Taking some time off from the cycle of monotonous life to indulge in a recreational activity is an opportunity to find expression in your life. Studies have shown that keeping a hobby has proven beneficial in decluttering one’s mind away from stressful thoughts. Furthermore, it is seen as a therapy to improve physical fitness and mental health.

Amongst several recreational activities such as Reading, Writing, Cooking, Gardening, Painting, Hiking, Photography, etc.- Birdwatching as a hobby is gaining immense popularity among various age groups. Today many people are showing more interest to go for eventful birding trails than ever before. The level of in-depth knowledge and sensitivity a birdwatcher carries for a winged species has led to the inception of several bird conservation organisations and trusts around the globe. Birds on the threshold of extinction are now being repopulated thanks to the proper measures taken by the government and other stakeholders along with tremendous awareness generated by birdwatchers.

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Here are five reasons why birdwatching is seen as an emerging trend-

#1) Build a Strong Connect With Nature

With increasing dependency on the virtual world, we are losing our connection with mother earth. The digitalisation and automation of several things might have eased our lives on many levels, however, it has also made us ignorant of the beautiful environment we are blessed to be a part of. Birdwatching as an activity is a reminder of our deep-rooted bond with nature. Through birding trails, one can get a chance to explore places filled with natural beauty.

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#2) A Fun, Frolic and Flexible Recreational Activity

As a recreational activity, birdwatching is becoming fashionable amongst many developed countries and several cosmopolitan cities for its flexible timings and amusing pathways that opens the doorway to a rich and gorgeous avian life. It can be tailored to suit one’s needs. You can either spend some time identifying birds in your backyard or take a trip to places where there is more probability of finding your target winged species.

#3) A Feasible and Economical Activity

The reason why adopting birdwatching as a hobby is that it is both feasible and economical, there is no cost nor any costly equipment attached to spotting a bird species or appreciating watching birds in general. However, to intensify the venture into a more memorable and knowledgeable experience one can also hire an experienced and educated field guide carrying good knowledge of birds in his respective region or a DSLR camera to photograph a bird that fascinates you a lot.

#4) Spread Awareness About Bird Conversation

Watching birds in their natural habitat is not only seen as a stressbuster but also re-energizes our physical body and mental soundness and educates us on how intimately we are connected with other inhabitants living on this planet. Spotting a bird invariably unfolds several topics concerning the biology, geography, sociology, politics, and history of the region. Witnessing a bird soaring in the sky is certainly amusing but it also touches the issue of their vulnerability in the current scenario and the steps one can take to prevent their permanent extinction. Birdwatchers have proven to be a boon when it comes to bird conversation. Just by spreading awareness about the importance of the survival of these species they have influenced many people to work in the direction of conversation.

#5) Awakens the Power of Meditation

Watching birds leisurely brings calmness and relaxation to mind. Navigating winged species in their natural habitat not only teaches one to live in the moment but also initiate self-introspection and self-examination. Birdwatching is an ideal way to improve concentration for those who find it difficult to concentrate through closed eyes and yoga exercises.

Today India is seen as the second most famous destination amongst birdwatchers after Papua New Guinea. In spite of carrying the highest population on this planet, it is interesting to see how this country has managed to shelter some of the endangered species within its periphery. Every winter the vast and stunning wetlands of Little Rann of Kutch, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, Chilika Lake, Harike Lake, Carambolim Lake, Chambal etc transform into the interim home of Lesser Flamingos, Greater Flamingos, Bar-headed Goose, Lesser Whistling Ducks, Ruddy Shelduck, Northern Pintail, Common Pochard, Marbled Teal, Comb Duck, Common Teal, Mallard along with other waterfowls, waders, raptors, flycatchers, geese and ducks.

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While the verdant hills of Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Kashmir, and Sikkim are ruled by Pheasants and Partridge such as Cheer Pheasant, Khalij Pheasant, Koklass Pheasant, Snow Partridge, Rufous-throated Partridge, Blood Pheasant, and Blyth’s tragopan, their virgin forests are humble abode to many sought-after species such as Siberian Rubythroat, Indian Pitta, Himalayan Rubythroat long-tailed broadbill, Ibisbill, Collared Owlet, Mrs Gould Sunbird, Kashmiri Nutcracker, Red-headed Bullfinch etc.

One cannot close eyes to the arable lands of India which is playing host to the critically endangered species of the Bustard family such as The Great Indian Bustard, Lesser Florican, and Bengal Florican.

This is a country where a bird named Forest Owlet considered to be extinct in 1883 was rediscovered in 1997 in the deciduous forest of Central India and a new bird species- Bugun Liocichla spotted in the forest of Arunachal Pradesh was introduced to the world in 2006. With such a diverse birdlife residing in the country, birdwatching in India is a tremendous experience that one should not give it a miss.

Story by : Riccha Arora

A sunny morning in March, during lockdown when I was casually sitting in my bedroom, got an idea to take up my interest to the next level and start writing the blogs.

Introducing myself as a housewife and now a mother of two years old, I have already posted blogs on social media on parenthood, travel and other topics related to the same. At the age when kids use to enjoy toys and outdoor games, I started living in a fantasy world of becoming a writer as I had always enjoyed writing. Time passed and my life took a turn. I got married and started enjoying my life to the fullest.

Achievement doesn’t mean degrees and a file full of papers you got in life but it means the compliment you received for your work. My posts which I use to write in my free time were always complimented by my near ones. After so many years when I again started following my hobby and how it become a passion, is no less than a surprise.

I am Riccha Arora, and this is my transformative journey from an unknown being into a person who is acknowledged for her writing and wants to inspire the world with her stories.

“Everyone’s life is an experience in itself it is up to the person how they showcase it. This real-life story is one of its kind which will make you realize the importance of self love and self-acceptance. A story that every woman must read.”

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