Birder Profile–Mehnaz Nazir Bhat

Growing up, Mehnaz would observe the various bird species that frequented her home, including raptors, tits, and thrushes. However, it was the majestic raptors that particularly captivated her imagination. Despite not having been exposed to formal birding environments, her curiosity led her to embark on a journey of exploration into the untamed wilderness of Kashmir during her Ph.D. research. Read on to get a deeper glimpse into Mehnaz’s journey and passion for birding…

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

I admire having a life full of adventures and challenges because they help us to grow in the toughest version ever. My name is Mehnaz Nazir. I am from Pampore, Kashmir. I have a great deal of passion to work for nature and its conservation. I have a master’s degree in environmental science, and I am presently pursuing my Ph.D. that involves studying large carnivores in the protected areas of Kashmir.

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

Since childhood, I used to observe birds around my home. Bird species including raptors, tits and thrushes were regular visitors. It was interesting to watch them, especially the raptors. I was never exposed to any birding environment till I started to explore the wilderness of Kashmir for my Ph.D research. During my fieldwork, I started documenting bird diversity in the protected areas of Kashmir (2021 onwards).

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

I have an immense love for all bird species, but it’s the raptors that truly capture my heart. Since childhood, these magnificent “birds of prey” have consistently thrilled me the most. Their strength, agility, and hunting skills have made me an unwavering admirer throughout my life.

Golden Eagle © Mehnaz Nazir

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

I often do birding with field assistants. We always enjoy birding together. In my home and my university campus, I go birding alone. To do birding in a group or alone does not feel much different to me. I enjoy it in both ways.

5. What is your most memorable birding experience?

Every encounter with a bird species leaves a lasting impression on me, but if I had to highlight one specific experience, it would be the remarkable sighting of Cheer Pheasants in Lachipora Wildlife Sanctuary. During my sampling trek in 2021, while returning from the trail with my field assistant, we were taken by surprise when a Cheer pheasant emerged seemingly out of thin air and gracefully landed a few meters away on the right side. It vanished in the dense canopy, before we could photograph.

In the summer of 2022, I found myself once again at Lachipora Wildlife Sanctuary. It was a late evening, and after a day of sampling, we were unwinding outside the field assistant’s house. Suddenly loud noise started to come from a nearby hill and I asked my field assistant about it. He told me they were from “Reyad” (the local Kashmiri name for Cheer Pheasant, which I was unaware of at the time). And the moment he said the English name, a surge of excitement propelled me forward, DSLR camera in hand, as I sprinted towards the hill. I continued running until I reached as close as possible, and there it was— a covey of Cheer Pheasant in front of my eyes, enjoying the late evening feeding.

Cheer Pheasants © Mehnaz Nazir

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

Of course, I have my bucket list. I wish to explore more of the wilderness of our Kashmir valley especially Kazinag National Park my favourite area in Kashmir. The species on my bucket list include Western Tragopan and all owls.

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?

I enjoy birding in high-altitudinal areas across different landscapes. I feel more of myself in those areas. Those areas are more pristine and wild. They allow me to experience adventure and challenge my birding skills.

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

Indeed, my approach to birding has evolved significantly over the years. It all began with exploring the areas around my home, but now I find myself venturing into the captivating and unspoiled high-altitudinal landscapes of Kashmir. To gain more knowledge about the avifauna of Kashmir, I joined the birding group ‘Birds of Kashmir‘. The group provided me with a platform to display my work. Many experts from the group have helped me, especially Irfan Jeelani, who always encouraged and guided me.

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

Certainly, in the upcoming months, I have set my sights on exploring an array of high-altitudinal areas.

Header Image: Cheer Pheasant Catreus wallichii © Abu Birder/ Macaulay Library