A decade ago, Kiran Vasant Purandare, repulsed by urban chaos, chose 14 months in the forest in Nagzira over his native city, Pune. “I approached the state forest department with a project. My plan was to observe every facet of the forest closely and submit a report. After a lot of convincing, I was put up in a forest guards’ run-down cabin in the heart of the forest. I was later moved to a slightly better accommodation, but was always under the risk of attacks from scorpions, sloth bears or, albeit rarely, leopards,” recalls the researcher who shunned a vehicle to cycle and walk over 1,200 km in the forest.

Greater Flamingoes. PICS/Kiran Purandare

In touch with nature
Today, Purandare recognises various birdcalls and mimics 75 species, including the Common Iora, White-throated Fantail, Crested Serpent Eagle and the Coppersmith Barbet. “I seldom use it in the forest. Birds respond to my calls and I’d rather not disturb or confuse them,” he says.