Nestled in the heart of Chennai, our campus is a beautiful sanctuary for nature. It encompasses a wide range of habitats – a dry evergreen forest, marshlands, open grasslands, dry scrubs, and undergrowth. This diversity is the reason for a vibrant array of avifauna.
Birding, or birdwatching, is the practice of observing and appreciating birds in their natural habitat.
In this article, we’ll explore the bird life of insti, the best spots to find them, some tips on how to do so, and reflect on how birding can offer you a much-needed break from the everyday grind.
Where and What to Spot
Soaring high up in the sky or foraging in the undergrowth, you will find that birds are all around us. They’re inside hostels, high up in the trees leaning into our classrooms, or in the canals lining the roads. Here are some of the common habitats on the campus, and the types of birds found there:
1. Grasslands
The grasslands of our campus, like the stadium and open grounds, draw insect-eating birds. It is common to see wagtails darting across the grass, drongos perched on posts, and bee-eaters swooping around to catch insects mid-air.
(From left to right) Western Yellow Wagtail, Black Drongo, Blue-Tailed Bee-Eater
2. Wetlands and Water Bodies
Wetlands, like the area behind SAC and around the stadium, are great for spotting waders such as herons, bitterns, egrets, jacanas, grey-headed swamphens, and white-breasted waterhens. You will often see them wading in the waters in search of fish and frogs.
(From left to right) Grey-headed Swamphen, Purple Heron, Striated Heron
The canals at Watsa and the Durga Peeli Amman temple offer glimpses of the insti lake, perfect for spotting waterfowl. Here, you might see ducks gliding in the water, cormorants, and darters drying their wings, pelicans, storks, or if you’re lucky, a beautiful pied kingfisher hovering above the water.
(From left to right) Lesser Whistling Duck, Pied Kingfisher
3. Forests and Scrublands
This category covers the wooded areas and patches of low vegetation found across the campus, such as Madras Avenue and the roads that lead to the main gate. These areas are perfect for spotting barbets, bulbuls, cuckoos, flycatchers, thrushes, owls and more.
(From left to right) female Indian Paradise Flycatcher, Blue-Faced Malkoha, male Indian Paradise Flycatcher
Bird Migration
Every year, between October and March, our campus sees an influx of a fascinating array of migratory birds here to halt briefly or to nest. Flycatchers, warblers, the orange-headed thrush, the ashy drongo, and raptors like the oriental honey-buzzard, osprey, and booted eagle are some examples.
(From left to right) Osprey, Blyth’s Reed Warbler
Birding 101
The secret to birding is to simply look and listen. You’ll be surprised by how many birds are around you once you start looking! Here are some tips for birding if you’re just starting out:
- The early bird catches the worm—and the early birder spots the birds! Most birds are active at dawn, so the best time to spot them is right after sunrise. Don’t worry if you’re a night owl though, evenings can be just as rewarding.
- Yep, that’s a bird. One of the greatest thrills of birding is identifying a bird correctly. Getting familiar with common birds around you is a good way to start. A guide like the Merlin app can help you identify and learn about birds. It also comes with a photo and sound ID, which is perfect for beginners.
- Gear up! When you’re starting out, birding can just mean immersing yourself in the moment and paying attention to your surroundings. Eventually, a pair of binoculars or a camera would help your experience a lot more, letting you observe the more intricate details.
- Don’t stand out! If you’re in a good birding spot, you don’t have to look for the birds – they’ll come to you. Make sure you blend in well, though. Wear muted colours or camo, and avoid sudden movements. Remember that birds associate bright colours with danger.
- Be patient. Birds have their rhythms and routines, and part of the joy of birding is observing them unfold naturally. Birding could involve hours of sitting in the same spot or a challenging trek; it requires a great deal of patience.
- Find your flock. Getting into any new hobby can be intimidating without help. Having a birding group to share your experiences helps you keep going.
Beyond the Binoculars
Birding can be more than just a hobby. It’s a way to connect with nature, a mystical escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
For many people, like myself, it is almost a meditative practice—time slows down as you listen to the sweet melodies, follow the flutter of feathers between branches, or marvel at the beautiful colors of the birds. It is a chance to be present and immerse yourself in the serenity of nature.
It can also be more than personal enrichment. Documenting bird species contributes to citizen science. It not only cultivates an appreciation for nature but also a responsibility to protect it. Every sighting becomes a story, a connection, and a step closer to protecting the natural world.
Over the years, birding has helped me make new friends, network with professors and alumni, and helped me find peace amidst a busy insti life. So step outside, you might just find a passion for something that changes the way you look at yourself and the world around you.
Photographs and article by Tushar
Edited by Smriti Athiyarath
