Bird Photography in Nepal
Nepal is one of Asia’s richest birding countries, home to more than 900 recorded species ranging from tropical lowland residents to alpine migrants. Its wetlands, forests, and mountain valleys lie along the Central Asian Flyway, making it a vital corridor for migratory birds. Wildlife photographer Om Prakash Yadav has devoted decades to documenting these avian journeys. His work connects photography, conservation research, and education, inspiring a new generation of bird enthusiasts, students, and ecologists to observe nature responsibly.
Photography as a Tool for Conservation and Research
Bird photography in Nepal is not only about creating beautiful images but also about gathering valuable data for scientific study and wildlife conservation. Om’s photographs often serve as visual records for ornithologists, research institutions, and NGOs monitoring population trends, habitat change, and seasonal migration. His fieldwork across Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, Chitwan National Park, and Bardia provides documentation of species such as the Sarus crane, Bengal florican, greater adjutant stork, and spiny babbler, Nepal’s only endemic bird. These images contribute to awareness programs and conservation reports that guide habitat management and policy decisions.
Field Practice, Ethics, and Education
Om Prakash Yadav emphasizes ethical bird photography grounded in patience, distance, and respect for natural behavior. He trains photographers and students to use silent observation techniques and natural light, ensuring that no image comes at the cost of animal disturbance. During his workshops and field studies, participants learn to identify species, understand ecological relationships, and document through both camera and field notes. His approach merges art with environmental science, showing how photography can support biodiversity education and community awareness.
Iconic Birding Destinations
Nepal’s birding map stretches from the subtropical wetlands of Koshi Tappu to the alpine meadows of Manang and Upper Mustang. In the Terai plains, photographers encounter storks, herons, and raptors that migrate seasonally from Siberia. The mid-hills offer colorful species such as impeyan pheasant (Danphe)—Nepal’s national bird—while the Himalayan zone shelters snow pigeons and rosefinches. Om’s photography captures these diverse habitats, highlighting how altitude, vegetation, and water sources shape species distribution. His work encourages eco-travelers to experience Nepal beyond its mountains and understand its role as a global bird migration corridor.
Inspiring Future Generations of Nature Photographers
Through collaborations with schools, conservation groups, and Nikon School Nepal, Om shares his field experiences with students of nature, ecology, and environmental science. His lectures and exhibitions reveal how a single photograph can create empathy and drive conservation funding. By connecting visual art with scientific communication, he proves that bird photography is both creative expression and ecological advocacy.
Join Om Prakash Yadav’s Bird Photography Workshops.
Learn to document Nepal’s avian life ethically and meaningfully.