Echoes of Young Ornithologist

Mr. Rigdhen graduated with Forestry Science from College of Natural Resources under Royal University of Bhutan in 2004. He is an enthusiastic bird lover that likes nothing better than sharing his passion with others. He is proficient in plant identification, but his passion for learning about birds and wildlife keeps him busy most of the time. 

He believes that smallest amount of time spent in right way can lead to feelings of oneness with the earth, and peaceful feelings and that nature will surprise you, if you allow it to show you itself the way it wants you to see it. He considers himself blessed to be born in Bhutan, a fantastic place that really stimulates him with one of the highest bird density on this planet. 

Photo: www.facebook.com/tashi.dandup

Birding involves a significant auditory component, as many bird species are more easily detected and identified by ear than by eye said Mr. Rigdhen. Most birdwatchers pursue this activity mainly for recreational or social reasons, unlike ornithologists, who engage in the study of birds using more formal scientific methods.  

Mr. Rigdhen always anticipate to sight new birds species in the country and that gives strong determination to remain as birder. However, his unfailing hopes made him to discover Oriental Bay Owl (Phodilus badius) in central Bhutan recently, which is classified with barn owls with heart-shaped face.

As per the fact file hosted in www.arkive.org, Oriental Bay Owl is nocturnal owl measuring about 10 inches in length with a wingspan of about 15 inches. This owl has distinctive angular facial disks and dark colored eyes. It has light chestnut brown in color underneath with darker brown upperparts. This bird can be found scattered throughout Southeast Asia, from India to China, Vietnam, Thailand, Sri Lanka and the Malay Peninsula. The breeding season of the Oriental bay owl varies with region. It nests in hollow trees and tree stumps, laying between three and five eggs. Prey is located using extremely sensitive hearing and consists of small mammals, small birds, reptiles, frogs and insects. 

The Oriental bay owl has several calls, including whistles, hoots, wails and screams. The owl is classified as least concern on the IUCN Red List 2004 and is listed under Appendix II of CITES. Besides, it is thought to have low population numbers but is not currently considered to be threatened and no conservation action has been targeted to this species until now.

Mr. Rigdhen served in various capacities in the field of protection and conservation of environment until now. To have sound conservation, it is always his interest to work in the field and provide options for communities so that their dependence on the resources is greatly minimized. His skill on conservation of forests and environment significantly contributes to sustainable management so that our future generations live in harmony with nature.  

I have seen your passion for birding since your childhood. I remember your struggle in choosing your subjects for your work. Let me confess here that as a birder, I did have doubts but I must say you have proved all qualms by your greatest achievement. Achieving goals would not have been possible without the dedication you put in your work and without the patience, skills, professional virtues and your excellent commitment to the nature. 

Please accept my heartfelt congratulations for the achievements you have obtained, indeed, it is great honor for whole Bhutanese people for making this journey happened. With no doubt, your work deserves recognition and appreciation however, lucrative offers may tempt you to opt for an easier road and you will have to be very careful.

Photo: Mr. Rigdhen, Zhemgang Forest Division, Bhutan

Photo: www.johnjemi.blogspot.com