Book on birds released

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM:  ‘The Birds that came in search of me, an interesting book on Kerala’s birds written by C Rahim, noted bird watcher, journalist and writer, was released here on Tuesday.Releasing the book,  Shashi Tharoor MP said  that the book contained a lot of interesting information unfamiliar even to the local people. Going through the pages, one would come across skilfully written pieces detailing the very minute aspects of birds.  “Giving a comprehensive picture of around 51 birds and valuable information on  around 500 bird species in the state, the wonderfully-written book  provided interesting reading,”  Tharoor said.  He said Keralites had a good ecological consciousness. Rahim’s suggestion for setting up a  Natural History Society on the model of Bombay Natural  History  Society should be considered with seriousness. Tharoor also observed that concern for protecting environment should not be considered as a stand against development.  He recollected the fact that noted ornithologist  Dr Salim Ali’s survey conducted in 1930 on the invitation of  the King of  Travancore had resulted in the writing of the first authentic book on birds, ‘Birds of Kerala’. The MP hoped that the book would benefit bird watchers as well as general readers.  PTI bureau chief  N Muralidharan presided over the function. Noted critic K S Ravikumar received the book.  Journalist M G Radhakrishnan spoke.  KUWJ  district secretary Suresh Vellimangalam welcomed the gathering and Ravindran Nair of Sithara Books proposed a vote of thanks.