Posts tagged with “Chhattisgarh”

Participant Profile: Arun Bharos

Thursday, 9 August, 2012

Where do you live?
I live in Raipur, the capital of Chhattisgarh.

When did you start watching birds?

I started birdwatching in the late 1970s. However, I became more systematic in 1980 and since then I have been maintaining a daily record of sightings of all birds and other fauna wherever I have been.

Who would you consider your birding mentor?
The one person who inspired me the most and initiated me into birding was my father late Mr R R Bharos, who was himself an outstanding naturalist.

Please describe a memorable birding experience.

While it is difficult to isolate a single event, I particularly cherish one incident in Udanti Wildlife Sanctuary back in 1985 when I encountered the White-bellied Woodpecker (Dryocopos javensis). This sighting, which was the first for the region, helped establish a crucial missing link in the distribution of the species. It was subsequently published in the Journal of Bombay Natural History Society.

What are your favourite migrants?
Among migrant birds I am particularly keen on waders and warblers. The more challenging the species the more interesting I find it!

What is your favourite place to watch migrants?

Although I like birding in heronries or wetlands, I am happy to watch birds anywhere – even at home.

Do you have any advice for beginning birdwatchers and naturalists?

My advice for starting birders is to have dedication and concentration. They should not hesitate to learn from experienced birdwatchers and naturalists whenever the opportunity comes.

Why do you think people should care about birds and nature?
There is lots to say on this, but to summarise in a sentence: because birds are excellent indicators of a healthy environment.

Is there any other information that you’d like to share with MigrantWatchers?
By profession I am an electrical engineer (I retired as Secretary, Chhattisgarh State Electricity Board in 2004). But I have always been a keen naturalist and have been involved in various natural history organisations. I have published about 70 articles in national and international natural history journals. I currently represent the Chhattisgarh Wildlife Society, which is one of the most active wildlife groups in the state.

You can see Arun Bharos’s MigrantWatch contributions here.