The weather on Sunday morning was pleasantly mild and not overly humid, drawing a gathering of approximately 25 individuals, some equipped with binoculars and cameras featuring long lenses. They all directed their gaze skyward, attempting to spot the birds whose melodious chirping resonated through the trees.
This gathering at the National Zoological Park (NZP) has been a weekly occurrence for the past four Sundays, with a three-hour bird-watching event attracting nature enthusiasts, photographers, and families alike.
The event commences at 6:30 AM and is offered at no additional charge, aside from the Zoo’s entry fee of Rs 80 that participants pay during registration.
On July 5, The Indian Express attended the walk, which was guided by wildlife author Surya Prakash, who was dressed appropriately in khaki trousers, a military-green t-shirt adorned with beige paw prints, and a camouflage hat. He was joined by biologist Aarti Chavda and curator Manoj Kumar.
During this session, participants observed a diverse array of bird species, with the NZP noting that 41 species and over 100 individual sightings were recorded. According to Zoo director Sandeep Kumar, a broader variety of bird species is generally seen during the winter months.
Each week, the walk explores a distinct trail within the Zoo. The primary focus is on observing free-ranging birds, although participants are welcome to visit the Zoo’s captive birds and animals afterward.
Ashwin Sachdev, a member of the July 5 group, expressed his passion for birdwatching, likening it to a powerful addiction. “It’s a worse addiction than drugs,” he joked.
A trip to Jim Corbett National Park with his wife in 1995 had profoundly influenced his life, leading him to spend the last 30 years exploring wildlife parks across India, according to Sachdev.
Brinda, the Sachdevs’ 18-year-old daughter, shared her family’s commitment to wildlife-oriented travel: “Almost all our trips revolve around wildlife. Initially, it was about animals for me, but I have since developed a keen interest in birds as well. I can now identify many species.”
Other group members also shared their personal connections to various bird species. When a white-throated kingfisher was spotted resting on a branch, some participants raised their phones to capture the moment, while others chatted about enjoying a cold beverage on a warm day.
By a water body, the Zoo’s resident pelicans were observed yawning and stretching their wings. Rahul Sharma, a government employee, reminisced about family picnics in this green area years ago, stating, “It’s wonderful to return here.”
A black-crowned night heron was perched atop a high branch, and soon the group noticed another of the same species, although its feathers were brown, indicating it was a juvenile, as Neeraj, a 43-year-old birder, informed the others.
Seven-year-old Zachory Lopez was the youngest participant in the walk. His father, Jason, who manages tourism camps, discovered the Zoo’s announcement on Instagram and decided to enroll the family.
Zachory was ecstatic to witness a male peacock displaying its feathers, and he was even more delighted as additional peacocks appeared along the path, showcasing their magnificent tail fans.
As a white-breasted waterhen called out, Priyanshu, a Zoology Master’s student volunteering at the Zoo, pointed out to the group that the birds’ names often provide descriptive insights into their appearance.
When an Indian grey hornbill was spotted, binoculars were instantly raised and cameras zoomed in. Many participants had followed reports of a female pied hornbill that had been observed assisting in feeding a nesting female grey hornbill alongside her mate at Lodhi Garden.
The walk concluded with a discussion led by the expert and the Zoo director at the Education Centre, where they reviewed the birds the group had seen and welcomed feedback and suggestions. As the rainy season begins in the city, a Butterfly and Dragonfly Walk is set to commence at the Zoo on July 12.
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