INDIA’S FEATHERED JEWELS – EXPERTS’GUIDE TO BIRD WATCHING IN INDIA-FORWARDPART 1
by Shabari Shankar | Posted on May 18, 2023 Dear friends, I found the articlefound in QUORA QA very interesting. The answer is about 35 pages and I amposting in 3 parts. Hope veryinteresting Gopalakrishnan17-6-2023 Bird watching inIndia is a remarkable endeavour that offers unparalleled opportunities fornature enthusiasts and bird lovers alike. With its diverse ecosystems, Indiaboasts an extraordinary range of avian species, making it a haven forbirdwatchers from around the world. One of the greatest appeals of bird watching in India is the sheerabundance and variety of birdlife. The geographical expanse of Indiaensures that each region offers unique birding experiences, and the best way to indulge in theseexperiences is by booking a cab for a hassle-free commute. >From the majestic Indian peacock dancing in itsresplendent glory to the >elusive Himalayan monal with its vibrant plumage, the country is home toover >1,300 species of birds.Whether you are a seasoned birder or a curious >beginner, India presents anastonishing array of feathered wonders waiting to >be discovered. Bird watching hotspots in India Capturing insightsfrom birders – Vishal, Rohan & Rajani Discover thecaptivating realm of bird watching in India—a delightful activity that hasgained significant importance and recognition. Savaari reached out topassionate birders and talented photographers to understand the significance ofthis pursuit and unveil the finest locations within India to indulge in thisenchanting pastime. Allow us to introduce you to a select group of individualsfrom India’s burgeoning community of bird enthusiasts, who are revolutionizingthe way people experience nature by imparting knowledge, fostering change,exerting influence, and enriching the art of birdwatching in India. Birder Vishal Monakar Noida Meet Vishal Monakar– an accomplished wildlife photographer, seasoned business management expert,and passionate traveller. With unwavering determination, Vishal strives toexcel in his chosen pursuits. He balances work and leisure to achieve a levelof success that allows him to truly enjoy what he does. His love for nature andtravel shines through when he speaks about how spending time outdoors renewshis spirit. It keeps him in touch with his inner self. Exploring the Aerial Symphony: Vishal’s Journey into Birdwatching A few years ago,bird watching unexpectedly captivated Vishal’s attention. It happened during anouting to a wetland with a friend who pursued street photography. Then, amesmerizing moment unfolded before his eyes. Hewitnessed a tiny bird fearlessly challenging and diverting the attention of agigantic bird, more than twenty times its size. Beautiful Nuthatch Nuthatch | Imageclicked by Vishal Monakar Intrigued by thisremarkable behaviour, Vishal eagerly sought answers from the locals. Hediscovered that the small bird was fiercely protecting its nestfrom potential harm when the larger bird unknowingly encroached upon itsterritory. Witnessing a small bird fearlessly defend its nest against amuch larger bird left Vishal awestruck and curious about the intricacies ofbird behaviour. Since then, he has dedicated himself to observing birds intheir natural habitats in and around India. Bird watching has become anintegral part of his life. Discovering the natural intelligence of birds Birds are known fortheir intelligence and problem-solving skills. They have been observed to use tools, recognizethemselves in mirrors, and even understand cause-and-effect relationships.And here’s a fascinating anecdote Vishal shared that perfectly showcases thesewinged creatures’ intelligence. Vishal once cameacross a family of Saruscranes. While observing their nesting behaviour, he noticed twojuvenile cranes walking beside their parents. Unfortunately, the marshland theywere walking was divided by a brick road, and the family had to cross it to getto the other side. Vishal and his teamkept a safe distance not to scare the birds. But what happened next left themin awe. The male crane,who seemed to have sensed that Vishal and his team were not a threat,approached them and stood about 20 feet away on the road to ensure theirsafety. Two male Sarus cranes fighting to pair with a female. Once the male andfemale cranes pairs, they remain together for a lifetime | Taking advantage of this distraction, the female cranequickly herded the chicks to cross the road before hurrying across herself.The male crane called outto his family