By V. Shourabh

Mysuru: A Nature Walk with naturalist Mohan Moolepetlu was organised by Wild Mysuru at Kukkarahalli Lake in city this morning. The purpose of the walk was to observe, appreciate and learn about nature and the inhabitants. About 50 people took part in this programme where nature’s creation and beauty was the centrifugal force.

Mohan Moolepetlu, who is a naturalist working in ‘The Flame of the Forest’ at Kanha National Park ion Madhya Pradesh, drew similarities between meditation and nature walks. He said, “Meditation brings peace and similarly observing nature, listening to bird sounds or calls, squirrel chirps and breathing in the fresh aura of air brings peace.”

Mohan explained about various birds that were sighted along with the trees, ants and other living creatures.  The walk was an interactive tour of the Lake’s residents as they spotted several birds, identified bird calls and learnt about the flora present there. 

Mohan explained how the use of binoculars will aid the process of birding and gave information about various types of binoculars and the required zoom specification required for birding. He added that there are two types of nature walks — one, where you sit in a place and observe and note all that you see and the second, where you walk and explore the nature.  

“Not everyone will be well-versed with the terminologies and nomenclatures of birds and trees, but it is of more importance that one needs to learn to admire nature. Admiring and appreciating nature is what it takes to become a nature lover. Ethics must be followed during nature walks or birding. We should not interfere with the bird’s surroundings, must not disturb them or go to close; we need to wear dull colour clothes and must stay quiet.”

A few birds spotted during the walk were Brahmini Kite, Black Cormorant, Swamp Hen, Spot-Billed Ducks, Pelican, Painted Storks, Kingfisher, Tailor Bird, Cuckoo, White Ibis, Black headed ibis, etc. Mysore Deputy Commissioner Abhiram G. Shankar, who was also on a bird watching walk at the Lake, said, “There a lot of communities and groups like Wild Mysuru that are taking care of nature in Mysuru. Mysuru is a vibrant community and programmes like these are a great opportunity for people to learn about nature.”

He stressed on the importance of creating small pockets of biodiversity within our neighbourhood or home. He said, “We need to create a small biodiversity within our homes. By planting flowering and fruiting plants or trees, we will attract bees, the fruits will attract birds, which will lead to bird nesting; insects will also flock the trees and hence a small biodiversity is created.”

Nature walk which began at 7 am and concluded at 10 am and participants were introduced to various species of birds, trees, insects, etc. Mohan gave an insight about the bird’s nesting and breeding season, pattern and urged serious bird lovers and even amateurs to buy the book ‘Birds of the Indian Subcontinent’ which he considered the ‘Bible for bird lovers’.

Shailajesh from Wild Mysuru also educated the participants about the flora and fauna at the lake during the walk, said, “Parents should involve kids in such nature activities and infuse that sense of importance of nature. Wild Mysuru conducts bird census at Kukkarahalli Lake on the 15th of every month.”