Birder Profile– Parul Parmar

Meet Parul Parmar, a passionate birder based in Chhattisgarh. What began as a love for photography—passed down from her father—gradually evolved into a deep fascination with birds and their behaviors. Over the years, birding has become more than just a hobby for Parul; it’s a form of mindfulness, a source of joy, and a way to stay connected to nature amidst her dynamic professional life.

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

I am a seasoned HR professional with over 25 years of corporate experience across diverse sectors, including IT, retail, telecommunications, consulting, and agriculture. My academic background includes a Doctorate in Management, an MMS with specialization in HR, and a Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy. Currently, I have ventured into solopreneurship, providing strategic business and HR consultancy services to a range of clients. I am based in Raipur, Chhattisgarh.

Outside of work, I’m passionate about nature enthusiast and a avid birder.

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

Curious to learn more about them—their names, behaviors, and habitats—I began identifying and documenting them. This curiosity turned into a hobby and eventually into a passion.

My journey into birding began about a decade ago, rooted in a lifelong passion for photography that I inherited from my father. He was an engineer with a keen eye for aesthetics and a technical approach to photography. Our family trips were incomplete without his camera and film reels, and I learned the importance of light, composition, and patience from him. This early exposure to photography earned me small recognitions in local contests and a few photo features in newspapers. My brother, who is a doctor, is also passionate about birding, which led to a few short family birding trips with my father, brother, and me to nearby spots. During a wildlife safari at Kanha, I captured several butterflies and birds. Curious to learn more about them—their names, behaviors, and habitats—I began identifying and documenting them. This curiosity turned into a hobby and eventually into a passion. I started going on bird walks, joining birding groups, and became an active contributor on platforms like eBird. That’s how my birding journey formally began.

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

I’m particularly drawn to birds of prey, or raptors: eagles, vultures, shikras, hawks, kites, etc. There’s something incredibly majestic and powerful about them. Though often spotted soaring high, capturing them perched in perfect light is a rare and thrilling experience. Their strong, confident presence and critical role in maintaining ecological balance fascinate me. While they’re not always celebrated in the birding world, I deeply appreciate their importance and marvel at their strength.

A congregation of vultures, photographed by Parul Parmar.

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

Yes, I do bird with a few partners regularly, typically 2–3 times a month. I’m also part of nature and wildlife groups like the All Women Nature Walks, Birds & Wildlife of Chhattigarh, and BNHS Bird Group. I’ve attended workshops on topics like ‘Leaf Warblers’ and ‘Earbirding’ by BNHS, and I keep participating in events like Great Backyard Bird Count, WINGs (formerly known as India Bird Races),  Hareli Bird Count, and so on.

Birding with a group offers the shared joy of discovery, learning from each other, and more eyes to spot different species. However, solo birding allows for a deeper connection with nature and one’s own pace of observation. Both experiences are enriching in their own ways.

5. What is your most memorable birding experience?

I would like to share a few experiences here. One unforgettable experience was at MPT Parsili, where I witnessed a dramatic scene: around 25–30 vultures feasting on a dead cow. Among them were Indian Vultures, Griffon Vultures, and Red-headed Vultures, both juveniles and adults. It was a powerful sight—raw, real, and humbling. Observing their pecking order, how the strong dominated and the weak waited their turn, reinforced the ecological role of scavengers. I managed to capture close-up photos and videos, as we were the only ones near the resort gate that day.

Another cherished memory is spotting a lifer, the Fire-capped Tit, along with one other birder mate at Raipur. I was fortunate to capture a photo, which was uploaded to eBird, making it a unique record as only one incident of the bird had been previously documented in another region of Chhattisgarh. It was a proud and fulfilling moment.

One heartwarming experience was rescuing a lovebird that was being attacked by crows during a morning walk. Drenched and frail, it was hard to identify at first—I mistook it for a baby parrot. This happened while I was visiting my parents in Mumbai. I immediately sought help from a neighbor who had a pet parrot and also reached out to online birder friends and local rescuers. Eventually, I connected with the local forest department, who came to take the bird for treatment. By then, it had regained some strength and was flying around the house. The official later shared a photo of the bird recovering well under their care. It was my first bird rescue and an incredibly fulfilling moment as a bird lover. Every life matters, and by being aware, empathetic, and responsive, each of us can contribute to protecting the delicate balance of nature.