and joined them on the other side of the road. “There aremany occurrences that will surprise you and compel you to maintain yourconnection with nature to unravel some of nature’s mysteries”, he added. Witnessing rare and endangered birds in India As an advocate forenvironmental conservation, Vishal is deeply concerned about the extinction ofmany bird species due to habitat loss and human activities. Vishal pointed out that birdspecies’ declining numbers and diversity is a global issue, and India is noexception. The decline of bird populations isattributed to several major factors. These include deforestation, habitatdegradation, overexploitation, changes in land use, and global climateconditions. All of thesefactors are interconnected with human activity. In India, the most endangeredbird species encompass those endemic to the region, birds of prey, and thosethat inhabit grasslands and forests. Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher | Image clicked by Vishal Monakar Vishal said,“During my bird watching expeditions, I have had the chance to witness severalbird species that are facing extinction due to human activities and habitatloss. Among thesespecies is the Great Indian Bustard, which was once in the running to becomeIndia’s national bird, but now has a population of fewer than 150 individuals.Additionally, I have observed other threatened species such as the Red-headed Vulture, White-rumpedVulture, Lesser Florican, Forest Owlets, and Spoon-billed Sandpiper.” Ways to improve the situation for declining birdpopulations Vishal believesthat law enforcement is crucial in protecting wetlands, woods, and grasslandsfrom people who exploit these areas for their gain. Strict laws and punishmentsshould be implemented to deter such activities. He also suggests that citizens should be encouraged toplant trees to increase the tree population. Creating more parks,gardens, and trees in cities can help improve the environment and preventforests from being destroyed for construction purposes. People should actresponsibly and treat nature with the same care and respect that they wouldgive to their own homes Red-billed Leiothrix | Image clicked by Vishal Monakar As a wildlifephotographer, Vishal has honed his skills and captured breath taking images ofvarious bird species. Hisphotographs showcase the beauty and unique characteristics of these birds.With his keen eye and technical expertise, he has created a body of work thatis both awe-inspiring and educational. His photographs serve as a reminder ofthe importance of preserving our planet’s biodiversity. For Vishal,immersing himself in nature and embarking on frequent journeys fuel his spirit.He finds solace and inspiration in the natural world. Capturing breath taking wildlifeimages allows him to stay connected with his true self and express his passionfor conservation. To stay up to datewith his work, you can follow his profile on Instagram monakar.vishal. There,he regularly uploads incredible wildlife content for his audience to enjoy. 2 Rohan Rane,Delhi-Rohan Rane - BirderRohan Rane Among India’s top35 teenage photographers, is Rohan Rane, a talented photographer currentlystudying in class 11. With a deep passion for capturing the mesmerizing beautyof wildlife, Rohan has been honing his photography skills, dedicating severalremarkable years to this art form. Since his childhood, Rohan has been an avid viewer of YouTubechannels featuring a wide array of wildlife species. During his time in Kashmir, he even engaged in the noble act of rescuingbirds, furtherdeepening his connection with these feathered creatures. Red-breasted flycatcher | Image clicked by Rohan Rane Whenever he steppedoutside, his camera would instinctively track the graceful movements of birds,gradually unveiling the remarkable diversity within their species. He eagerlyconsumed videos on wildlife photography, meticulously researching the necessaryequipment to capture these captivating subjects with precision and artistry. Rohan vividly remembers his astonishment upon encountering2-3 unfamiliar bird species in the bustling city of Delhi.He was taken aback, questioning how such rare birds could be found in thisurban landscape. Overwhelmed by the sighting, he promptly shared his discovery on ebird, a platform forbird enthusiasts, which subsequently led to an interview where he providedinsights about the specific bird he had encountered—the Tickell’s BlueFlycatcher. Rohan’s take on thepresent state of birds in India Red avadavat– Indian strawberry finch | Image clicked by Rohan Rane India stands as oneof the most beautiful countries, harbouring over 1,000 species of birds. Itsdiverse landscapes encompass every single biome, ranging from the magnificentWestern and Eastern Ghats to the majestic Himalayas and even the sprawlingdeserts. Truly, it is a breathtaking nation, serving as an absolute haven forbirdwatching enthusiasts. Forced breeding and efforts are taken for the endemicbirds of India When discussing theefforts made for the endemic birds of India, Rohan raised various concerns,stating, “Severalfactors such as internet tower radiations, pollution, global warming, andpoaching have significantly impacted bird populations in recent years.Moreover, thealarming issue of forest fires further exacerbates the challengesfaced by our avian friends. Purplerumped sunbird | Image clicked by Rohan Rane The GreatIndian Bustard, a species on the brink of extinction with only around 150individuals remaining, is being subjected to forced breeding methods to aid itspopulation recovery. Although this approach has shown aslight increase in their numbers, it comes with the risk of poaching and goes against the naturalbreeding process. Thus, while force breeding contributes to the overallpopulation of these remarkable birds, there are both pros and cons toconsider.” Rohan has aprofound passion for bird watching in India as it fosters a deep connectionwith the natural world. His remarkable bird photographs can befound on his Instagram account, these.brilliant.eyes. We highlyrecommend following his page to witness his exceptional work. Rajani Modi,Tinsukia, Assam Meet Rajani Modi, adevoted homemaker from Tinsukia, Assam, whose heart brims with a profound lovefor nature and an unwavering passion for bird watching in India. Her enchanting journey into theworld of avifauna began in 2018, right from the comfort of her backyard.Since then, Rajani has embarked on numerous captivating expeditions,traversing the diverse landscapes of India in pursuit of her avian companions. Rajani’s encounter with endangered birds During herexpeditions, Rajani had the remarkable opportunity to encounter India’sendangered species. Amongthem were the resplendent Mandarin duck, the majestic Himalayan griffon, theelusive black-breasted parrotbill, and the captivating swamp francolin. As Rajani delveddeeper into the world of birding, she discovered the astonishing abundance of avian life thriving in India. Thecountry is home to over 1,350 species of birds. Approximately 400 of thesespecies choose to reside permanently, while the rest are migratory visitors. Crimson sunbird | Image clicked by Rajani Modi Is enough beingdone for endemic birds of India? It’s dishearteningthat many people are unaware of the incredible bird species that surround them. I believe that the governmenthas a crucial role to play in nurturing an appreciation for wildlife. Byincorporating more about our rich biodiversity into the academic syllabus, wecan ignite curiosity and create a genuine interest in the natural world.Education is a powerful tool that can inspire the next generation to protectand cherish our avian friends and their habitats. Sultan tit | Image clicked by Rajani Modi In light of thesechallenges, Rajanifirmly believes that raising awareness about conservation is the most effectivemeans of preserving nature. She sees her photography as a powerfultool to inspire and engage the younger generation in wildlife conservationefforts. By capturing the awe-inspiring beauty of birds and their naturalhabitats, Rajani aims to ignite a sense of responsibility and encourage activeparticipation in safeguarding nature. We highly recommend checking out Rajani’s Instagram page,modi.rajani, which is home to a stunning collection of birdphotographs that showcase her exceptional talent and passion. Through the passionand dedication of individuals like Vishal, Rohan and Rajani, who have devotedthemselves to the art of birdwatching in India and wildlife photography,greater awareness and appreciation for these winged wonders are being fostered.Their stories remind us of the need to preserve and protect the fragileecosystems that birds rely on, while also encouraging us to become activeparticipants in conservation efforts. My note- I will continue as next part. The question was aboutfamous bird watchers of India and more details -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Thatha_Patty" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. 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