About Me

I am Rounak Patra, a Ph.D. student in the Department of Biological Sciences at Louisiana State University. Currently, I am a part of Dr. Flavia Montano’s research group where I mostly study plant-bird mutualisms, frugivory and seed dispersal. Previously, I worked at the Wildlife Institute of India in multiple projects where I had the chance to explore a multitude of habitats ranging from the Himalayas in the north to tropical evergreen forests of Western Ghats in the south. My valuable time spent in the field has shaped my love for birds and I have travelled extensively in and around India documenting their behavior. Apart from just ticking off my life-list of birds, I must acknowledge that the world of birding has given me much more than just watching birds. Personally, I have learnt to be patient, calm and observant in life, but the world of birding has led me to interact with a wider community of people who share the same joy and passion for birdwatching.

When I am not busy with my work or not birding, I can be mostly found either photographing wildlife or write about random things that range from the world of football (encompassing my favorite team Arsenal), environment, TV shows, podcasts and travels.