I have always loved waking up very early in the morning. Be it for catching a Shatabdi for work or the numerous morning flights to multiple destinations over the years. But this occasion was so very different. It was to explore the unfelt right here in my hometown Calcutta with some of my BITS Pilani mates which always adds a new dimension to our happiness. So there we were in Rabindra Sarobar Kolkata spending a morning together to discover and do some serious birdwatching. With most of us, except Arup who had organized the outing for us, putting on our birdwatching hat for the first time.

To Eat or Not to Eat

That’s a million dollar question that every regular morning walker asks their doctor at least once. Should I walk empty stomach or after a bit of food? Morning walks on an empty stomach can boost fat burning, increase insulin sensitivity if you are a diabetic, improves digestion and mental focus. But it’s always advisable to have some light food like fruits or some healthy carbohydrates before you start off your walk, brisk or otherwise.

We had decided beforehand that we would eat a bit before we went around because the suggestion from Hanuman followed by his plan to treat us was too enticing. Our destination Raghu’s. On the pavement outside main entrance Gate no.10 of Lions Safari Park, Rabindra Sarobar.

Raghu’s Idlis & Chutney

I was the first to reach and that too quite early. Had a good look around, clicked a few pics, had a chai and then tried to locate Raghu’s stall. He wasn’t in sight as a young lady selling homemade fruit and vegetable juices pointed at his vacant stall. But next moment he was there dot at 7 AM with his steaming Idlis as he removed the container lid after setting everything in place in just a couple of minutes.

And before he could even start there were already people queued up to buy and take away. The Idlis must be really good I thought and started feeling hungry.

Waited a while before Hanuman, Sridhar, Arup, Vivek and Sonali joined in. We didn’t wait any longer and dived into our white delight. They were just yummy with the coconut-tasting chutney in liberal amounts on top. Uday joined after a while but Manoj, Priyanka and her sweet daughter missed out on the feast.

Lions Safari Park, Kolkata

The Lions Safari Park is approximately a 9.5 to 12.6 acre recreational green space located within the Rabindra Sarobar (Dhakuria Lake) area of Kolkata. It serves as a major hub for morning and evening walkers, fitness enthusiasts, families and birdwatchers in South Kolkata.

Maintained by ‘North Calcutta Lions Safari Park Trust’ it offers several facilities which include Open-Air Gym for Ladies, Gents & Children, Children Park, Walking Track, Yoga & Meditation facilities, Acupressure Tracks, Laughing Club, Herbal Garden, Senior Citizen Park, Nakshatra Vatika, Fountain, Toddler Park and of course the vast adjoining lake and the waterbodies. Let’s go around and experience.

Rabindra Sarobar & Nature

Our Birdwatching Journey

While some of us early birds for the birdwatching walk were waiting for other friends to join in walked in these two gentlemen as Arup introduced us to them. To my right is Mr. Sujan Chatterjee and next to him Major B. S. Parihar both accomplished birdwatchers. While Sujan is the Secretary, Major Parihar is the Treasurer of Birdwatchers’ Society of Calcutta, a group of keen birdwatchers.

The society with members in other cities as well was formed to study, observe, record and archive all aspects of birds, especially in West Bengal. Sujan & Major Parihar were our new friends for the morning and beyond to guide us into the world of birdwatching.

We followed Sujan & Major Parihar who both took us around and guided us with the sightings. Birds sitting on the trees, walking and wading on water, in flight and many relaxing on the Gadar island.

And as Sujan spoke, we were mesmerized by his knowledge. Be it the wide variety of bird species, their behavior, movement and flight style, identifying the birds by their call, breeding and nesting habits, migration pattern and about the bird sighting terrains in and around Calcutta. It was truly a pleasure learning from him and also Major Parihar who too chipped in and also compiled our sightings for the day .

Flying High

Those awesome moments of watching the beautiful species of birds through my naked eyes and through the binocular will stay in my heart forever. But seeing these delightful captures by Arup, Sonali and Major Parihar makes me feel I am still flying high even after almost a week.

Our Sightings

Delightful Captures

Parting Shot or a New Start?

It turned out to be an out of the ordinary Sunday morning for all us, thanks to Arup who also happens to be heading our BITS Alumni Association (BITSAA) Kolkata Chapter now. And for me personally it opened out a completely new world of passion to pursue in the coming days, Bird Photography. You too could look at exploring this fascinating world of birds. And to learn in the company of the best professionals in this field and participate in events and camps, do join the Birdwatchers’ Society.

If you loved going around Birdwatching in Rabindra Sarobar, PIN it for & forward for friends!