Pheasant-tailed jacana

This marks my inaugural blog post, recounting my second visit to Baikka Beel Sanctuary on May 21, 2010. Nestled within Hail Haor in Moulovibazar, Bangladesh, Baikka Beel was declared a sanctuary in 2003 to preserve its wetland fish, birds, and animals. This impromptu journey unfolded with three novice friends. The day's overcast sky heightened our apprehension about the muddy road. Upon reaching the watchtower, our disappointment grew as we observed only a sparse number of birds around the wetland. This was anticipated, considering the monsoon had arrived, prompting most migratory birds to depart. However, our spirits lifted when I spotted a few Pheasant-tailed Jacanas, Indian Pond Herons, Kalem, Little Cormorants, and an eagle. Intrigued, I decided to pursue the Pheasant-tailed Jacana by wooden boat, capturing some beautiful shots of this captivating bird. The Pheasant-tailed Jacana, locally known as "new vepi" or "jol kukra," is a fairly common bird in Bangladesh. I marveled at its ability to walk on lotus leaves using its long toes, deftly feeding on insects and laying its eggs on these leaves. The most fascinating aspect is the female Jacana's unique mating behavior, as she may mate with several males, while the males diligently care for the eggs. With its long black sword-like tail, the Jacana proved to be a truly gorgeous creature.