Birder Profile–Ankita Bhatt

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?

My name is Ankita Bhatt, and I work as a teacher in a semi-urban area of Uttarakhand. I live in a small city named Kotdwar surrounded by nature, offering a peaceful and scenic environment. Being close to nature inspires me in my work and daily life, and I enjoy the tranquility it brings. Teaching is my passion, and I find it incredibly fulfilling to be able to contribute to the growth and development of my students.

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

In 2017, I joined the Great Backyard Bird Count at the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), and that was my introduction to the fascinating world of birds. At that time, I only knew common birds like sparrows and pigeons. My team had some amazing birders, who guided me through the experience. On my first day, I was astonished to see the wide variety of birds living around us—birds I had never noticed before. During the event, I spotted drongos, doves, prinias, white-eyes, and more.

The event encouraged me to pay closer attention to the different species, and I soon became captivated by their behaviors and variety. What began as a casual hobby quickly grew into a passion, as I found joy in observing birds in their natural habitats and learning more about them. Birding not only allowed me to connect more deeply with nature but also brought a sense of serenity and wonder to my daily life.

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

While my favorite bird is the owlet, I am also deeply enchanted by the drongo’s graceful flight. Watching these birds soar with such agility and precision, darting through the air with playful energy, always captivates me. Equally mesmerizing is the delicate movement of the fantail, whose fluttering wings and the soft fan of its tail create an almost magical dance in the air. The soaring raptors, with their majestic wings cutting effortlessly through the sky, evoke a sense of awe and freedom. I also find great joy in the lively presence of the Indian White-eye (Oriental White-eye), with its vibrant yellow plumage and energetic movements. Each of these birds—owlets, drongos, fantails, raptors, and white-eyes—offers a unique glimpse into the beauty and wonder of nature, making my birding journey all the more enchanting.

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 have a few birding partners, and I enjoy both birding alone and with a group. When I bird alone, I always carry a field book to jot down notes and observations. It’s a peaceful experience that lets me connect deeply with nature. Birding with others, however, is a wonderful learning experience. I get a lot of help from my fellow birders, which makes learning much quicker and more enjoyable. The excitement of spotting a bird together and sharing knowledge adds a special touch. Both solo and group birding have their own charm, and I enjoy each for different reasons.

5. What is your most memorable birding experience?

My most memorable birding experience happened when I noticed something moving on the ground. I quickly focused my binoculars to take a glance, and to my surprise, I saw a Jungle Owlet, deep in the middle of a hunt. The owl sensed my movements and turned to look at me, its large, adorable yellow eyes widening as it focused on me. For a few seconds, we locked eyes, and then it quickly turned, grabbed its prey, and flew to a nearby tree. Adding more to this fantastic event, I saw that it had a snake in its claws. The entire moment was magical—an intimate glimpse into the wild that I will always cherish.

Jungle Owlet Glaucidium radiatum © H Nambiar / Macaulay Library

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

One of the things on my birding bucket list is to witness the migration of birds, particularly the mass movements of species like Amur Falcon or Himalayan Griffon. I’ve always been fascinated by the way these birds travel long distances, and I’d love to experience this phenomenon up close. I’m also drawn to different landscapes, whether it’s the majestic mountains, lush meadows, vast deserts, winding rivers, or the expansive oceans. Each landscape offers its own unique charm and birding opportunities. I also want to do more birding in the mountains of Uttarakhand, my home state, which offers a rich diversity of birds and landscapes.

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 enjoy both types of birding, I find widespread birding in different landscapes more exciting. It offers the opportunity to observe a diverse range of species and witness different ecosystems. Each region has its unique birdlife, which makes every birding trip an adventure. That said, birding locally still holds a special place, allowing me to connect with my surroundings and observe the changes over time.

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

Over the years, birding has become less about ticking off species and more about savoring the quiet moments of connection with nature. I now find joy in watching birds in their natural dance, observing their beauty and behavior. It’s no longer just about spotting them, but about feeling a deep, peaceful bond with the wild world around me. Birding has become a slow, sweet rhythm in my life, reminding me of nature’s quiet wonders.

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

Yes, I have set a few birding goals for the coming months. I plan to get more involved in birding, focusing on deepening my knowledge and improving my skills in observing bird behavior and interactions. I also want to document my sightings more thoroughly and perhaps start a birding journal. I’m excited to keep learning and discovering new aspects of the birding world.

Header Image: White-throated Fantail Rhipidura albicollis © Sourav Mandal / Macaulay Library