With eyes in the skies

They know the name, history, behaviour and peculiarities of every winged denizen of the skies. An informal group of people who do well to manage their time between their professional lives and chasing their hobby of bird-watching, these birders have grouped themselves under the banner of ‘Birdwatchers Field Club of Bangalore’.

Some of the founding members of this 50-year-old club are no more but the club is kept alive by a few bird-enthusiasts. This group meets regularly every second Sunday of the month. Their Sundays begin at 7.30 am at the Lalbagh Glass House and the outing lasts for about three to four hours, depending on the variety of birds they spot. There is another wing of this club which meets on the first Sunday of every month at Hebbal Tank at 7.30 am.

The group also keeps an eye peeled out for small animals, plants, butterflies and insects. Sharing his perspective of the club, U Harish Kumar, one of the oldest member of this Club, says that he was introduced to the Club a few years ago by his cousin and has been active since. “Every new bird you see makes you happy and it is very thrilling to see birds of different hues and with various food habits. It’s a challenging hobby and not only increases one’s knowledge about nature but sharpens one’s observational power as well. It also keeps one fit and active,” states Harish.

MB Krishna, another member, confesses that he took to birdwatching when he was in middle school. “This hobby is indeed very different and does well to hold your interest because as a keen birdwatcher, you are curious to understand and read up on every new bird you come across,” he states. Krishna observes that while Lalbagh and Hebbal Lake remain the hotspots, the green spaces in the City are sadly dwindling.

Ravi, another bird enthusiast, says that he makes it a point to be at the bird watching outings at least once a month. “It’s an interest that I’ve been pursuing for a long time now and I just hold onto it because it’s a perfect way to unwind,” adds Ravi.

Kishan SB, works in the systems department of an IT Company. He says that he is in a desk job for eight hours a day which leaves him with little time to indulge in any physical activity. “I travelled to Melkote a few years ago with my friends and that’s how the interest in birdwatching began. When I came across this group, I joined them and it has been a wonderful learning experience,” he states. Kishan adds that he not only remains fit because of all the walking but gets to meet a new group of people at every meet.

Prashanth Badrinath took to birdwatching when he was just three. “My father was a birdwatcher and would take me on all of his outings to Bellandur Lake, Puttenahalli, Vasanthapura and Lalbagh. I understood the importance of natural conservation from a young age and I would make it a point to talk to a lot of young people who come on the outings about it,” Prashanth.

Usha Ramaiah is an environmental conservationist and has been a part of a lot of campaigns related to the environment and tiger conservation for as long as she can remember. “Birdwatching is an integral part of natural conservation and in addition to meeting a lot of new people, I also make it a point to talk to people about conserving the environment and help spot rare kinds of birds,” she says.