# Written by: G. Shaheed Pictures: Dr. Janey Maria Kuriakos
HiSomewhere in the unknown jungles of Malaya there is a rare bird. To find them, you have to walk through forest trails that can touch the sky. Visibility is blurred as a thick layer of fog rolls in. Wait patiently
should be If you look around, you will see mountains of snow. Forests are so green. Low-flying clouds. Sometimes a cold wind blows. This pilgrimage is for that colorful bird which is God’s creation.
“They will be dark red in color. It is an invisible bird. Only a handful of people have seen the bird. Walk through the forest with caution. The Himalayan black bear may sometimes pounce. But don’t be afraid, there are people for security.”– said the forest department guide who leads the bird watchers.
The name of the bird Western Tragopan. Birds are found in the Great Himalayan National Park. A few birds have been seen in Uttarakhand. They rarely fly short distances, and at other times hide in the undergrowth. A Malayalee who has crossed continents for birds with heavy cameras. Jayni Maria Kuriakos landed this bird.
It was a very difficult journey. To leave at three in the morning. Only torch light for the cage. By four o’clock the rays of light will begin to fall on the mountain. The journey is taking a close look at the undergrowth.
Color before the eyes
“It is possible to see the bird unexpectedly,” said the guide. Something seemed to move in the undergrowth. “Each step must be taken with care,” the competent guide would occasionally warn.
Sometimes climbs up to 15,000 feet. Even if you get that high, you may have to come back empty-handed.
“If you don’t see it today, you can come tomorrow. If not, the next day”-Jaini told the guide. Having traveled the Arafat Mountains in Indonesia and the jungles of Ecuador and Chile, Jaini was full of confidence. Jaini climbed the mountain in May 2016.In the early days, not even a bird’s feather was seen. Those days were empty but not hopeless. Because it was quite an adventure. After the walk, we will return to the camp in the afternoon. We have to walk back for four hours. Ascents and descents should be repeated.
Return to the camp by 6 pm. Steaming tea on arrival. Let’s rest for a while. The guide will call at eight o’clock. Delicious dishes for dinner. The next morning the climbing will start. Famous French bird watcher Chanmazuki had also come to the Himalayas with Jaini to see the bird.His footprints are imprinted in the forests of many countries of the world. Climbing with him is unforgettable”-Jaini said. On the seventh day there was an unexpected turn. Chan Masuki disappeared during the walk. A strange experience where the guides also strayed. Jaini was left alone. It was dark. When I thought of the Himalayan black bear, fear was born in my mind. Not even a stick in hand. Jaini took courage and walked. Then the guide’s call was heard from somewhere. The guide arrived within ten minutes.
The guide poured the steaming tea from the flask. Two sandwiches were eaten with gusto. He rested his head on the rock for a while in relief. When we got back to the camp, there was Masuki standing. He was very happy.“Got it, got the bird”– He said showing the picture on the camera. Jayni cried when she saw the picture.
“Don’t worry, we can go tomorrow too” – Masuki reassured. The next morning they continued their journey towards the bird. Nothing was seen till noon. But while resting I heard some movement. Everyone waited. After fifteen minutes, two birds came walking from the undergrowth. Everyone was hiding behind a fallen tree. The birds hesitated. Yes, the colorful birds that were searching. Jaini took the camera. Many clicks.
The birds quickly ran to the undergrowth. Days of climbing have paid off. Jaini was really thrilled. Very few people in the world have managed to photograph the Western Tragopan bird. Jaini got the film on May 2, 2016. There are three other categories of tragopans in India. They are Blythe, Temnik and Satyr. These were captured by Jaini on camera from the north-east.
Jaini said it was a once in a lifetime experience to visit the Mishmi hills in Arunachal in search of other birds. Blythe tragopan was captured on camera from here. They don’t run away when they see people! A little bit of nature. But still only the western tragopan can hide in the forest, out of sight of everyone…
(Mathrubhumi journey(published in