Arun Prabhu, 76, a retired engineer from Manipal, is one of the oldest and most dedicated birdwatchers in the area. Since starting his birding journey on May 14, 2016, he has documented 481 bird species, with 392 photographed and 141 audio recordings uploaded on eBird. Birdwatching, according to Prabhu, provides him a refreshing connection with nature, stimulating both his intellect and spirit.
Joined by his wife Kumudini on morning walks between 5 and 7 a.m., Prabhu enjoys the calm of dawn, where he captures unique birdcalls. His birding adventures span across India and abroad, including memorable trips to Bhutan, the U.S., and the Rann of Kutch in Gujarat.
Despite the impact of construction in Manipal, Prabhu finds solace in the local birding community, praising experts like Ramit Singal. Honoured at the Manipal Bird Day in February for his unbroken streak of checklist submissions, Prabhu remains passionate about bird identification and continues to inspire younger birders.
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