A visit to vedanthangal

A Journey Through Birdspotting and Nature’s Symphony

"Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better." – Albert Einstein

A year ago, I stumbled upon a hobby that slowly wove itself into the fabric of my existence - birdspotting. It all started with my first professional camera, an innocent attempt to capture beauty through a lens. I used AI tools to identify birds in my photographs, a quick and efficient way to learn. But what began as a digital learning experience soon evolved into something more profound.

Now, I don’t rush to click the shutter. Instead, I let my eyes adjust, my ears tune in, and my mind absorb the nuances of every species I encounter. It is no longer just about taking a picture - it is about understanding, observing, recalling, and then capturing.

A Visit to Vedanthangal

My love for forests has always drawn me towards nature - planning a trip once every six months to lose myself in the wilderness. But with birdspotting now fueling my passion, I found myself gravitating not just towards dense forests but also to the very spaces where birds thrive among humans.

This newfound enthusiasm led me to participate in bird walks, Chennai Bird Race, and The Great Backyard Bird Count. Each experience deepening my connection to this fascinating world. And so, two weeks ago, I planned a visit to Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary, knowing that this was the perfect season to witness the avian spectacle in all its glory. Unlike my usual solo or family outings, this time, I decided to include our friend's family - with one request: to respect the plan and the stillness of nature. The idea of balancing companionship with the serenity of birdwatching made me slightly anxious, but the promise of collective learning outweighed my hesitation.

Nature is not just a place to visit - it is a world to immerse in, a sanctuary where every sound, every movement, and every breath holds a deeper meaning. When I plan a trip into the wilderness, be it for birdspotting or simply to observe the quiet magic of the woods, I prefer to go alone or just with my family. There is a reason for this - nature demands patience, mindfulness, and most of all, respect.

In the modern world, where instant gratification has become a habit, many approach nature trips as they would a picnic or a theme park - something to “see and do” rather than something to feel and absorb. But a true nature experience is not just about arriving, snapping photos, and leaving. It is about becoming a silent observer, blending into the surroundings, and understanding the delicate rhythms of the wild.

This time, I chose to include our friend's family with a request to adhere to the plan and respect the flow of the trip. It was not about excluding others; it was about ensuring that the experience remained pure and undisturbed. I have seen many nature trips turn into chaotic outings, where people lose patience, get distracted, or turn a silent observation into a noisy excursion. And when that happens, the magic of the moment is lost.

This trip, however, was different. It was carefully planned - an early morning start, a quiet arrival before the crowds, and a shared understanding that the goal was not just to see but to experience. And in that stillness, in that patience, nature rewarded us - with sights, sounds, and stories that we would never have found had we rushed, spoken too loudly, or demanded more than nature was willing to offer.

Because when we step into the wild, we must do so with humility - not as visitors, but as guests, with quiet footsteps and open hearts.

The Journey Begins

The day before, my preparations were meticulous. Camera charged, Memory cards formatted, Binoculars double-checked. My eight-year-old son, equally eager, helped me pack everything into the car to avoid any last-minute rush. More importantly, we made sure the kids went to bed early - an early morning adventure awaited.

At 3:30 AM, before my alarm could go off at 4:00 AM, I was already awake. Something about these trips fills me with an energy that defies exhaustion. I quickly got ready, woke up the family, and by 5:05 AM, we were on the road. The journey from Padur to Vedanthangal at dawn is a quiet one. The roads, still recovering from the lull of the night, welcomed us with open stretches and the occasional glimmer of streetlights. Crossing Mamandur, we made a pit stop for tea - a ritual that adds warmth to the crisp morning air. Traffic was sparse, the weather cool, and a gentle mist still clung to the outskirts of the fields.

By 6:15 AM, we reached Vedanthangal, just in time to watch the sunrise cast a golden hue over the sanctuary. The early morning air smelled of damp earth and fresh foliage - a scent only nature lovers recognize and cherish.

Into the Sanctuary

With tickets in hand for ourselves, our camera, and mobile phones, we stepped into nature’s paradise. The moment I stepped into Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary, I felt an overwhelming sense of peace - a rare feeling that only untouched nature can offer. The air was fresh, carrying the scent of wet earth, and the gentle breeze carried distant echoes of bird calls, filling the morning with an orchestra of life. The golden hues of the rising sun reflected on the lake, and I knew instantly that this visit was going to be special, immersive, and deeply fulfilling.

As I adjusted my binoculars and steadied my camera, I paused, just for a moment, to take in the sheer beauty of it all. There was no rush to photograph them. Instead, I adjusted my binoculars, fine-tuning the focus, taking my time to observe before I capture.

"Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience." – Ralph Waldo Emerson

My eight-year-old son, curious as ever, occasionally nudged me, pointing at birds and asking for their names so he could document them in his Nature Journaling Diary. Watching him develop an interest in the wild, in the very creatures that coexist with us, reassured me - perhaps this passion would live beyond my own years.

Silent Conversations with the Wild

At one point, I found myself slowly drifting away from the group. Not out of detachment, but out of necessity. Birdwatching demands patience, silence, and immersion. The more people around, the greater the noise, the lesser the chances of spotting something truly remarkable. As I ventured closer to the perimeter, away from the human echoes, I was rewarded with a sight that only stillness can offer.

The forest, the lake, the sky - they all whispered stories that one could hear only if they learned to listen.

Dance of Painted Storks

Right at the heart of the sanctuary, a spectacular sight unfolded - hundreds of Painted Storks standing tall like majestic guardians of the lake. Their long, curved bills glistened in the sunlight as they busily went about their morning routines. Some were gently picking up twigs, carrying them to their treetop nests with utmost dedication. Others were tending to their hatchlings, a scene so tender that I found myself mesmerized, completely lost in the moment. One stork, in particular, caught my eye - it landed gracefully on a branch, carefully positioning its feet before tucking a stick into its nest, where its partner eagerly awaited, wings slightly open in an embrace.

