Birding

  • Anita Jaswal
  • India
  • Aug 29, 2014

 

 

‘I don't feed the birds because they need me; I feed the birds because I need them’-Kathi Hutton. 

I can find God in nature, in animals, in birds and the environment.


The number of retirees who refuse to rock away their golden years in a chair, preferring instead to rock ‘n’ roll, is growing by leaps and bounds. A variety of hobbies and activities prevail among these retirees. They are pretty smart. There is now firm belief that, in order to live longer and happier, it is important for elders to stay physically, mentally and socially stimulated. One hobby that seems to be tailor made for this is ‘Birding’ (Birdwatching).  Retired Naval officer, Commander Shamsher Singh Dahiya, says, “Many of us have wished that we could just wander and enjoy the beauty of nature. ‘Birding’ offers an opportunity for this. It allows you to explore your curiosities, gives you a reason to stop and contemplate, and makes you realise what a joy it is to share this world with many wonderful creatures.” Most people are drawn to the birds themselves – their diverse beauty and their variety of songs. Sighting a bird species for the first time gives them a special high. Others like the companionship that naturally comes along with Birding. While Birding is a ‘peaceful’ hobby, it’s also exciting and often awe-inspiring; there’s an element of mystery involved when you begin a Birding excursion. You can’t always predict what sort of bird you might spot on your trip. And then there’s that special thrill when you finally spot a bird you’ve been longing to see. 

India is a Birding paradise, with as many as 1301 recorded species. This includes endemic, terrestrial and migratory birds. Home to a range of forests and landscapes, India offers a wide variety of birds – which includes endangered species like the Great Hornbill, Great Indian Bustard and Jerdon’s Courser. The bird paradises include the Pong Dam Wetands of Himachal Pradesh - undoubtedly Kangra’s hidden gem, and the Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary, Arunachal Pradesh - a heady mixture of bamboo thickets, evergreen forests and alpine forests. Such is our avian abundance that even in urban areas you will be able to spot twenty or more species over a month or so. Depending on migratory patterns, many locales see hundreds of different types in a year. Of course you need to pay attention. Once you get down to the task of spotting them, you will – and then you’re on your way to becoming a Birder! You need to meet the birds in their elements. The deeper you get into the wilderness, the closer you will be to the places where rare birds dwell. So, grab your hat and camera, put on your best boots and get out there. The fresh air will anyway do you good. A retired person’s hobby options remain as endless as the nuances of their personality. You’ll want to find a hobby you enjoy and find stimulating. You won’t go wrong with Birding. Happy trails!

 

There are few things more nourishing to the body, mind, and soul than a direct experience of the natural world – where we can go wild! Part of the beauty of Birding excursions is the variety of the surroundings. Waterfowl are best explored in a marsh or a wetland; for shorebirds you need to hit the beach; warblers and tree-clingers love trees, so plan a trip to the nearest forest; and when migration season comes round, and the valleys are rich with raptors, you would be wise to climb a mountain..and look down on bird paradise.

 


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