- Pallavi Arora is a writer and editor working at Varanasi. Although all birds are her favourite, barbets and babblers amuse her. Here is more about her and how she started her journey in the hobby of birdwatching.
1. Please tell us a little about yourself. Where do you live and what do you do?
I am Pallavi Arora, currently living in Varanasi. I have completed my master’s in Environmental Sciences and now working as an editor and writer for various clients. When I moved to Varanasi, I was unable to go birding because of the lockdown, and when the restrictions were lifted, I kept waiting for some birding events. I then realized that it is better to take the initiative and immediately after the Campus Bird Count 2021 we started “Birding Sundays in Varanasi”–an idea of having public bird walks in Varanasi. Due to some reasons, we were unable to continue this year. However, we are trying to resume it from this Sunday.
2. When and how did you get interested in birding?
My interest in birding started during my dissertation. My guide, Dr. Sumit Chakrabarti, taught me birding in TFRI, Jabalpur. Until January 2017, I was unaware that myna is called myna, and now my life list count is over 230 species. He taught me birding and bird photography step by step. Now, I dream of birds that do not even exist perhaps.
3. Do you have a favourite bird or birds? Why is it/are they your favorite?
All birds are my favorite. However, barbets and babblers attract my attention. They amuse me the most because of their extensive inter-species variation. The difference between the Jungle Babbler and the Yellow-eyed Babbler charmed me at my first spotting of Yellow-eyed Babbler. Same is with the barbets. I love all the barbets, from Coppersmith Barbet to the Blue-throated Barbet. I wish to be able to spot all species of all species of barbets and babblers around the world.
4. Where do you enjoy birding the most?
I enjoy birding in natural trails and forest areas. However, due to working from home and being a married woman, my birding is mostly limited to the campus of Banaras Hindu University (BHU) and my balcony.
5. Do you have a birding partner or a group you enjoy birding with? How is birding alone different from birding with others?
I started birding alone. However, when I was working as a biologist in SACON, I always had a partner from the team on the field. Whenever I am in the BHU campus, I prefer to bird alone. Currently, my husband is my birding partner. My hobby has intrigued him, and now he enjoys birding as much as I do. There is a huge difference between birding solo and with a partner. When you are alone, you are able to observe birds more carefully; there is no chit-chat along the trail; you can enjoy birding even without a camera; and moreover, there is no one to judge for not being able to identify a bird because you are out of practice.
6. Anything on the birding bucket list? (Doesn’t have to be a bird, could be a place, witnessing a phenomenon, etc)
I have a huge bucket list of birds, birding places, and things I want to experience firsthand. I want to see birds endemic to northeast India, as well as birds found in the extreme north and south India.
I want to calmly witness every aspect involved in the breeding behaviour of a specific species– mating to hatching of eggs and fledglings being fed and raised. I was looking for a Ph.D. in behavioral ecology, but unfortunately, I didn’t get a chance to pursue this due to some reasons.
I want to calmly witness every aspect involved in the breeding behaviour of a specific species– mating to hatching of eggs and fledglings being fed and raised. I was looking for a Ph.D. in behavioral ecology, but unfortunately, I didn’t get a chance to pursue this due to some reasons.
7. Has eBird changed how you bird? How?
Yes, eBird and Merlin have completely changed the way of birding. All we need to go on birding is a pair of binoculars and a smartphone. However, I prefer carrying my fieldguide and notebook as I like birding the old-school way.
8. Have you set any birding goals for the coming months?
For the coming months, I wish to spot Jacobin’s Cuckoo in Varanasi.
9. What is your message for fellow birders?
My message to fellow birders: Thanks for making a friendly and easy-to-approach birding community in India. For me, birding is like no-cost therapy. If anyone has any opportunities for me where I can use my talent of doodling, writing, and editing along with my passion for birding, please let me know.
If you happen to be in Varanasi, please join us for a Sunday morning bird walk. You can email me at [email protected]
Header Image: Pied Cuckoo Clamator jacobinus ©Swapnil Thatte/ Macaulay Library
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