Birder Profile is a monthly series from Bird Count India, where we connect with bird enthusiasts from across the country.
1. Please tell us a bit about yourself. What do you do and where do you live?
I am a pediatrician by training, and I have a master’s in conservation and community change. At present, I am working as the District Medical Officer, Kamle District, with the Government of Arunachal Pradesh. I was originally from Ziro in the Lower Subansiri district of Arunachal Pradesh, but I currently live in Raga, Kamle district.
2. When and how did you get interested in birding?
I was part of Future Generations, an organisation that promoted sustainable development in Arunachal Pradesh. We implemented many developmental and conservation projects in the state. We established a local organization named NgunuZiro as an offshoot. One of NgunuZiro’s initiatives was to organize the annual Ziro Butterfly Meet. So, initially, I got interested in photographing colourful butterflies. In the past few years, we have also participated in Ziro Bird Walks in collaboration with the Arunachal Pradesh Birding Club. That is also how I became fascinated by the birds.
3. Do you have a favourite bird or birds? Why is it/are they your favourite?
All birds are fascinating in their own ways. No particular favourite as such.
4. Do you have a birding partner or a group you enjoy birding with? How is birding alone different from birding with others?
There is a group that participates in the Ziro Bird Walk, and the members of NgunuZiro occasionally get together and plan nature trips. However, due to the nature of my job and my location, I am not able to be part of such group activities as much as I want to. Therefore, birding alone is my preferred option, as it allows me the flexibility to do it whenever I have the time.
5. What is your most memorable birding experience?
Yet to come, I guess.
6. Anything on the birding bucket list? (Doesn’t have to be a bird, could be a place, witnessing a phenomena, etc)
Nothing in particular, but a birding opportunity in South America is something I dream of.
7. Which of the two do you enjoy more and why: a) regular birding around your house/local patch/district, or b) widespread birding in
Widespread birding, of course. Regular birding locally, though not so regular, happens anyway.
8. Have you set any birding goals for the coming months?
The goals usually are to add some checklists in as many different places as possible.
Header Image: Blyth’s Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus reguloides © Kanno Tage/ Macaulay Library
