Meet an Educator is a monthly series by Early Bird that features the work of educators across India who are actively spreading the joy of birds and nature. This month’s featured educator is Bhavya Sharma, a postgraduate student who uses creative question-first methods and sensory nature journaling to reconnect urban communities with local biodiversity.

Do tell us about yourself, where you are from, and your work
My name is Bhavya Sharma, and I am a postgraduate student currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Science. Growing up in Jaipur, Rajasthan, I was constantly inspired by the world around me. In my free time, I create digital illustrations. Childhood fascination with nature drove my decision to enter this field.

What excites you about the natural world?
I used to think dry landscapes were uninteresting, but with time and knowledge, I became curious about the habitats and biodiversity found in scrub forests and deserts. Coming from Rajasthan, I initially viewed these arid landscapes as boring. However, as my understanding deepened, my curiosity grew into a genuine passion for the resilience found in these seemingly ’empty’ spaces.

What truly excites me about the natural world is the diversity of life within these dry habitats. Scrub forests and vast deserts may appear harsh at first glance, yet they are home to incredibly well-adapted flora and fauna. Seeing a desert tree thrive with minimal water is a constant source of inspiration. For me, the true wonder lies in the hidden complexity of these resilient ecosystems.

When and how did you get interested in bird/nature education?
My interest in nature began in childhood, sparked by a deep fascination with animals and birds. I even created a personal “field guide” by collecting newspaper cuttings of bird blogs and wildlife news. A defining moment occurred when I was about 11 years old during a visit to Ranthambore National Park. While trying to identify birds for my family, my uncle recognised my enthusiasm and gifted me Collins Birds of India by Martin Woodcock. That book transformed my curiosity. I began observing right from my doorstep—from the winter murmurations of Rosy  Starlings to the summer nesting cycles of Grey Hornbills in the park across from our house.

During my school years, I noticed a significant gap in nature-based activities within the education system, which motivated me to seek out educational tours and zoo visits. While in my graduation, I joined a local NGO working in wildlife conservation. My involvement evolved from hands-on rescue work with snakes and injured birds during Makar Sankranti to a focus on public awareness. Participating in events such as the Annual National Wildlife Week and various bird festivals allowed me to interact directly with school and college students.

What do you hope to achieve through your education work?
My primary goal is to dismantle the misconception that wildlife belongs only to forests or national parks. As our concrete jungles expand, we are rapidly losing the urban biodiversity that was once common in our backyards. I aim to promote a sustainable lifestyle shift in which individuals realise that their daily habits can have a positive impact, while some preferences can harm the survival of local wildlife.

I use specific, local examples to illustrate this impact. For instance, the hoopoe, once a common bird, is vanishing because roadside pavements have eliminated the soft ground it needs for feeding. Similarly, woodpeckers are becoming rare as modern parks replace native, bark-rich trees with exotic palms that offer no sustenance.

Through my work, I hope to educate people to preserve nature-friendly patches and prioritise native plants over decorative exotic species, promoting the idea of reserving at least 10% of any public park as an unmanicured garden to support local biodiversity, and encourage a way of life that reunites us with our natural surroundings and fosters the understanding that every act matters in the fight against habitat loss.

Why do you believe it is important for children to learn about birds or connect with nature?
Absolutely, I believe nature education is vital because observation is the first step toward conservation. When schools dedicate time for students to observe life cycles in their own backyards, they truly begin to learn about nature.

By understanding how local birds and ecosystems function, students realise that their daily habits and the shift toward responsible living have a direct impact on the environment around them. When children learn to care for the nature they see every day, they develop the deep-rooted empathy necessary to protect our environment.

What tools or resources have helped you in teaching about birds? Can you describe an approach that has worked exceptionally well for you?
In my experience, the most effective tools are those that bridge the gap between a brief sighting and a lasting memory. Flashcards are invaluable for helping beginners narrow down key features—such as beak shape, colour, patterns, or size—before a bird flies away.

