Wings of change

As nature takes over during this lockdown period, House Sparrows, Common Mynahs and Rose-ringed Parakeets can be heard more often than before. While they enjoy popularity, other species too, are being spotted in Mumbai, which makes it an ideal time for bird watching.

From the easily recognisable yet briefly absent Asian Koel to the beautiful Red-whiskered Bulbul, gazing out of windows has never been more fun for Mumbaikars.

However, birding or bird watching, as it is more commonly called, can be a daunting task as it is not only about recognising them by colour but firstly spotting them to start with. “If one is familiar with well-known birds like the house crow, common pigeon, myna, and parakeet, then you are already a part-time bird watcher,” adds Monga. Interestingly, while these come to your window, it is the other avian species which may make you work to spot them. “Early mornings are a good time to observe birds and with no traffic on the roads, they are very active,” says Neeraj Chawla, city-based architect and wildlife photographer.

Apart from the usual suspects, some of the other birds to look out for are the Asian Koel, Common Tailorbird, Sunbird, Coppersmith Barbet, Golden Oriole, Red-vented Bulbul, White Spotted Fantail, and White-throated Kingfishers during the morning and evening. Kandivali-based Chawla adds, “It is breeding season for many species and a good time to observe their behaviour. The Black-crowned Night herons are nesting on the tree near me.”