Jabili Rao is a birder and a naturalist who enjoys watching mixed-species flocks in the Andaman Islands. Continue reading to learn more about her…
Please tell us a bit about yourself. What do you do and where do you live?
I am Jabili Rao, born and raised in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. I have completed my Master’s degree in commerce and working as a naturalist for Tribesmen.in– a company specialized in birding tours in the Andamans.
When and how did you get interested in birding?
My interest in birding started when I was in class 4. My mom used to show me parakeets, sunbirds, and other common birds in our garden. It was only after the pandemic that I regularly started watching birds.
Do you have a favourite bird or birds? Why is it/are they your favourite?
My favourites change all the time. My recent favourite are Crab-Plover and Amur Falcon. Other than that I really like owls.
Where do you enjoy birding the most?
I enjoy birding in the forest especially watching mixed hunting parties. Also, birding in wetlands and shores is quite exhilarating.
Do you have a birding partner or a group you enjoy birding with? How is birding alone different from birding with others?
Yes, I go birding with my group of 4 or 5 people. And I bird alone near my home.
Anything on the birding bucket list? (Doesn’t have to be a bird, could be a place, witnessing a phenomenon, etc)
First and foremost I wish to see all the endemics of the Andamans. I also wish to see birds found in Northeast India and the Western Ghats and likely every possible endemic and rarity of India.
Has eBird changed how you bird? How?
eBird has made birding easy, A easy and less time-consuming way to record your data. And also you can go through the various hotspots and decide where to go for birding.
Have you set any birding goals for the coming months?
My birding goals for the coming months are to try to look for Crab-Plover and Beach Thick-knee.
What is your message for fellow birders?
My message for my fellow birders is that they share their knowledge with others, encourage more people to watch birds, and make them aware of why birds are important for the ecosystem.
GREAT JOB JABILI!!