However, the most successful approach I’ve developed combines different visuals. I always carry a field diary and pen to draw rough, simplified diagrams. This helps students focus on identifying specific “pointers” they can actually remember. To keep them engaged, I use a “Question-First” method. Instead of simply presenting facts, I ask “Why?”—for example, “Why do you think this bird has such a long, curved beak?” This triggers their imagination and encourages them to observe and question more. Once they share their thoughts, I explain, making the learning process feel like a discovery rather than a lecture. I also strongly encourage nature journaling to document these findings.

Finally, I incorporate audio mnemonics to make bird calls memorable and fun. By using catchy phrases, children can easily identify birds, and I even encourage them to create their own versions. By keeping activities interactive, I ensure the experience feels less like a classroom and more like an adventure or a detective mission.

Have you encountered a significant challenge as a bird/nature educator, how did you overcome it?
The most significant challenge I encountered as a nature educator was reaching an audience that seemed unreachable. In the beginning, I had the knowledge and the passion, but I struggled to connect with people who shared these interests. I knew there were individuals—both children and adults—who wanted to learn about local biodiversity, but they simply didn’t know where to go or how to start.

I overcame this problem by partnering with NGOs already established in conservation and rescue. I gained access to their bird festivals, workshops, and Wildlife Week events. These platforms provided the necessary space to interact with enthusiasts and allowed new learners to join my walks and habitat awareness drives. 

Bridging this gap taught me that in education, partnership is just as important as sharing knowledge itself.

Do share any memorable moment or experience you have had in teaching kids about birds/nature. Can you recall any insightful instance that shaped your perspective?
One of my most memorable experiences occurred during an annual winter nature camp in Orchha, Madhya Pradesh. After leading a group of excited students on a nature walk through a local farm, we challenged them to create a “memory map” of the farm, highlighting elements they discovered, such as birds, butterflies, and flowers. 

Initially, the students used standard pens and colours. However, I challenged them to look closely at their surroundings. I suggested a different approach—using only natural elements to create their artwork—and the result was transformative for both the students and me. They began experimenting with vibrant yellows from freshly harvested turmeric, reds from fallen flowers, the varying textures of sand, and the greens of crushed grass. Watching them meticulously arrange these materials to represent our journey was incredibly insightful.

This instance fundamentally shaped my perspective as a nature educator. It taught me that Nature is the ‘medium’. We don’t just learn about nature; we can learn through it. Through this hands-on experience, the children formed a sensory bond with the environment that no textbook could ever provide.

Have you noticed any changes in your learners after they received exposure to birds and nature-based learning? If yes, what are they? If not, why do you think that is?
The most significant change I have observed in learners, most notably with my young niece, is a shift from inertia to active observation. Initially, she was shocked to see that my phone’s gallery was filled with images of insects and plants. However, after we spent hours discussing the stories behind those images, her curiosity was ignited.

The turning point was showing her a live Lime Swallowtail caterpillar in our own backyard. Seeing that beautiful creature in a familiar space instantly transformed her perspective. Since that exposure, I have noticed her actively searching for birds and butterflies around the home. Whenever she finds something new, she immediately seeks to learn about it, showing that her sense of wonder has turned into a genuine desire for knowledge, involving her parents in her discoveries.

I believe these changes occur because nature-based learning replaces fear with fascination. Once someone realises that a common backyard can hold extraordinary life, that space becomes a living classroom.

What message would you have for your fellow educators or somebody starting their nature education journey?
Nature education is not just about conveying facts; it is about fostering a sense of wonder. If you are just starting, my advice is to get your hands dirty. Whether you are examining a flower or watching a kite soar, children learn best when they can feel, see, and experience nature directly.

Replace long lectures with interactive fieldwork; a hands-on encounter creates a lasting memory that a textbook simply cannot match. Keep the learning light and fun—use storytelling, games, or quizzes to turn every lesson into an adventure. Most importantly, never let your own flame of curiosity burn out. If you remain an active learner who is constantly asking questions, your enthusiasm will naturally inspire those around you.