate with much interest in birding, works on mathematical ecology

Lakshmi Priya nair

IISER project student who is helping the workshop with administrative and finance support

RAYIS T. R.

IISER undergraduate aspiring to be an ecologist through his interests in birds, disease ecology and herps

Chiti Arvind

IISER PhD (PMRF) student, has led the development and planning of the bioacoustics training

SETHULAKSHMI NAIR

IISER undergraduate who is an avid birder and interested in pursuing research in Biology

Young Birders' Camp logo design and website edits- Jobin Varughese

Camp Location

The camp will be at the IISER Tirupati Permanent Campus, near Yerpedu, about 30km from Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh
We are adjacent to the Sri Venkateshwara National Park and our birding trips will cover rich birdlife
More details are in the FAQ section below

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the eligibility criteria ?

The biggest criteria is a serious interest in nature, having observed birds and animals in the wild. The camp is strictly for the age group 14-18.
We will assess your experience and motivation.
This is not an introductory nature camp.
Some familiarity and experience birding is expected.
If you have an e-bird account, please make it public and we would be delighted to look through this. Also note, we will only accept 20 Young Birder participants for this camp. It is on a first come first served basis, after satisfying the eligibility criteria.

What is the camp schedule?

Camp registration starts on December 22, 2023 at 1:00 PM. Rooms will be assigned to participants from 1300 to 17:00 hours. December 23, and 24 are full days at camp. Dec 25, 2023, camp concludes after lunch, at 1300.
Please also see the summary schedule above

How do I get to campus from train station, Airport or Bus Stand

Tirupati is a pilgrim city with one of the world's largest numbers of tourists. Various taxi, auto, and bus services are available.
IISER Tirupati permanent campus is at Yerpedu and is 30km from Tirupati railway station (and bus stand), 20km from Renigunta railway station, and 18km from Tirupati airport.
If driving or using OLA/Uber services take care to navigate to IISER Tirupati permanent campus at Yerpedu. Please note that there is also a temporary campus closer to town, but that is not where the camp is. MAP LINK

How can I contact Camp administrators?

Email us at ybc[at]labs.iisertirupati.ac.in or use the contact form below.
selected participants will be given phone numbers for emergency contacts etc.

What is the medium of instruction at Camp?

This camp will be instructed exclusively in English, during all our Master Classes, and other lectures. Having said that, our faculty are familiar with Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada and Malayalam.

Is my attendance at ALL camp Activities mandatory?

In order to stay as a camper, it is mandatory that all participants participate in all events except when “optional” is stated in the program. However, this condition does not apply in the event you are unwell at camp.

I love birds and am interested in knowing more about them. Can I apply ?

Yes, you can apply. However, we suggest that you satisfy the criteria listed above.

I am very enthusiastic about birds and nature, but I do not have the experience as indicated.
How can I participate ?

We are very encouraging about students who can participate. However, we plan to take the expertise of participants from nature observations to science. In order to achieve this, we must set a level of experience as a starting point. We recommend joining a nature camp that provides first-level exposure to nature and birding. We are also glad to recommend our partners https://www.early-bird.in/ as an excellent source of information, content and workshops. You may apply later for our camp (we will run annually).

Is this a free camp/workshop ?

No, this is a paid workshop. However, for students from financially challenged backgrounds, we will provide scholarships (with supporting documentation of parents’ income).
The cost for attending camp is Rs 20, 000 excluding transportation costs to and from the IISER camp site. If you are a student, intending to apply, please discuss your application with your parents/guardian beforehand.
This year we have a few scholarships available exclusively for those from economically challenged backgrounds.

What will camp fees cover?

The following will be covered during camp:

All costs associated with Ornithology Masterclasses
Attending all Field Ornithology classes including transportation
Participating in leader led birding field trips in the morning
Attending all lectures each evening
Dinner on Day 1, Day 2 and Day 3
Breakfast on Day 2, 3 and 4
Lunch on Day 2, 3 and 4
Snacks on Days 2, 3 and 4
Materials needed for art class

What does the camp fee not cover?

Camp fees does not cover:

Transportation to and from IISER Tirupati camp site
Any incidental costs that you may incur during camp

I am an ornithologist / scientist. Can I recommend a young birder ?

We are happy to hear from you, but please do ask the student to apply by him/herself. If you need to reach us, please use the contact form provided below. Please ensure the young birder meets the selection criteria.

Is there a selection process for this workshop ?

Yes, there will be a selection process. Experience and motivation are the key aspects we are looking for. There are only limited spots available. We will conduct a shortlist of the applicants and speak to each student individually (a short interview). We will also talk to your referees to assess your experience and motivation.

Can my parents/guardian fill out the application form ?

No. We would like the student/applicant to fill out the form. This is not an exam, but we would like to hear the voice of the applicant directly. As with any aspect of science and society, we expect honesty. There will be an interview at a later stage and a disconnect between the application and the applicant will not be considered positively

What should I bring to the workshop if I am selected ?

We will provide a detailed checklist on items to bring to camp for those who have been selected to participate

Can parents accompany children for this camp ?

