About Birds of Himalayas
Discovering the Birds of the Himalayas Through My Lens
Welcome to Birds of Himalayas — a personal journey into the fascinating world of birds, wildlife photography, and the natural beauty of the Himalayan region.
My name is Bhagat Ram, an amateur birder and bird photographer from Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, India. Born and brought up in Mandi, I have always felt a deep connection with the natural beauty of these mountains. Over the past 12 years, my interest in birds has grown into a lifelong passion, taking me through forests, valleys, hillsides, and diverse landscapes in search of the extraordinary birdlife that surrounds us.
Through my camera, I try to capture not just the appearance of a bird, but also its character, behaviour, and the unique moments that make every encounter special.
My Journey as a Birder and Photographer
My journey into birdwatching began with curiosity and a desire to understand the natural world. An important influence on this journey was my late mentor and former boss, Dr. Chiranjit Parmar, a renowned fruit scientist who encouraged my interests, inspired me to explore new horizons, and helped nurture my passion for photography and nature. His encouragement played a meaningful role in shaping the path I follow today, and his influence remains an enduring part of my journey.
Over the years, I have photographed and documented more than 350 bird species across different parts of Himachal Pradesh and neighbouring states, including Uttarakhand and Punjab. Each field visit has brought new discoveries, memorable encounters, and a deeper appreciation for the diversity of birdlife in the western Himalayas and surrounding regions.
For me, every photograph represents more than a moment captured through a lens. It is an opportunity to observe nature closely, understand the lives of birds, and share the beauty of the natural world with others.
My Published Book: Birds of Mandi
One of the most memorable milestones in my journey as a birder and bird photographer has been the publication of Birds of Mandi in 2019, co-authored with Sh. Surender Kashyap, the then Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Mandi.
The book documents 230 bird species observed and photographed by me in and around Mandi district. It brings together photographs and field observations that showcase the remarkable diversity of the region’s birdlife and help document the natural heritage of my home district.
A particularly proud moment was the book’s launch during the International Shivratri Fair of Mandi in 2019. It was released by the then Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Shri Jai Ram Thakur, in the presence of state ministers, MLAs, the Deputy Commissioner of Mandi, and other distinguished dignitaries.
For me, Birds of Mandi is more than a publication; it is a lasting contribution to documenting the avian diversity of the region. It reflects years of observing birds in their natural habitats and my desire to share their beauty with a wider audience.
Publications and Contributions
My photographs and observations have also contributed to published works, including:
- Survey of Shikari Devi Wildlife Sanctuary (2018)
- Avifauna of Himachal Pradesh (2019)
- Himachal Birds – A a visual treat by Somesh Goyal (2021)
These publications have provided opportunities to share my field observations and photographic work with a wider audience interested in the wildlife and natural heritage of Himachal Pradesh.
Awards and Recognition
My passion for wildlife photography received recognition in 2017 when I won the Best Wildlife Photographer Award at a photography event in Bhimtal, Uttarakhand, organised jointly by the Uttarakhand State Forest Department and Strabo Pixel Group.
In 2018, I secured first position in the wildlife photography category of a state-level photography competition organised by the Himachal Pradesh State Forest Department, receiving a cash prize of ₹10,000.
I have also participated in bird surveys, censuses, ringing exercises, and workshops organised by the Himachal Pradesh Forest Department. These experiences have broadened my understanding of birds, their habitats, and the importance of wildlife documentation and conservation.
The Vision Behind Birds of Himalayas
Birds of Himalayas is my personal initiative to share the beauty and diversity of Himalayan birds through photography, field observations, and stories from the wild.
The Himalayas are home to an extraordinary variety of birds, from familiar garden visitors and colourful pheasants to elusive forest dwellers and specialised high-altitude species. Every habitat has its own stories to tell, and every bird offers an opportunity to discover something new.
Through this website, I hope to document these encounters and introduce more people to the remarkable avian diversity of the Himalayas, with a special focus on Himachal Pradesh. I also share photographs and experiences from neighbouring regions, reflecting the wider landscapes I have explored as a birder.
My aim is not simply to photograph birds, but also to encourage people to pause, observe, learn, and appreciate the natural world around them. I believe that every photograph can tell a story, inspire curiosity, and remind us of our responsibility to protect the natural habitats on which birds and other wildlife depend.
For me, bird photography is more than capturing a beautiful image. It is about patience, observation, learning, and developing a deeper connection with nature. Each encounter in the field strengthens my appreciation for the remarkable lives of birds and the fragile ecosystems they inhabit.
Whether you are an experienced birder, a wildlife photographer, a student, a researcher, or someone just beginning to discover the world of birds, I invite you to explore these pages, share in my experiences, and join me in celebrating the extraordinary birdlife of the Himalayas.
My hope is that Birds of Himalayas will inspire more people to discover birds, appreciate their habitats, and contribute in their own ways to conserving our natural heritage.
Every bird has a story. Through my lens, I hope to share a few of them with you.
Thank you for visiting Birds of Himalayas and being part of this journey.
Bhagat Ram
Amateur Birder & Bird Photographer
Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, India