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

Absolutely! While I continue to seek out new lifers and photograph diverse bird species, two phenomena top my bucket list. First, witnessing the mesmerizing Auroras — Northern or Southern Lights — in the polar regions. This celestial display of dynamic lights has always fascinated me. Second, I dream of experiencing the Great Migration in the Masai Mara, Kenya, a spectacular movement of wildebeest and other wildlife that I hope to document through my lens.

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 do enjoy regular local birding, my exploratory spirit is most alive when I’m in new landscapes. Visiting different habitats—forests, wetlands, and wildlife sanctuaries—offers richer diversity and learning opportunities. Every new location brings the possibility of lifers, and those sightings are truly exhilarating. These experiences fuel my passion and expand my understanding of bird behaviors and ecosystems.

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

Over time, my approach has matured. Initially, it was about self-driven exploration: clicking photos, identifying birds, and learning on my own. Now, it’s more purposeful. I contribute to bird counts, attend workshops, and try to spread awareness among beginner birders. My focus has shifted from just spotting birds to understanding their habitats and behaviors, and to giving back to the birding community through knowledge-sharing.

I strongly believe that more women should be encouraged to take up birding and explore the natural world. It’s also a wonderful way to engage children. Helping them identify birds, butterflies, and animals can nurture their connection with nature and deepen their understanding of ecology from a young age.

Birding often presents additional challenges for women even though it’s a gender-neutral activity by nature—often due to family responsibilities. However, with family support, such passions can thrive. In my case, the support my husband has given—especially when it comes to driving me to faraway or secluded birding spots—has meant a lot. While I do drive myself, his involvement makes it easier and safer. Support like this is incredibly important for female birders like me.

Ultramarine Flycatcher, photographed by Parul Parmar.

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

Birding truly nurtures both body and soul, and for me, it’s a blend of adventure, wellness, and inner joy.

Yes! I wish to improve my count of spotted birds year on year. To achieve this, I plan to explore new locations, connect with fellow birders, participate in more birding events, and continue learning and sharing along the way. While I would love to see this count grow faster, I also understand the importance of balancing my passion with my professional responsibilities and personal commitments to family. So, I’ll take it forward at a pace that’s enjoyable and manageable, progressing as amicably as possible.

My passion for birds has also found its way into my daily life, I find myself drawn to anything that carries a bird motif. Whether it’s stuffed birds, art pieces, sarees, dupattas, cushions, bedsheets, keychains, or clothing with bird prints, I can’t resist bringing a little bit of that joy home. Some may call it an obsession, but for me, it’s a way to keep the beauty and energy of birds around me, even when I’m indoors.

Beyond being a hobby, birding has been a form of therapy for me. It helps me disconnect from daily stress and reconnect with nature. The act of walking in natural surroundings, waiting patiently for a sighting, focusing deeply to spot the smallest movement, it all contributes to physical well-being, mindfulness, and emotional balance. The fresh air, greenery, and bird calls have a calming effect, bringing mental peace and clarity. Birding truly nurtures both body and soul, and for me, it’s a blend of adventure, wellness, and inner joy.

10. What message would you like to share for others?

Here’s something important I’d love others to know: you don’t need a fancy camera or expensive lens to begin this journey. I myself don’t have professional gear, yet my passion remains unwavering. Even simply observing birds, identifying them, and sharing your sightings can be a thrilling and fulfilling experience. Whether with binoculars, a phone camera, or just your eyes, birding is for everyone.

I strongly recommend others to give birding a try and experience how positively it can impact your life; physically, mentally, and emotionally.

You don’t need a fancy camera or expensive lens to begin this journey… birding is for everyone.

I strongly recommend others to give birding a try and experience how positively it can impact your life—physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Header Image: Bar-headed Goose Anser indicus . Photo by Parul Parmar