No, parents are strictly not allowed to accompany children, or participate in the activities. All participants will stay in student hostels with other participants

What is the kind of accommodation provided

Shared accommodation at IISER Tirupati student hostel will be provided

What are the kind of medical facilities available

IISER Tirupati is a fully residential undergraduate institution (like an IIT), where we host students who have just completed their schooling - starting at 17-18 years of age. We also have doctoral and postdoctoral students well into their 30s. Our facilities cater to all such students including a medical center, residential doctor and medical personnel to deal with most day-to-day requirements. We also have an ambulance and an agreement with an excellent hospital nearby for any emergencies.

What is covered in the scholarship ?

Note, scholarships are awarded strictly based on family income. Any scholarship award will cover all camp costs except for transportation to and from the IISER campsite, and any discretionary spending while at camp.

What is IISER? Will attending this camp improve my chances of getting an admission here?

IISER is a Central Government of India institution (Ministry of Education), and a sister institute to the IITs. Please read more about us.
Admission to IISERs (all seven) are administered centrally and you can read about it and watch a video here. While participation in the camp has no bearing on this selection, you will be exposed to the science and life on campus,

I like the idea of the camp, and would like to donate to the workshop. How can I do this?

We welcome donations and philanthropic contributions. This will help keep the camp running and offer more scholarships.
IISER Tirupati accepts contributions. Individuals are eligible for a 100% tax exemption for their contributions through 80G(2)(a)(iiif) and companies can avail up to 100% tax exemption for contributions under the Section 35(1)(ii) IT Act 1961 towards research activities.
Please contact us on the email below to discuss

How strict is the age requirement?

To attend this camp, from an age point of view, you will need to be 14 years or older, and 18 years or younger as of the first day of camp. In other words, on December 22, 2023, you will need to be 14 years or older, and 18 years or younger. We will make no exceptions to these requirements.

What funds will I receive if I am awarded a scholarship?

Note, scholarships are awarded solely based on proof of financial hardship, being between 14 and 18 years of age, and with proven Birding experience. As we have noted above, scholarship covers only camp costs, you will not receive ANY FUNDS from us, but you will be able to attend the camp for free. So in essence, think of scholarship as a Camp fees waiver

Does the scholarship cover travel costs to Tirupati?

Yes, selected participants will be contacted separately regarding the logistics of travel.
Expenses for transportation to and from the campsite is covered ONLY for scholarship holders.

I satisfy all requirements for the camp, but need to cover the cost of camp fees. However, I will not be able to provide any financial disclosures. Do you have any guidance on how I can attend this camp, which I am so interested to attend?

It is clear that you understand the requirements for applying for a scholarship - family income (with some appropriate evidence). In your situation, you will have to get creative and organize a crowd sourced fundraising. In essence, you have to convince others to fund you to attend this camp. We do not recommend or support any fundraising efforts, however you my explore these platforms: Milaap / Ketto / GoFundMe

Will the camp organizers pick me up from the train station, Airport or Bus station?

We will be able to arrange for transportation, but for a fee. A similar fee will be applicable for dropping you back after camp. These fees will cover the cost of hiring vehicles to pick you up or drop you. So, we will arrange for pick up and drop off, but for a fee, to be paid when you sign up for camp.

Can the agenda change from what is shown here on our website?

Yes, the agenda for the day can change based on weather and other factors. Day by day agenda shown to give you an overview on how we have organized our Masterclasses. Camp Directors reserve the right to make changes as they see fit

Can I request specific food options at camp?

For those selected to attend camp we will be asking for your dietary restrictions. We will do our best to accommodate you. Your choices for food items will be based on what is on the menu for the day. Note, we will be using IISER’s regular dining facilities during this camp, and do not have the ability to change menu options. The regular menu includes a mix of south and north Indian staple food - idly/dosa/bread for breakfast, and rice, dal. Roti and vegetable subji for lunch and dinner. Snacks, tea and coffee will also be available.
There is a canteen (small shop) in the campus where students can purchase juices, biscuits, icecream, maggi noodles and various other products.

I am deeply interested and skilled in Bird Photography, will we have time to focus on photography, and hence can I bring all the required gear?

Fair question. Note, this is a Camp focussed on Science of Birds, also known as Ornithology. Our primary focus is to learn in the classroom, and in the field, birds with science as the primary “optics”. Having said that, a 8 by 42 Binoculars, a notebook, a pencil to document observations will serve you well in this camp. You will not see faculty who lead field trips carrying any gear other than Binoculars, and spotting scopes. Intent is to listen, observe, document, ask questions and learn. So, plan on bringing and using your Binoculars, and our guidance is to leave your precious photography gear safely at home.

I do not have a pair of binoculars. Will this be a problem in my participation at the camp?

No, it is not mandatory for you to bring your binoculars. We have spare binoculars (Nikon/Olympus) and we can lend you those for the duration of the camp.

Will we have free time during camp for me or a group of us to venture out for birding (to other locations)?

This camp is designed based on structured Masterclasses, Field trips, evening lectures and Mystery assignments. We do not envision of any free time where you would be able to bird outside of structured activities.