Syed Mustahsen is a passionate birdwatcher from Jammu and Kashmir, whose love for birds has been nurtured through cherished experiences with his father, Mr. Intesar Suhail, and dedicated companions like Hammad Qari and Tahir Gazanfar. While Syed has primarily birded within J&K, he relishes every opportunity across its forests, wetlands, scrubs, orchards, and gardens.
1. Please tell us a bit about yourself. What do you do and where do you live?
My name is Syed Mustahsen. I was born and brought up in Kashmir, and I did my early schooling in Srinagar. Presently, I am pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Humanities from the University of Delhi, with history as one of my main subjects.
2. When and how did you get interested in birding?
I was attracted to birds in my early childhood because of my father, who is an ornithologist and a serving officer in the J&K Wildlife Department. Accompanying my father on his birding sojourns helped me get to know more about the birds, and soon birdwatching became my passion.
3. Do you have a favourite bird or birds? Why is it/are they your favourite?
My favourite bird happens to be the Kashmir Flycatcher. It was the first species that I had to really work hard to see for the first time. In those days, sightings of this bird were very rare in Kashmir, its breeding ground. Although it was more commonly seen down south in its wintering habitats, I still can’t get over the excitement I felt watching the male bird in its vibrant summer plumage for the very first time. Since then, I have been visiting the location every year without fail, with the same enthusiasm.
4. Do you have a birding partner or a group you enjoy birding with? How is birding alone different from birding with others?
Apart from my father, Mr. Intesar Suhail, who is my favourite birding partner, I have enjoyed birding with Hammad Qari and Tahir Gazanfar, my co-birders, for the last nine years. Kashmir Birdwatch, the oldest and one of the most popular bird clubs in Jammu and Kashmir, has been guiding youngsters like us to become responsible birdwatchers and valuable contributors to bird conservation.
5. Anything on the birding bucket list? (Doesn’t have to be a bird,could be a place, witnessing a phenomena, etc).
No. 1 on the birding bucket list has to be the elusive Western Tragopan. I haven’t had the luck to see it so far. I hope one day I get to see this magnificent bird in its habitat.
6. Which of the two do you enjoy more and why: a) regular birding around your house/local patch/district, or b) widespread birding in different landscapes across different districts and states?
Honestly, I have only had a few opportunities to go birding outside J&K. I have enjoyed birding in all the habitats—forests, wetlands, scrubs, orchards, and gardens—across my state and won’t miss any opportunity to do so.
7. How has your approach to birding changed over the years? (optional)
Over the years, I have understood that my birding habits have evolved, and with my own experience and guidance from my seniors, my approach to birding has become more responsible and ethical.
8. Have you set any birding goals for the coming months?
I shifted to Delhi for my education, but for the past five months I have remained busy getting acclimatised to the new place and preparing for my first semesters. I would love to explore the birds and birding areas around the city and add them to my list!
Header Image: Orange Bullfinch Pyrrhula aurantiaca by Andrew Spencer/ Macaulay Library
