Nature’s Studio
2025 is almost over, and we just passed Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is a time when we think about all the things we are grateful for. We all have many reasons to be thankful, big and small. and in today’s blog, I’m going to be talking about one moment from nature that I am grateful for.
During my trip to India over the summer break, we were fortunate to have the chance to visit the region close to the Himalayas. Tucked away in a valley in the lower Himalayas lies Sattal, a birder’s paradise. In Sattal, we visited a magical place nicknamed “The Studio” for reasons we soon found out.
The Studio was a lush, green valley that was surrounded by trees and had a flowing stream beside a beautiful lake. The first sound I heard when I stepped out of the car was the chirps and calls of thousands of parakeets. They were everywhere - in the trees, flying in the sky, and skimming over the lake. By the running stream, we saw birds darting in and out, taking their baths. We quickly sat down on logs of wood and large boulders almost waiting for the show to begin. Our eyes were gazed on the branches of wood near the stream as if that was the stage and the birds were the artists. What a moment to experience the stage of nature with sound, perfect evening lighting and a captivated audience.
Many colorful birds started darting in and out, taking their baths. It was a breathtaking wonder watching these varied beautiful birds all in one place, flying in and out, almost as if they wanted to give us this amazing opportunity. One couldn't predict which bird would show up next. The surprise was in store for the audience. I could hear my brother and cousin gasp in wonder and surprise. We were quiet so as to not disturb nature's skit.
There were brilliant paradise flycatchers, lush green parakeets and striking orange and blue birds and the multi-colored Red-billed leiothrix. It was so peaceful, just sitting there and watching all the birds go about their daily activities.
As I sat there and watched nature share its incredible performance, I felt so grateful that my family and I were able to witness this magical moment in nature. I am also so thankful to my mom, who is always scouting out new locations for us to go birding and see these rare and colorful birds. I am so thankful for my dad and my brother, who have always supported and encouraged me throughout my journey, even if I don’t always get a good shot. And last but not the least, I am so grateful for all of you - my grandparents, my extended family, my teachers, my friends, the community for supporting me and my cause to drive awareness about endangered animals and birds. Whether it's by reading this blog, or buying a notecard or calendar, or dropping me a note of encouragement, you all are always helping me along.
Behind the Scenes Nature’s Studio
So as we end 2025, let us take the time to be grateful for what we have. Whether you express that gratitude by writing it down in your journal, taking a quiet nature walk, staring at a bird or sending a letter or card, we should all take the time to be grateful this year. When we pause to reflect, we are able to think also about what we want to do next. I look forward to an even more amazing 2026! Thank you!