Birder Profile–Rachita Priyadarshini Sahoo

Meet Rachita Priyadarshini Sahoo, a young birder from Odisha whose journey into birding began in the lush surroundings of the Eastern Ghats. Introduced to eBird by her brother, she now finds joy in every bird call and sighting, whether near her home in Nayagarh or while exploring wetlands and other habitats across the state.

1. Please tell us a bit about yourself. What do you do and where do you live?

I’m from Nayagarh, Odisha, and currently live in Cuttack while pursuing my Bachelor’s degree at Utkal University. I also work as a home tutor, teaching school students.

2. When and how did you get interested in birding?

I grew up in my hometown, surrounded by the Eastern Ghats, where I was always close to nature and rich biodiversity. A few years ago, my brother- Satya Sidharth Das, who is an excellent birder, introduced me to eBird. Ever since then, I haven’t been able to ignore a single bird sighting or call. I believe the biodiverse environment I was raised in has deeply influenced my passion for birding.

3. Do you have a favourite bird or birds? Why is it/are they your favourite?

My favorite bird is the Red Avadavat because of its stunning colors and the way it forms flocks and moves together. I also really enjoy the Oriental Magpie Robin for its beautiful and melodious songs.

4. Do you have a birding partner or a group you enjoy birding with? How is birding alone different from birding with others?

I truly enjoy birdwatching with my brother and have learned many things from him. I also like going birding on my own or with a small group of 3–4 people, where we exchange knowledge and share our experiences. While birding alone is enjoyable, there’s something special about spotting a new bird and sharing that excitement with a birding partner or group.

5. What is your most memorable birding experience?

One morning while birding at a wetland near my hometown, a Shikra flew in with its prey and landed on a pole right next to me. It was a thrilling and unforgettable experience that has stayed with me ever since.

6. Anything on the birding bucket list? (Doesn’t have to be a bird, could be a place, witnessing a phenomena, etc)

Right now, one of the top species on my birding bucket list is the Greater Flamingo, which I hope to see at Chilika Lake. Along with that, I also plan to visit Bhitarkanika and Similipal National Park soon.

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 different landscapes across different districts and states?

While I love visiting new places and exploring the bird diversity,, I prefer regular birding around my house and hometown, where I feel more connected to the surroundings.

8. How has your approach to birding changed over the years?

Ever since I started regular birding, I’ve felt much closer to nature. I can’t ignore a bird’s sight or call anymore, and every birding session leaves me feeling refreshed.

9. Have you set any birding goals for the coming months?

My current goal is to find an Indian Pitta– a summer migrant to Odisha and to see the white morph of Indian Paradise Flycatcher. I’ll be thrilled to find spot these birds my hometown.

Header Image: Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus roseus © Fareed Mohmed / Macaulay Library