Newsletter for Birdwatchers: A Legacy of Indian Ornithology
For over six decades, the Newsletter for Birdwatchers has served as a vital bridge between professional ornithology—the scientific study of birds—and the passionate community of amateur birdwatchers in India. Established in 1960, it stands as one of the oldest periodicals dedicated to the avian world within the country, fostering a culture of observation and documentation.
The Evolution of a Publication
The publication was founded by Zafar Futehally, who served as its editor until 2003. In its earliest days, the newsletter was a modest operation, mimeographed and distributed monthly to a small, dedicated group of subscribers. This informal beginning allowed it to become a welcoming space for bird enthusiasts to share their findings.
Over time, the publication transitioned from a monthly mimeographed sheet to a professional bimonthly printed format. In 2003, S. Sridhar of Navbharat Press in Bangalore assumed both the editorship and the publication responsibilities. This transition occurred as Futehally shifted his affiliation to another periodical, Indian Birds, based in Hyderabad.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]
Bridging the Gap in Avian Science
The Newsletter for Birdwatchers is distinguished by its informal, essay-like style. While more rigorous scientific journals, such as the Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society, often republished significant observations from the newsletter, those academic journals typically had a more limited reach among amateur birders. The newsletter filled this gap, making ornithological knowledge accessible to a wider audience.
Editorial Leadership and Expertise
The publication has been guided by some of the most prominent names in Indian natural history. Its early editorial board featured the legendary Salim Ali and Biswamoy Biswas. As of January 2022, the editorial board continues to include a wide array of experts, including Dr. A.M.K. Bharos, Dr. S.P. Bhatnagar, Dr. A.K. Chakravarthy, Dr. Ranjan Kumar Das, Dr. S. Devasahayam, Dr. Raju Kasambe, B.S. Kulkarni, Dr. Dipankar Lahkar, Arvind Mishra, Dr. Geeta S. Padate, K. Mrutumjaya Rao, A.N. Yellappa Reddy, Dr. Rajiv Saxena, Dr. A.B. Shanbhag, Arunayan Sharma, Dr. Hiren B. Soni, S. Shreyas, S. Sridhar, and Dr. Abraham Verghese.
Key Facts
- Founded: 1960 by Zafar Futehally.
- Frequency: Bimonthly (published every two months).
- Publisher: Navbharat Enterprises, Bangalore.
- Language: English.
- Digital Archive: Issues up to December 2020 are available online.
- Milestone: Currently celebrating its Diamond Jubilee.
Publication Summary
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| ISSN | 0028-9426 |
| OCLC | 183422131 |
| Country of Origin | India |
| Primary Categories | Ornithology, Birdwatching |
| Website | www.nlbw.co.cc |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who founded the Newsletter for Birdwatchers?
The periodical was founded in 1960 by Zafar Futehally, who remained the editor until 2003.
How often is the newsletter published?
It is currently published on a bimonthly basis, meaning it is released once every two months.
Where can I find past issues of the publication?
All issues published up to December 2020 have been uploaded to the official website at https://sites.google.com/view/nlbw.
What is the difference between this newsletter and professional journals?
Unlike formal scientific journals, the articles in the Newsletter for Birdwatchers are largely informal and essay-like, making them more accessible to amateur birdwatchers.
Who currently handles the publication?
The publication is handled by S. Sridhar of Navbharat Press in Bangalore, who took over the editorship and publication in 2003.