Where do you live?
Nowhere! My hometown is Madurai. Actually, I travel a lot, and currently I am travelling throughout the Eastern Ghats of Tamil Nadu.

When did you start watching birds?
I was first introduced to birdwatching in 1998 by Mr. Relton during my post-graduation.

Who would you consider your birding mentor?
Though I started serious birding on my own in Point Calimere, using the pocket guide by Grimmett, I am currently mentored by Dr. Ranjit Daniels from whom I have learnt a lot.

Please describe a memorable birding experience.
My most memorable birding experience was with Dr. Balachander of BNHS. On that occasion he showed us 7 species of cuckoos in a few minutes around Thambusamy Illam, Point Calimere!

What are your favourite migrants?
I don’t have any favourites, but I always eagerly await the arrival of the Blue-tailed Bee-eaters from the Himalayas

What is your favourite place to watch migrants?
I prefer any scrub jungle to watch birds.

Do you have any advice for beginning birdwatchers and naturalists?
Before picking up a camera, pick up binoculars and learn to identify bird species! Then you can go for the camera. I have seen people roaming around with a camera and asking for bird IDs even for the common birds. Buy a camera after due consultation as you need a good zoom. Don’t just learn to identify birds, move ahead learn more about their behaviour and communication.

Why do you think people should care about birds and nature?
The sheer diversity of birds is mind-boggling. I was stunned to see so much variety when I was reading the Handbook of the Birds of the World in the library of the Bombay Natural History Society. You should protect birds just for their sheer diversity, and the joy of watching them feed, play, roost and mate. When you learn to appreciate the myriad functions they perform (building nest, hunting for insects, communication) with their small brain and limited structures you begin to love them. Wouldn’t you want to protect something you love?

Any other information that you’d like to share with MigrantWatchers?
Do not bluff! Report what you have seen in the field and nothing more than that. Don’t mock when someone identifies a bird wrongly. Learn to identify birds by their call. Record bird calls and listen to them repeatedly. Enjoy bird watching and don’t do it for the sake of fame.

You can see Patrick David’s MigrantWatch contributions here.