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.
Excellent captures!! Wildlife at best. SAM at its best !
Thank you Parthanil