Dateline Dehradun: On the occasion of World Tourism Day, IAS Sanjay Kumar’s ‘Birds In & Around Mussoorie’ was launched at The Savoy, Mussoorie by Uttarakhand Governor, Lt Gen Gurmit Singh (Retd).
The event witnessed town’s luminaries in attendance to applaud Sanjay’s book spread over 370 odd pages dedicated to the town’s avian delights.
Sanjay’s spark to capture Mussoorie’s feathered friends on camera started in early 2002 while taking not-so-travelled treks and trails in and around town. It took him another two and a half years to compile, edit and bring ‘Birds In & Around Mussoorie,’ to the stands.
Why birds I ask? He replies, “Birds are creatures which one can find every where. They are the most vibrant, dynamic, colourful creatures on earth.” Adding, “You can find them not only by visual contact but feel them and know them by their calls. You can never get bored exploring the world of birds. There are over 11,000 species worldwide and around 1300 species in India alone!”
A half hour panel discussion had local Historian Ganesh Saili , PCCF (HoFF) Uttarakhand Dr. Dhananjai Mohan, Author Lokesh Ohri and Author Sanjay Kumar. They discussed how the hill station’s unique avian diversity and scenic trails could attract mindful-travellers while promoting and preserving Mussoorie’s beauty and natural heritage a thought reiterated by the Governor.
The book also carries a message from Ruskin Bond, foreword by PCCF Dr Dhananjai Mohan, renowned ornithologist Carol Inskiip and a beautiful piece by renowned historian Ganesh Saili.
Sanjay elaborated, “there are 150 species covered with stunning photographs with detailed description. The book has a checklist of around 300 birds found in and around Mussoorie. It also has a chapter on birding areas around Mussoorie.” Talking about his most prized photograph, he goes on to say, “The most difficult to click was the Long-tailed Broadbill as it prefers to move in higher canopy. It is only during the breeding season that they weave a hanging nest which then makes the bird accessible and easier to photograph.”
While a spring tide of birds who nest at 6,578 ft fall between the front and end cover, the book is a landmark on Mussoorie’s hidden avian treasures which will definitely spark the interest of bird watchers and others.
