Couple on a bird-sighting mission

Syamala Rupakula and T. Balasubramanya Kumar

By all means, Syamala Rupakula and T. Balasubramanya Kumar are the most famous couple into birding from the city. It would not be an exaggeration to say that there is no birder in the State who is not familiar with this duo’s exploits over the years.

In an era when most in their age group prefer to stay indoors enjoying the ‘entertainment on electronic gadgets’, the 45-year-old Syamala, who is a B.Tech graduate, makes it a point to be in the wild, despite all odds

A pic shot by Syamala Rupakula of Hyderabad.

And this articulate birder, having already sighted and clicked 550-plus species of birds is now chasing the dream of completing the 1,300 species said to be in India! “The biggest challenge is the different habitats for different species. Thanks to encroachments of wetlands, grasslands, lakes and vast expanse of open lands which were the striking features till a few years ago, it is all the more challenging to realise our dreams,” she says with a tinge of concern.

A pic shot by Syamala Rupakula of Hyderabad.

“Being at the right place at the right time to sight these birds often involves a huge risk element, especially in secluded places. Yes, I am lucky my husband is equally passionate, but not into photography. He is always there, a perfect guide for me,” says Syamala. “We feel there is no better place for a human being to rejuvenate from the week-long travails of our daily life than being with Mother Nature. Often, I am lost in the world of birds from sunrise to sunset,” she exclaimed. “Even in the field when I’m busy clicking a bird he searches around for any new birds and shows them to me. Not just birding , he’s into carpentry, pottery, gardening , leather crafts and many more,” Syamala explained. “And the best part of our journey into the world of birds is meeting all those fabulous birders. We are all like a family, sharing our info, planning the trips and most importantly exploring the hitherto untouched world of birds,” she said.

A pics shot by Syamala Rupakula of Hyderabad.

For someone whose journey began from the once-famous Ameenpur Lake about a decade ago, then home to hundreds of migratory birds including the graceful flamingoes, Syamala and Kumar take pride in setting a benchmark in their passion for birding. “For me, one of the biggest joys is to see the delight of the birders who ask me about the ‘new arrivals’ especially at Ameenpur and click pics of the same. I love sharing info,” says Syamala, which is a rare trait itself in modern-day birding.