Falling For Fall – A Tropical Birdwatcher Celebrates Autumn

A Birdwatcher Celebrates Fall

For the past 18 years, my life revolved around three familiar seasons: summer, winter, and monsoon. I’ve experienced them and photographed various species of animals thriving within their rhythms. But recently, after enrolling at the University of Washington in Seattle, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to witness and capture the vibrant beauty of fall—an entirely new season to explore, both through my lens and my passion for birdwatching.

Red Viburnum berries add to the colour pop of fall in North America
Red Viburnum berries add to the colour pop of fall in North America
Sunlight paints a fall canvas as it filters through the maple trees at Washington Park Arboretum
Sunlight paints a fall canvas as it filters through the maple trees at Washington Park Arboretum

Fall is a symphony of colours—a vibrant mosaic where reds, oranges, and yellows blend seamlessly with the lingering greens of summer. The soft sunlight filters through the translucent, dying leaves, casting an exquisite interplay of highlights and shadows, creating a captivating and uncanny imbalance.

As mesmerising as the colours of fall are, stepping outside for birdwatching reveals the season’s challenges. Temperatures hover between 4 and 10 degrees Celsius, with a biting breeze that offers no relief. Holding onto my camera and binoculars becomes nearly impossible as the cold seeps into my hands, leaving them numb. By mid-morning, a slow and steady drizzle sets in, lingering for the rest of the day. This sombre, overcast weather dampens not just the surroundings but also bird activity, making the experience uniquely challenging.

A cold, windy fall morning at Union Bay Natural Area
A cold, windy fall morning at Union Bay Natural Area
A rainy fall evening at Union Bay Natural Area
A rainy fall evening at Union Bay Natural Area, near Seattle

This seasonal shift also marks the beginning of bird migration, with many species heading south toward the tropics. As a result, the Pacific Northwest sees a significant drop in bird density. The few residents that remain—such as chickadees, wrens, and kinglets—become the primary subjects of observation, though their activity patterns during fall are often unpredictable.

Having spent over four years birdwatching in India, I had grown accustomed to bird activity peaking early in the mornings—a dependable rhythm that shaped my outings. However, the arrival of fall in the Pacific Northwest has disrupted this familiar pattern, with birds often far less active during the early hours. On some mornings, I’ve spotted fewer than five species, a stark contrast to what I’m used to.

A Birdwatcher Celebrates Fall
Black capped Chickadee at Union Bay Natural Area
A Cedar Waxwing at Union Bay Natural Area in fall
A Cedar Waxwing at Union Bay Natural Area
Pacific wren at Union Bay Natural Area during the fall
A Pacific Wren at Union Bay Natural Area on a cold fall day

Interestingly, this shift in bird activity has also brought unexpected opportunities. With birdwatching now extending into later hours, the changing light conditions have allowed me to experiment and capture unique frames that would have been impossible during my usual morning routines. This adjustment has added a fresh perspective to my photography, blending the challenges of fall with its hidden rewards.

Fall has been an entirely new and transformative experience for me, both as a birdwatcher and a photographer. Despite its challenges, it has taught me to adapt and embrace the unexpected. The vibrant colours, shifting light, and rare opportunities to experiment with new techniques have deepened my appreciation for the beauty of change. As I continue to explore this season, I’m reminded that every challenge brings with it a chance to grow and see the world in a new light.


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Author

  • Anirudh Arun

    Anirudh Arun is a wildlife photographer, videographer, and birdwatcher based in Bengaluru, India. His early visits to the national parks of southern India fostered a profound connection with the natural world. This deep-seated passion led him to pursue wildlife photography and filmmaking, which he uses to highlight critical issues such as habitat destruction and pollution. He is a student of Environmental Studies at the University of Washington, Seattle, with aspirations to become a wildlife conservation filmmaker. Through his work, he aims to raise awareness and inspire action for the preservation of our planet’s precious ecosystems.

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