Ganderbal, Jan 12 (KNO): Wajid Lone, a journalism student, is a budding wildlife photographer whose passion for animals and photography has won him several awards in a short period of time.
Wajid, a resident of Kangan in Ganderbal district, started photography in 2019, though interested in photography since childhood, he never took it seriously till he came across a wildlife photographer on social media.
"I came across the profile of Irfan Jeelani, a wildlife photographer by passion, on Facebook, it interested him and instantly I joined him to explore different places for wildlife photography," Lone said while talking with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO).
Wajid has won many awards including; Photography Across Borders Nature Photography Award 2020, Kashmir School of Photography Nature award 2020.
Explore Wild India Magazine has also facilitated him with the photographer of the year 2020.
His work has been featured in JK Photographers Club- E-Magazine. His latest work is to be published in WildSJournos magazine in the February issue this year.
"It is always thrilling when these platforms recognize my work. I am really grateful," Lone said.
Lone has been a member of Birds of Kashmir (a group of like-minded people who are driven by their love for nature and wildlife), where he along with other fellow birders are exploring the rich bird diversity of Jammu and Kashmir.
"Through the Birds of Kashmir group we have been exploring more and more bird species, which include some rare as well and so far we have helped in the treatment of a number of injured birds and animals," he said.
"Birds of Kashmir has recorded two rare species of birds at the beginning of the year 2021, Flirty Yellow Hammer and Palla's Rosefinch. These are the first-ever records for J&K and India respectively," he said
"Besides these, they have also recorded Common Redstart, Tundra Swan (Bewick's) and Durain Redstart which is also the first records from Valley," Lone said, adding that the group is struggling to start its own rehab centre where they can treat injured birds and animals—(KNO)