It was not just a sight - it was a lesson in patience, partnership, and devotion.

"In nature, nothing is rushed, yet everything is accomplished."

Oriental Darter’s Perfect Dive

Further along the lake, I spotted one of the most fascinating birds to observe—the Oriental Darter, also known as the Snakebird. Its long, slender neck cut through the water like a blade, making it almost look like a serpent gliding over the lake. Then, in a fraction of a second, it disappeared beneath the surface. I held my breath, waiting. Five seconds… ten seconds… and then, just as suddenly, it emerged with a wriggling fish caught perfectly between its dagger-like beak. The sight of this precision, the sheer skill of patience and timing, made me smile. It reminded me of why I love birdwatching—not just for the beauty, but for these hidden moments of mastery in nature.

Cute Spotted Owlets

As I slowly walked closer to the perimeter of the sanctuary, distancing myself from the noise of other visitors, I scanned the treetops carefully. The sun had risen higher now, casting playful rays through the leaves. And there, in a shaded nook of an old tree trunk, I spotted a pair of Spotted Owlets, their round, bright eyes blinking curiously at me. They sat close together, one slightly tilting its head as if studying me. I smiled, knowing that they were probably as curious about me as I was about them.

One of them suddenly fluffed its feathers, spread its tiny wings, and hopped to a nearby branch, while the other let out a soft screech, almost like a whispered warning. I didn’t dare move too fast, not wanting to disturb their morning rituals. The joy of spotting these little owlets, watching their tiny expressions and playful movements, made the morning feel even more magical.

Spatula Ducks & Northern Shovelers

At the lake’s farthest stretch, among a flurry of other waterfowl, I observed the Spatula Ducks and Northern Shovelers gliding effortlessly across the water. The rhythmic motion of their paddle-like bills filtering through the surface was almost hypnotic. There was something incredibly serene about watching them, as if they were sketching invisible patterns on the water with every gentle stroke. At one point, a Northern Shoveler lifted its head, droplets of water sliding down its beak, as if taking a brief pause before continuing its quiet morning feast.

"To watch a bird is to witness a moment of unfiltered freedom."

The Ibis Team

Among the reeds and shallows, a mix of different Ibis species stood like silent sentinels. Their long, curved bills occasionally dipping into the water, their movements slow, deliberate, almost meditative. One among them, a Glossy Ibis - stood out, its dark plumage gleaming with hints of green and bronze under the morning light. A simple movement, a tilt of the head, and suddenly the colors shifted, as though painted by an artist’s brush. At a distance, I saw a group of Black-headed Ibis, their stark white feathers in contrast with the darker waters, moving with elegance and poise.

Black-Rumped Flameback Woodpecker

Just when I thought the morning couldn’t get any better, I heard it - the rapid drumming of a woodpecker. Scanning the nearby trees, I caught sight of a Black-rumped Flameback Woodpecker, its striking red crown glinting under the sunlight. With powerful strokes, it hammered into the bark, pausing only briefly to inspect its work before continuing with precision and determination. It reminded me that nature is not just about stillness, but also about purpose.

Why Birdspotting and Nature Observation Matter

"The clearest way into the Universe is through a forest wilderness." – John Muir

Birdwatching is not just a hobby - it is an awakening. It teaches patience, attention to detail, and respect for nature’s rhythms. In a world racing towards technological dependency, it is crucial that we do not lose touch with the natural world. As I stood there, surrounded by birds that had no concern for time, deadlines, or human worries, I realized something profound - watching birds is not just about identifying species, it is about understanding life itself. In a world that is becoming more fast-paced and artificial, birdwatching teaches us to slow down, to observe, to appreciate the smallest details. More importantly, it is something we need to pass on to our children.

Why is this important for humanity?

Reconnects us with nature – In an era dominated by screens, birdwatching reminds us to pause, breathe, and observe.
Builds patience and mindfulness – The simple act of waiting to spot a bird trains the mind in ways technology never can. The practice of watching, identifying, and journaling birds enhances focus and memory.
Fosters ecological awareness – Understanding birds and their ecosystems helps us realize the importance of conservation. We protect what we love. If we want to preserve nature, we must first appreciate it.
Nurtures the next generation – When kids engage with nature, they develop curiosity, compassion, and a sense of responsibility towards the environment. Every time my son asks me a bird’s name and notes it in his nature journal, I know that a spark of wonder has been lit.
Live in the moment – No bird stays still for long. Every sighting is fleeting, reminding us that beauty lies in the present.

We must pass this knowledge on. Let children see the world beyond their devices. Let them experience the thrill of spotting a rare bird, the patience of waiting for movement in the trees, and the satisfaction of identifying a species on their own. Birdspotting is not just about birds. It is about observation, connection, and the preservation of curiosity itself.

And so, as I pack away my camera after yet another fulfilling journey, I leave with not just photographs, but memories, questions, and a deeper appreciation for the world that exists beyond our daily distractions. The birds, the forests, and the silence - they teach us more than we can ever hope to learn from a screen.

As I packed my camera and binoculars and ready to leave, I took one last deep breath, letting the fresh air and the symphony of calls soak into my soul. I knew this wouldn’t be my last visit. The birds, the trees, the water - they call me back, again and again.

Because to watch a bird is not just to witness flight, but to understand freedom.

If you ever get a chance, step out into the wild. Not just to see, but to feel.

After all, the real beauty of birdwatching lies not in what we capture, but in what we learn.