Meet Ghanshyam Singh

Ghanshyam Singh, affectionately known as Ghani, discovered his passion for birds at the tender age of seven when his father gifted him his first pair of binoculars. Growing up in Bharatpur, near one of India’s premier birding reserves, he immersed himself in the world of avian life, dedicating himself to bird identification. His fascination with birds led him to spend five significant years participating in bird survey activities with the Society for Research Ecology and Environment.

During this time, Ghani developed a particular interest in sea watching, which added a unique dimension to his birding pursuits. By the age of 17, he was already leading birding tours to the Himalayas. His passion and expertise continued to grow as he spent another five years extensively birding and working across North and Central India, solidifying his position as an emerging authority in the field.

Ghani’s ultimate aspiration centres around birding and wildlife conservation, and his journey is a testament to his unwavering commitment to the avian world and the natural environment. Remarkably, at just 22 years old, Ghani has compiled an impressive bird count of over 800 species in India, showcasing his deep connection with the avian world. His exceptional knowledge and skills have afforded him the opportunity to lead various birding trips for international enthusiasts.

We are delighted to have Ghani join our team to lead Central Asian trips for Rubythroat Birding.

1. Personal Connection to Wildlife

I have always been deeply connected to wildlife a passion nurtured by my father, who is a park ranger at Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary. His work with the International Crane Foundation to protect the habitat of Siberian cranes was a significant influence on me. As a child, he gifted me a pair of binoculars and taught me how to identify birds, igniting my lifelong passion for ornithology. Inspired by his dedication, I joined the Bird Conservation Society of India, where I began collecting data on the declining Indian Sarus Crane and contributing to important conservation efforts. My involvement with bird conservation expanded my understanding of avian ecology and reinforced my commitment to preserving their natural habitats.

This birding adventures have taken me to Central Asia where I’ve witnessed remarkable birding sights. I continue to explore the avian world driven by a deep-seated passion for conservation and discovery. As I move forward I remain dedicated to both my work and my personal birdwatching pursuits, always seeking new opportunities to learn, share, and contribute to the field of ornithology. When I’m not traveling I work as a naturalist for wildlife and Tiger conservation at the Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve.

2. Birdwatching Career

By the age of 18 in 2007 my dedication to birdwatching led me to start leading birdwatching tours in the North Central india and Western Himalayas. This role allowed me to share my expertise with others and foster a greater appreciation for birds and their environments. Over 16 the years i’m leading birding and wildlife tours during this I’ve had the privilege of exploring diverse birding destinations and capturing stunning wildlife photography.

3. Great Indian Bustard Experience

In 2008, I had the remarkable experience of witnessing a group of 21 Great Indian Bustards in the Thar Desert. This number represents about 9% of their current population, making that day incredibly significant to me. This sight amid the ongoing loss of their habitat underscores the urgent need for conservation efforts and remains an unforgettable birding experience.

4. Feature Birding Aspiration

If I have the opportunity in the future, I would love to explore Ecuador, the Amazon rainforest, Peru, Mongolia, Central Asia and South Africa. I’m eager to experience the diverse bird species and wildlife in these regions.

5. Favourite Bird Family

Waders are my favourite bird family because they are found across the globe and their migratory patterns connect distant regions and reminding me of my connection to birders and wildlife enthusiasts around the world. Waders offer endless opportunities to observe and learn, presenting both challenge and peace in my birding journey. The identification puzzles they present, especially in non-breeding plumage, stimulate and enjoy me, constantly pushing me to hone my skills.