Over the past six years, I’ve been quietly clicking photos of birds that visit my backyard. No fancy trips to sanctuaries or national parks — just whatever shows up right outside my window or in the trees around the house. All local birds. All regular visitors.
It started almost by accident. I’d notice a new bird, grab the camera (or sometimes just the phone), and try to capture it before it flew away. Over time it became a small habit — one that has given me a surprising amount of joy. These are not rare or exotic species, but the everyday birds that share the same space as us.
Just a small note before we begin; the photo quality is not consistent throughout. Some of the older photos are not as good as the recent ones because I’m still learning. Even now, I’m not great at it. So please don’t judge me 😉
Here’s a collection of the birds I’ve photographed over the years.
The text in brackets after each bird name is the name of that bird in my native language which is Marathi.
Coppersmith Barbet (तांबट)
One of the most colourful regulars. That bright red forehead and the metallic “tuk-tuk-tuk” call are unmistakable. I’ve seen them perched on the same branches for years, especially during the warmer months.
Indian Robin (चिरक)
A small, confident bird often seen hopping on the ground or low branches. They have a distinctive habit of frequently flicking their tail.
Oriental Magpie Robin (दयाळ)
A striking black and white bird with a long tail. The male has glossy black upperparts and white underparts with a prominent white wing patch. They are known for their beautiful song.
Indian Myna (साळुंकी/मैना)
Very common and quite vocal. They’re smart, adaptable, and often seen in pairs or small groups. Their yellow beak and eye patch make them easy to recognise.
Indian Pond Heron (वंचक/ढोकरी)
A quiet and well-camouflaged bird. It looks quite plain until it takes flight and reveals its bright white wings. They’re often seen near small water bodies or even in wet patches in the garden.
Red-wattled Lapwing (टिटवी)
Loud and unmistakable with their “did-he-do-it” call. They’re very protective of their territory and will often fly around making noise if you get too close to their nesting area.
Jungle Babbler (रानभाई/जंगली सातभाई)
These are the noisy group birds you often hear before you see them. They move around in small flocks, chattering constantly. Their plain brown colour makes them blend in, but their behaviour is very entertaining to watch.
Indian Laughing Dove (भोवरी)
A gentle and pretty dove with a soft, laughing call. They’re smaller than the usual pigeons and often seen foraging on the ground.
Besra/Besra Sparrowhawk (छोटा बहिरी ससाणा)
A small but fierce raptor. I’ve been lucky to spot this one a few times. It’s quick and agile, often seen darting through trees in search of smaller birds.
Indian House Sparrow (चिमणी)
The humble house sparrow is still around (thankfully). They’re cheerful little birds that bring a lot of life to the backyard with their constant chirping.
Oriental White-eye (चष्मेवाला)
Small and active with a distinctive white ring around the eye. They move quickly through the foliage, often in small groups, looking for insects and nectar.
Spotted Munia/Scaly-breasted Munia (ठिपकेवाली मनोली/ठिपकेदार मुनिया)
These small finch-like birds have beautiful scaly patterns on their underside. They’re often seen in flocks, feeding on grass seeds.
A Few Thoughts After Six Years
Photographing these birds has made me notice things I used to miss completely — the way light falls on feathers, the different calls at different times of the day, and how the same tree can host completely different visitors depending on the season.
It’s a very low-pressure hobby. No pressure to travel, no expensive gear required. Just patience and paying attention to what’s already around you.
If you have a small patch of green or even a few trees nearby, I highly recommend trying this. You’ll be surprised how many birds are already sharing your space.
More of my bird photos are on 500px:
500px.com/girish946
Thanks for reading!