Swap urban hustle for the zen of bird photography

If you ever spot a cluster of people at Rabindra Sarovar with big camera lenses and binoculars trained on the reeds, you know bird photography is in session. At first light, tripods are left in the bag, lenses are wiped clean, and fingers hover near shutter buttons. Someone whispers, “Chunilal achhe.” For the next few minutes, a black-and-white shape holds its ground in the marsh,motionless, almost ghostly,before suddenly lifting off and vanishing.

This fleeting spectacle captures why bird photography, not just birdwatching, is rapidly picking up in Kolkata. Despite declining migratory bird numbers, worsened by rising AQI and urban pressures, city residents are flocking to wetlands, drawn by the hope of witnessing these rare, mesmerising moments. Slow, demanding, and unpredictable, the pursuit has become a weekend ritual for those seeking both challenge and wonder.

Stork billed kingfisher

From hobby to habit

Dr. Mitali Deb, medical superintendent at Jadavpur University, has been photographing birds for nearly nine years. She has seen a clear rise in participation. “Earlier, photography-based birding was limited to a few people,” she says. “Now, I see four to five new photographers almost every day.” What draws people in is the combination of technical challenge and outdoor calm. Unlike wildlife photography in forests, urban bird photography allows photographers to work close to home, before office hours or over a weekend, without travel or permits. Graphic designer Tisha Mukherjee, who has been photographing birds for about two years, describes it as a practice that sharpens both mind and body. “You walk, you wait, you think,” she says. “You’re constantly anticipating movement and light.” Audio engineer Paramanu Sarkar, who often photographs alongside Tisha, calls it a long-term pursuit. “It builds friendships. You keep returning to the same spot, chasing the same bird, trying for a better frame.”

The birds, and their nicknames

Spend enough time in the field and you’ll realise bird photographers rarely refer to birds by textbook names alone. Instead, they use daknams- nicknames shaped by behaviour and appearance.

Bhuto (Male Pied Harrier, Baruipur):Black-and-white “ghost bird” with large eyes; flies low, disappears suddenly. A winter migrant from Central Asia/Siberia, prized by photographers for its dramatic contrast and stealthy movement.

Chotu (Indian Paradise Flycatcher, white morph): Snow-white body with a long flowing tail that seems to float in air. A local/seasonal migrant, often called swarger pakhi (bird of heaven), known to leave photographers hypnotised.

Chunilal (Siberian Rubythroat, Rajarhat–Baruipur–Rabindra Sarovar):Named for its glowing ruby-red throat. Arrives from Siberia just before winter (Oct–Nov); shy, quick, and a high-skill subject offering only brief shooting windows.

Lalu (Red Avadavat / Red Munia, Rajarhat & Baruipur):Bright red and much-loved. Appears in flocks from September, nesting in Kaashphool, drawing bird photographers to the same hotspots.

Birders are returning to Baruipur this winter to photograph residents like Red Munias and Plain Prinias, as well as migrants including Ferruginous Ducks, Pied Harriers, and Lanceolated Warblers

Titash Chakrabarti, founder, School of Birds

The truth about bird photography gear

While bird photography has a reputation for being equipment-heavy, experienced photographers caution against starting too big. Sudip Ghosh, an IT professional who has been photographing birds since 2012, says many beginners overestimate what they need. “You don’t start with a full-frame body and a huge lens,” he says. “Most people grow into their gear.”

A common beginner setup includes:

• Binoculars (₹5,000–₹10,000): An 8×42 is the beginner favourite, light, low-light friendly, and easy to use. Porro prisms are cheaper; roof prisms cost more but are compact and weather-resistant. Many birders say binoculars build skills faster than cameras alone.

• Bridge Cameras (₹10,000–₹25,000 used / ₹25,000–₹65,000 new): Super-zoom models like Nikon P900/P950/P1000 are popular starters, allowing species documentation without heavy lenses. Limited in flight shots and low light, but more tha

• n sufficient for beginners.

• DSLR/Mirrorless + Telephoto (₹50,000–₹80,000 used): Used bodies like Nikon D5300/D7200 or Canon 700D/70D paired with 150–600 mm lenses offer strong value, though experienced birders warn the setup can overwhelm first-timers.

Sudip notes that the rise of EMIs and second-hand markets has made bird photography more accessible, especially for young professionals. Retirees, too, form a growing segment, bringing time, patience and discipline to the field.

Where to spot birds in the city

• Rabindra Sarobar: Accessible wetland with high diversity and reliable sightings, best at first light.
• Rajarhat wetlands: Hotspot for Red Avadavat and Siberian migrants, best in early morning.
• Baruipur marshes: Famous for Pied Harrier and winter migrants; best fir long shots.
• New Town wetlands: Emerging spot for migratory birds and Paradise Flycatchers, quieter than city wetlands.
• Salt Lake wetlands & Bono Bitan Park: Species-rich but limited by entry fees and access restrictions
• Singur & Bashipata marshes: Quiet spot for migrants & large flocks, ideal for weekends.
• Eco Park (Sector V, New Town): Good for Paradise Flycatcher & small migrants; family-friendly.