Birdwatching: A Hobby That Connects You with Nature!
It was a lovely winter morning at ARAI Hill. I had set a target for myself to find a Eurasian Wryneck there. This bird is also called "Manmodi" in Marathi. I decided to search for it around the quarry. The quarry was at its best. It was full of water and surrounded by lush greenery. I could see Spot-billed ducks, White-breasted waterhen, Little grebes, Eurasian Moorhen, etc enjoying their swim into the water. White-throated kingfisher sitting on the rock and was aiming for its food from the water. There was a purple heron perched on the top of the tree which was in the middle of the quarry. A little cormorant was drying its wings by spreading them out in the sun. Other small birds like Magpie robin, Cinereous tit, Indian white-eye, Tailor bird, and Prinias were active and I could hear them chirping. Overall, it was a perfect ambience for birdwatching.
I had loaded myself with a pair of binoculars and a camera. I clicked some birds and then moved quietly. I started scanning the trunks and branches of the trees for any sign of movement. I noticed a subtle movement that caught my eye. I checked through the binoculars and observed the pair of Indian Robin hopping on the tree. I started scanning all the Babul trees more closely as those are the favourite trees of Eurasian Wryneck. They get perfectly blended with the bark of these trees making them very hard to be seen. However, I could not see the bird there. I reached the other side of the quarry. From there I could see a beautiful view of a valley which was full of lush green trees. I observed Green bee-eaters busy catching bees and plum-headed parakeets flying over the top and sometimes perching on the top of the trees. They were quite noisy. I again started scanning Babul tree barks for Eurasian Wryneck, however it was not seen. I waited for some more time and decided to go back as it was getting late. I started heading back with a heavy heart.
On the way back, I was still scanning the area for this bird and suddenly, I saw some bird fly from the quarry and perch on the Babul tree followed by a call "quee quee-quee". I focused on the tree with my binoculars and there it was, the Eurasian Wryneck, perfectly camouflaged with the bark of the tree. I was overwhelmed with happiness. The bird’s plumage was an intricate mix of browns and greys, making it look like a part of the tree itself. Its slender body and the characteristic twisting of its neck as it looked around were unmistakable. I watched in awe as it used its long tongue to probe the crevices of the bark, searching for ants and other insects. As I stood there, captivated by the sight and the thrill of discovering such unique species in their natural habitat. These birds are migratory. They come from Europe and spend winter here in Indian Subcontinent. They return after the winter is over. I then clicked some pictures of it before it flitted to another tree. I went back home with lots of happiness and fully charged with positive energy!
We all have grown up recognizing only a few birds like Sparrows, Crows, Parakeets, Mynas, Bulbuls, Koels, and raptors such as Black kites and some Eagles. I was unaware of the vast variety of bird species around us until I attended a fantastic session by the well-known ornithologist Mr. Kiran Purandare. I was fascinated by his amazing birdwatching experiences and at the same time had a feeling of missing out on the connection with nature which offers invaluable experiences. This inspired me to observe nature more closely and observe birds and their behaviour more closely. Soon, with my newfound interest in birdwatching, I discovered that the "puk...puk...puk...puk" sound I had heard since childhood was not from a nearby factory but from a bird called the Coppersmith Barbet. Its name is fitting as its call sounds like a coppersmith hammering metal. In Marathi, this bird is called Tambat or Pukpukya. Another familiar call which I used to hear but was not aware of the source was of the Fantail. Its melodious song consists of a 5- to 8-note phrase that varies in pitch, going "twit...twit...twit....sweeteee!" We could really hear the last note as "sweety!" In Marathi, this bird is called Nachra. Not only did I find the source of this call, but with my curious interest in birdwatching, I spotted its nest in our society. Thanks to my hobby, I was able to protect a few trees in our society from being cut down for parking space. Every year since then, I see fantails nesting in our society. So, birdwatching connects people to the natural world around them in a deeply meaningful way. During the lockdown period of the COVID-19 pandemic, many nature lovers turned to birdwatching as a hobby. It involves observing birds in their natural habitat and learning about their behaviours, habitats, and unique characteristics.
The Joy of Birdwatching
One of the greatest joys of birdwatching is the sense of wonder and excitement that comes with spotting a rare or elusive bird. Whether it's a vibrant Golden Oriole perched on a tree branch, a majestic Sparrowhawk soaring overhead, a tiny sunbird flitting from flower to flower, or a Eurasian Wryneck which I sighted at ARAI hill, each bird sighting is a moment to cherish. It requires patience, keen observation skills, and an understanding of the ecosystem in which birds live. As you immerse yourself in the world of birds, you become more attuned to the sights and sounds of the natural environment, noticing details that you might have overlooked before. Once you start paying attention to the birds around you, you'll be amazed to discover roughly 25-30 different bird species in your vicinity. Did you know the immense variety of birds in the world and in India? Globally, there are approximately 10,000 to 11,000 bird species, with India alone hosting around 1,300 to 1,400 species.
Connecting with Nature
Birdwatching provides a unique opportunity to connect with nature on a personal level. Spending time outdoors, away from the hustle and bustle of daily life, allows you to unwind and recharge amidst the serenity of the natural world. Whether you're exploring a local park, hiking through a forest, or simply sitting on your terrace, birdwatching invites you to slow down and appreciate the beauty of your surroundings. Ever since my family and I started birding about 5-6 years ago, all our family leisure trips turned into birding excursions. Birdwatching also fosters a sense of stewardship for the environment. By learning about the birds in your area and their habitats, you gain a greater understanding of the importance of conservation efforts. You may find yourself getting involved in bird-friendly initiatives, such as planting trees, participating in citizen science projects, or advocating for the protection of natural habitats.
A Hobby for Everyone
One of the wonderful things about birdwatching is that it's accessible to people of all ages and abilities. Whether you're a seasoned birder with years of experience or a complete novice just starting out, there's always something new to learn and discover. All you need to get started is a pair of binoculars, a field guide to help you identify birds, and a sense of curiosity. You can birdwatch alone for a peaceful solo adventure or join a local birding group to connect with fellow enthusiasts and learn from more experienced birders.
Tips for Birdwatching Success
Be Patient: Birds can be elusive creatures, so patience is key. Take your time and be prepared to wait quietly for birds to appear.
Use Binoculars: A good pair of binoculars will help you get a closer look at birds without disturbing them.
Learn Bird Calls: Familiarize yourself with the calls and songs of different bird species. This can help you locate birds even if you can't see them.
Respect Wildlife: Remember to observe birds from a safe distance and avoid disturbing their natural behaviour.
Keep a Journal: Keep a birdwatching journal to record your sightings, observations, and any interesting behaviours you observe. There is a web portal managed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology called eBird which also can be used to record bird checklists and their behaviours.
Conclusion:
Birdwatching is more than just a hobby; it's a journey of discovery and connection with the natural world. Whether you're admiring the graceful flight of an eagle, the colourful plumage of an Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher, or the melodic song of an Oriental magpie-robin, each bird encounter is a reminder of the beauty and diversity of our planet. So, grab your binoculars, head outdoors, and let the magic of birdwatching transport you to a world of wonder and exploration. Who knows what feathered friends you'll encounter along the way? Happy birdwatching!
Comments
Post a Comment