Naturalist · Birding Trail Expert
Specialty: Ornithology · Urban & Migratory Birding
One quiet morning at the wetlands of TS Chanakya in Navi Mumbai, Ishaan Prabhudesai and a friend noticed movement near the mangroves. Watching the flattened tail, smooth head and behaviour, they realised they were looking at a smooth-coated otter — something Ishaan never expected to see so close to the city. Fresh pugmarks nearby made it even more special, like discovering a hidden side of urban wildlife most people never notice.
A Zoology graduate specialising in ornithology, Ishaan works across grasslands, wetlands, coastal habitats and urban green spaces, leading urban birding, migratory birding and birding tours. He has taken part in scientific bird and herp counts conducted by the Green Works Trust in Phansad, Maharashtra, as both participant and volunteer.
How Ishaan Prabhudesai Uncovers Urban Birding Wonders
The thing he most loves sharing is how well birds have adapted to Mumbai’s crowded, noisy environment — an incredible diversity of species, including migratory and surprisingly rare birds, that have learned to adjust their behaviour, timing and habitats around human activity. His spirit animal is the nightjar: quiet, observant and perfectly adapted, always there but rarely noticed. He relates to that — happiest sitting silently in nature, noticing patterns and details.
“Nature always rewards patience.”
