This podcast is about the nesting behaviour and photography ethics of birds. Dr Arun Bansal is interacting with Dr.Charn Kumar. 

Both Dr Arun Bansal and Dr Charn have keen interest in Birds and Biodiversity Issues.

The following is a summary of the contents of the podcast.

While doing nesting photography there is no need to go near the nest. We should go near the nest only if

necessary that is for scientific study purposes and even then follow specific and standard procedures

It is not morally or ethically right to disturb someone’s home, therefore, we should not go near any nest

just for entertainment.  

If we go near the natural nest/artificial nest it disturbs the incubating parent or the hatching processor the hatchlings and creates a hidden threat for them. Even if we are doing a systematic study then also hidden cameras can be used and can be installed at a distance from the nest. We should avoid going manually to the nest When we have to do periodic observation or would like to see the nest contents then we should click our photographs in seconds and should prefer to visit the nest only when the parent is not there

In India which has so much diversity in bird species and wildlife, there is huge scope for research purposes.

We should keep in mind that we use proper equipment and no harm should come to the bird or the nest.

With the advent of technology and modernisation of cameras, it has led widening of the fields of research

on birds and nesting because observations are more accurate and detailed now.

There is a lack of research in this field in India but change is there and now more and more people have

started taking up this as their hobby.

We should not remove nests from our home, surroundings etc. Many people consider nests as filthy or dirty. This is a myth actually birds take care of sanitation and hygiene while making the nest as they include components such as medicinal and aromatic plants so that their chicks are saved from infection.

When we remove nests from our home it has numerous unintended effects on the birds-Firstly they have to rebuild their nest, Secondly, they have to find another safe nesting territory and thirdly nesting takes a huge energy toll on the birds, as a result, a lot of time is wasted and their breeding process gets disturbed. So when we allow birds to make their nests at our homes we are promoting conservation of birds.

We should also avoid pruning and cutting bushes because birds feel safe and ideal in thick vegetation. Birds make their nests strategically so that they can avoid predators, excessive sunlight, rain etc. Therefore while placing nest boxes one should always keep in mind the requirements of nest-building of the local birds so that birds are comfortable making their nest in nest boxes.

There are enormous opportunities in India for research about birds. One should start locally, in his/her surroundings. Birds are a large part of our life and we should study and respect them.

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