Srinagar’s natural beauty bewitches octogenarian photographer from Australia

Srinagar, Nov 22: For 85-year-old freelance photographer, Kevin Fairly, this was his maiden visit to Kashmir. He was expected to return home without any surprises, however, he was amazed to see natural beauty and migratory birds in Dal Lake and other water bodies here.

Fairly, who loves clicking birds and portraits of people, was mesmerised by Kashmir's unique bird population. With a professional camera in his hands, he made a stop at the famous Foreshore Road on the banks of Dal Lake.

“This kingfisher caught my eye. We have seen kingfishers in Australia, but it is nothing like what I see right now. The colours are unique, like white and black. Other migratory birds are something that I have rarely witnessed in my decades of travel experience in Asia,” Fairly said.

With the onset of winter, a large number of migratory birds like mallards, common teals, bitterns, graylag geese, pintails, shovelers, tufted ducks, and cormorants arrive in Dal Lake and wetlands like Hokarsar, Haigam, Mirgund, Shalbug, and many more.

Fairly said that people, rich heritage, and bird population are a dream for photographers around the world. “I am on my visit to north India, and Kashmir's visit is just a part of that. Although, I have professionally retired, but I never stopped my passion for photography,” he said.

He said that the place is not only about birds, but also about unique culture, hospitable and caring people, and rich heritage. While sharing his experience, he said that his visits to Downtown Srinagar and other places across the valley left him awestruck.

“From the great Himalayas that I saw in my flight to the historical bridges of Srinagar, this place has a lot to offer as a photographer and also for visitors who want to witness some unique culture and landscape. The meadows and Hill stations that I visited left a great impact on me. The art and craft of this place is equally mesmerizing. I’m thrilled to share my photos back home via social media,” he said.

Fairly said, in addition to clicking birds, he loves clicking portrait pictures of people. “I enjoyed clicking people across Kashmir. My social media is full of beautiful portrait shots of local vendors, the traditional Kangri sellers, Kashmir tea sellers, and much more. This is a unique place, and tourists should keep it in the buck list for sure,” he said.

He said his visits to the floating market in Dal Lake fascinated him, and he saw many unique things that made the visit memorable. “My social media is full of pictures of Kashmir that include historic places like Budshah tomb, heritage houses, masjids, and unique crafts like copper smiths, stone carving, and much more. This has been a memorable visit, and I have enjoyed it to the fullest,” he added.