Book Review: Pilgrim at Tinker Creek

Pilgrim at Tinker Creek by Anne Dillard Rating: 5/5 I am in awe of the depth and richness of this book. Annie Dillard “rejects the label of nature writer”, but after having read so many books on Natural History, I can easily claim that she is one of the best nature authors you would read. Undoubtedly, her writings deeply reflect […]

A burst of happiness

If there is one thing that guarantees a beautiful start to a day, it is meeting a lively host of sparrows hopping and chirruping in your verandah. I had not seen House Sparrows for quite some time, so to stop and observe their antics was refreshing, a warm flow of energy as good as gulping down a hot cup of […]

Tribute to the Bird Man of India

12th November, 2015 marks 119th birthday of one of the greatest ornithologists of India, Late Dr. Salim Ali. His research and field works were revolutionary and he contributed extensively to the field of ornithology by publishing breakthrough scientific papers and books. His book, the Book of Indian Birds is a definitive guide to every Indian birdwatcher, amateur and serious alike. […]

A gang of birds

Last year I bought my first pair of binoculars (finally!), a Nikon Aculon A211 8×42. I hardly had enough time to do birding for the last six months, so now that I have some moments to spare, I”m trying my best to go for birding as much as I can, albeit in my neighbourhood itself. It is really worth the […]

Birds of Pallikaranai wetland

One of the things that I love about Chennai is how commonly one can see water birds here. Wherever you go in the outskirts of the city there is always area covering marshes, swamps, lakes or creeks that are home to an abundance of water birds. While commuting to work, I get quite a nice view of such marshy areas that are around Pallikaranai […]

Birds in folklores and mythologies

“Main kahan rukta hoon arsh-o-farsh ki awaaz se, mujhko jana hai bahut uncha hadd-e-parwaaz se.” — Urdu poem as uttered by the bird Huma  (written in the cover of Huma magazine) During a phone conversation with my dad last night, he mentioned me about an Urdu magazine, Huma, which he used to read regularly in past. He told me Huma […]