BHUBANESWAR: A book ‘Birds of Odisha- A Pictorial Encyclopedia’ by father-daughter duo Pramod Dhal and Gloria Dhal was launched at Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra Odissi Research Centre in Jaydev Vihar here Thursday.
The book was officially released by Governor Ganeshi Lal in the morning at Raj Bhawan. It was launched by Baijayant ‘Jay’ Panda in the evening. Among others, Biswajit Mohanty, Kulamani Deo, Suresh Kumar Mishra, Jayant Mardaraj and Anil Dhir graced the occasion. The book is published by Dhara Shreeradha trust.
The duo has photographed 316 species of birds in their natural habitat in the state. The book contains pictorial presentation of a thousand stunning images in 720 pages bringing each of the birds to life. Key features of these birds have also been highlighted. The book will be of immense utility to growing numbers of bird lovers, bird watchers, photographers, students of natural science, forestry and wildlife as well as professionals, conservationists and those enforcing wildlife laws.
The book will be a prized addition to various libraries in the state and a must for each Forest Division and Range. Even a common man will find this book interesting. One can acquire deep insight on various birds found in the state, their habitat and lifestyle.
A complete and single source of information on birds of Odisha, the book is first-of-its-kind in the state, which will be a milestone to spread public awareness on avian fauna of the state. All the photographs have been carefully selected to show spectacular features of the species. The text provides vital and new information of each species. This book can also be useful as a pictorial field guide for accurate identification for birdwatchers and students.
Pramod Dhal is a city-based wildlife photographer who is specially known for his interest not only in photographing birds, but also working for their conservation and spreading general awareness among the younger generation. He is an expert bird photographer with an abiding interest in documenting the bird life in Odisha.
M.Tech Gloria Dhal, being the only daughter of the eminent wildlife photographer, is a great birder in her own right, perfectly complementing her father’s passion. Having forayed into the world of birding at a very tender age, she has been her father’s first and consistent birding partner ever since. Having grown up under his shadow and guidance, the passion for birding and photography has come to her naturally. Her relentless efforts and enthusiasm has been the building blocks of all of Dhal’s endeavours.
Pramod Dhal said, “I wanted to write this book since my childhood. Growing up in a village, I experienced handling many birds including Asian Koel (Koili), Common Mynah (Bani), Asian Pied Starling (Ghu Kalika), Black headed Oriole (Haladibasanta) and White-breasted Kingfisher (Dhobani Chadei). I caught and captivated the feathered species in cages and continued the practice until I left my village in 1978.”
“To my utter joy, my daughter Gloria has inherited my passion, and with her as my first companion, I embarked on my journey of a Wildlife photographer. I had an opportunity to work with a renowned NGO, ‘Wild Orissa’ and regularly participated in the bird surveys of Chilika Lake, Bhitarkanika National Park, Mahanadi and Chandaka, he added.