Month: December 2025

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The SamPixPro Commando Chronicles: 4 Days Inside Mangalajodi

 

The “Commando” Chronicles: 4 Days in the Bird Paradise of Mangalajodi. They say photography is about waiting for the perfect moment. But at Mangalajodi, it’s about living that moment from 5 AM to 5 PM.

I recently returned from a 4-day intensive photography expedition in Odisha (Dec 18–21), and it was nothing short of a “Commando Training” session for my soul and my lens.

The Journey to the Wetlands

It began in Kolkata on a chilly evening, boarding the OSRTC Volvo. A huge shoutout to the bus staff—especially Mr. Kamal—who guided me to get down at Tangi instead of Bhubaneshwar, saving me precious time. By 6:15 AM, I was at the Mangalajodi Eco Tourism Resort, welcomed by the warm smiles of Srinivas and Moni Madam, who went above and beyond to make me feel at home before my project even started.

Into the Wild with a Protector

My mission was simple but intense: capture the life cycles and day-to-day actions of millions of birds. I was lucky to have Mr. Sugyan Kumar as my guide. He isn’t just a guide; he is a bird protector with a profound knowledge of these wetlands. Together with our skilled boatman, we navigated the waters through two shifts a day.

The “Commando” Routine

People see the final shot, but here is what the #SamPixPro life looked like for those 4 days:

  • 05:00 AM: Wake up, pack the kits, and hop into the auto.

  • 06:00 AM – 11:00 AM: Morning shift. Chasing the golden light and bird actions.

  • The Mid-day Sprint: A quick bath, lunch, and a frantic race against time to recharge batteries, transfer massive files, and clean lenses.

  • 01:30 PM – 05:00 PM: Evening shift. Following the life cycles of different species as the sun dipped low.

  • The Night Shift: Back at the resort, the work didn’t end. Reviewing every frame, cross-checking the pre-plan, and strategizing for the next dawn.

The Result?

Millions of birds. Countless species. Rare actions captured in high definition. I saw life unfold in its most raw and beautiful form.

Mangalajodi taught me that great photography isn’t just about a good camera; it’s about the discipline to wake up before the sun and the heart to stay until it sets.

Stay tuned. The SamPixPro -Mangalajodi series is coming soon. 

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Oriental Magpie-Robin

The Oriental Magpie-Robin is one of the most admired songbirds of Asia, admired for its beautiful melody, bold personality, and striking black-and-white plumage. It is also the national bird of Bangladesh and a favorite among bird photographers and nature lovers.

1. Scientific Classification (Taxonomy)

  • Common Name: Oriental Magpie-Robin

  • Scientific Name: Copsychus saularis

  • Family: Muscicapidae

  • Order: Passeriformes

  • Class: Aves

  • Kingdom: Animalia

2. Identification & Physical Description

  • Size: 19–23 cm (7.5–9 inches)

  • Weight: 30–44 grams

  • Male Plumage:

    • Jet black head, back, and upper breast

    • White belly, wing patches, and tail sides

  • Female Plumage:

    • Greyish-black instead of jet black

    • Similar white underparts

  • Eyes: Dark brown

  • Beak: Slim, black

  • Legs: Dark grey to black

This contrast of black and white coloration gives the bird its “magpie” appearance.

3. Geographic Distribution

The Oriental Magpie-Robin is widely distributed across:

  • Indian Subcontinent: India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Pakistan

  • Southeast Asia: Thailand, Myanmar, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia

  • East Asia: Southern China, Taiwan

It is a resident bird in most parts of its range.

4. Natural Habitat

This bird adapts well to different environments:

  • Gardens and parks

  • Forest edges

  • Open woodlands

  • Farmlands

  • Urban residential areas

It prefers open spaces with nearby trees and bushes.

5. Behavior & Personality

  • Highly territorial, especially during breeding season

  • Often seen hopping on the ground

  • Frequently flicks its tail up and down

  • Active during early morning and late evening

  • Bold and not easily frightened by humans

6. Diet & Feeding Habits

The Oriental Magpie-Robin is primarily insectivorous.

Main Diet Includes:

  • Ants

  • Beetles

  • Grasshoppers

  • Termites

  • Spiders

  • Small worms

Occasional Foods:

  • Berries

  • Small fruits

  • Nectar

It plays an important role in natural pest control.

7. Breeding & Nesting

  • Breeding Season: March to July (varies by location)

  • Nest Type: Cup-shaped

  • Nest Locations: Tree cavities, wall holes, building crevices, abandoned pots

  • Eggs Laid: 3–5 eggs

  • Egg Color: Pale greenish or bluish with brown spots

  • Incubation Period: 12–15 days

  • Both parents actively feed the chicks

8. Voice & Song

The Oriental Magpie-Robin is famous for its rich, melodious song:

  • Clear whistles

  • Sharp calls

  • Ability to mimic other bird sounds

  • Males sing to attract females and defend territory

It is often called the “Morning Singer of Asia.”

9. Lifespan

  • Average Lifespan: 5–10 years in the wild

  • Can live longer in protected environments

10. Conservation Status

According to the IUCN Red List:

  • Status: Least Concern (LC)

  • Population Trend: Stable

However, habitat loss and urban pollution can affect local populations.

11. Ecological Importance

  • Controls insect populations

  • Helps maintain ecological balance

  • Acts as a bio-indicator of healthy environments

  • Enhances natural soundscape with its song

12. Cultural & National Importance

  • National Bird of Bangladesh

  • Symbol of joy, love, and purity in South Asian folklore

  • Widely kept as a songbird in the past

13. Interesting Facts About Oriental Magpie-Robin

  • It can recognize human faces in urban areas

  • Performs tail-flicking displays while singing

  • Known to sing even at night under bright moonlight

  • Often uses man-made structures for nesting

14. Threats

  • Deforestation

  • Urbanization

  • Pesticide use reducing insect food

  • Illegal bird trapping in some regions

15. Protection & How You Can Help

  • Plant native shrubs and trees

  • Avoid pesticide use in gardens

  • Provide water bowls for birds

  • Protect nesting sites

  • Support wildlife conservation programs

16. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. Is the Oriental Magpie-Robin aggressive?

Yes, it becomes highly territorial during breeding season.

Q2. Can it live near humans?

Absolutely. It thrives in urban gardens and parks.

Q3. What does it mainly eat?

Insects, worms, and small invertebrates.

Q4. Why is it called a Magpie-Robin?

Due to its black-and-white coloration like a magpie and robin-like body shape.