How the Konkan region invited us:

When we reached the base camp:
Before us unfurled a breathtaking panorama, a mesmerizing tapestry woven with red sands and lush emerald pastures, each hue a testament to nature’s exquisite artistry. Our adventure began with a lengthy drive to the heart of Goa, following a train odyssey from Chennai to Bengaluru, ultimately guiding us to the captivating Vasco Da Gama station in Marmagoa. Here, we entered a realm rich with the echoes of Portuguese art and architecture, where newly paved highways ushered us gracefully through this charming land. Our avian enthusiast shared tales of feathered friends during our two-hour expedition, enveloping us in a vivid narrative that painted our destination in glorious detail.
Morning Drizzle
As we approached our base camp, we navigated treacherous, slippery paths, the heavy rains veiling the flora and fauna from our view. Yet our guide, undaunted by the tempest, assured us that the Indian Meteorological Department foretold of sunshine—a perfect backdrop for bird photography. Trusting his words over the monsoon’s gloom, we pressed onward, catching the distinctive call of a bird, one we would soon need an app to unveil.

The morning boost:
After a comforting cup of tea and a modest breakfast, we gathered our gear and traveled by local vehicle to a private betel plantation. The hide was meticulously prepared for our long vigil, with zoom lenses and tripods poised for the perfect capture. The sturdy hide, robust enough to weather the storm, proved its mettle as the skies unleashed their fury, surrounding us with water within an hour. It seemed we had indeed chosen a challenging season for birding. Yet patience became our steadfast ally, and as the deluge subsided, sunlight broke through the clouds, casting a golden glow upon the landscape, transforming the waters into shimmering reflections.
As we focused intently on our chosen perches, I hurriedly adjusted my camera settings, eager not to miss a fleeting moment. In a stroke of serendipity, a dazzling bird flitted onto a nearby branch, captivating me with its radiant colors—a miniature rainbow emerging from the rain. Though it vanished almost as swiftly as it appeared, a flicker of joy ignited within me; I had witnessed its ethereal beauty. Meanwhile, my companions captured images in rapid succession, their cameras clicking like the staccato rhythm of an AK-47.
This time, I was ready, patiently awaiting the return of my feathered muse. After a 15-minute vigil, I felt like a quick-draw cowboy, eye pressed to the viewfinder, only to discover it was not the sought-after ODKF but rather the enchanting Tickell’s Blue Flycatcher. Its brown underparts and vibrant blue upper plumage shimmered in the light, enchanting all who beheld it. I snapped a satisfactory shot, though my companions seemed less enthused. As we exchanged knowing glances, our guide urged me to hold steady; he sensed another sighting was near.

With urgency, I adjusted my settings, yet once more, I lost the moment as the sunlight began to wane and clouds gathered ominously. A light drizzle beckoned us to break for lunch, where I savored the delightful vegetarian fare, determined to stave off fatigue. Conversations buzzed around images and settings, and I feigned expertise, soaking up wisdom from a seasoned father-daughter duo, their insights illuminating my understanding.
Upon our return to the hide, our guide gifted me a prime vantage point, easing the weight of photographic expectation. Doubts crept in—would fortune smile upon me here? Yet, every 15 minutes, birds graced our presence, and as if by enchantment, my shots transformed into beautiful captures.

We paused until evening, capturing the enchanting poses of OKDF. I unleashed my fervor for bird photography, seizing the opportunity to take a splendid collection of photos—sometimes, one must release the pent-up energy that has been waiting to soar. The sun played hide-and-seek with the azure sky, and darkness soon enveloped us. As we gathered our belongings for the journey back to our base camp, the haunting calls of nocturnal insects urged us to hasten our return, cautioning against lingering in the shadows.

Upon reaching our haven, we exchanged our captured moments and reflected on the day’s journey, recognizing the lessons learned from our missteps—an open mind is the key to wisdom. We rejuvenated ourselves in pleasantly warm water and shared a round-table dinner, recounting tales of our birding adventures; it was utterly captivating. As I surrendered to slumber, visions of birds dancing in the twilight filled my dreams.

The outcome: Patience and belief in one’s dreams weave the fabric of success. Beyond the mere pursuit of birdwatching, the camaraderie of Ram, my fellow birders, and the benevolence of nature propelled my journey into bird photography. This mission blossomed through our collective effort; as I returned, a profound happiness enveloped me, for I had achieved something extraordinary on this adventure. True victory arrives when one chooses the right companions and believes in something greater.
Photo Story by: Siluvai Amalan | Photo: Siluvai Amalan
Tour Operator: @ChirpingGypsies