In a first, rare Australasian Grass Owl photographed in Bengal
A team of birdwatchers have documented the first-ever photographic record of the Australasian Grass Owl
A team of birdwatchers have documented the first-ever photographic record of the Australasian Grass Owl
Saptarshi is a banker by profession and a wildlife explorer by passion. For the past 14 years, he has been uncovering the magical beauty of the Chotanagpur Plateau in West Bengal along with his team, Wild Tuskers. His conservation efforts—particularly in Biharinath, Susunia, and Garh Panchakot—have been remarkable. An avid birder and butterfly enthusiast, his pursuits extend across the length and breadth of the state.
Pampa lives in Kolkata, an avid birdwatcher and a nature enthusiast committed to conservation. Pampa has been playing a leading role in organisational matters of the Birdwatchers’ Society.
Upmanyu, is a wildlife conservation biologist from Siliguri, studying population and movement ecology of wild animals across landscapes. As a birdwatcher, he enjoys documenting natural history through the lens.
Swarup is a technocrat, committed birder, and conservationist who brings innovation to the field of ornithology. He plays a key role in scientific documentation, using technology to enhance bird studies and conservation efforts. His expertise bridges science and citizen action, strengthening the work of the Birdwatchers’ Society.
Dibyendu, a Governing Body member of the Birdwatchers’ Society, is the founder of Sikkim Birds. A passionate birder and conservationist, he has been instrumental in promoting birdwatching tourism in Sikkim. His efforts have created awareness, built local capacity, and showcased the region’s rich avifaunal diversity to the wider world
Maj. Parihar, an Army veteran based in Kolkata, combines discipline and adventure in equal measure. Currently the CEO of an automobile company, he is also an avid birder with a keen eye for the wild. A passionate motor rallyist and all-rounder with diverse interests, he brings energy, leadership, and a spirit of exploration to the Birdwatchers’ Society.
Kanad (Dr.), a founder member of the Birdwatchers’ Society, is a medical professional with a lifelong passion for birds. He is the co-author of Banglar Pakhpakhali, often regarded as the “Bible of Bengal Birds.” Through his knowledge and commitment, he has played a pivotal role in shaping bird study and conservation in the region.
Sujan, is a founding member of the Birdwatchers’ Society (BWS), is one amongst India’s respected naturalists and bird photographers. With over 35 years of field experience, his passion has taken him across India and abroad, where he has recorded more than 1100 species in the subcontinent and over 3000 worldwide. He has been deeply involved in promoting birding in India. As a reviewer for eBird India, Sujan continues to inspire generations of bird enthusiasts and conservationists.
Subhasish is a veteran ornithologist and an unwavering conservation crusader, widely respected for his grassroots leadership and scientific insight. A founder member of both Green Peoples India (Malda) and the Birdwatchers’ Society, Subhasish has dedicated over three decades to the
protection of avian habitats, community-led conservation, and citizen science outreach in eastern India. His deep field knowledge, tireless advocacy against illegal bird trade, and commitment to nurturing a new generation of bird lovers have made him a key figure in Bengal’s conservation movement.
Santanu, a founder member of BWS, is a passionate birder, conservationist, and nature enthusiast deeply committed to spreading awareness about birdwatching and biodiversity. A teacher by profession, he is known for his engaging storytelling, extensive field knowledge. Santanu has been an active advocate for use of eBird, and is the leader of the West Bengal Bird Checklist group.
Biswapriya, a founding member of the Birdwatchers’ Society (BWS), has been active in ornithology since the 1980s, contributing to field surveys, waterbird counts, and documentation of avifauna across Bengal. He is a frequent contributor to National & International journals. A keen naturalist, he has played a pivotal role in mentoring younger birders and building citizen science records. His blend of professional discipline and passion for the wild embodies BWS’s spirit of dedicated volunteerism.