01 Jun Chasing the Grey Peacock Pheasant: A Wildlife Photography Adventure in Bangladesh

Bangladesh, a land cradled by rivers and draped in lush greenery, is a paradise for wildlife photographers. From the dense mangroves of the Sundarbans to the serene forests of Satchari and Hazarikhil, this country is a treasure trove of natural beauty and biodiversity. As a passionate wildlife photographer based in Sylhet, I’ve embarked on a journey to capture the essence of Bangladesh’s wild side, one frame at a time. Today, I’m sharing a story from my adventures in Hazarikhil and Satchari, chasing the elusive Grey Peacock Pheasant—a tale of patience, camaraderie, and the thrill of the wild.

The Spark: A Love for Nature and Photography

In 2024, I decided to dive deeper into wildlife photography. My love for travel and nature, especially birds, made it a natural fit. There’s something magical about waiting silently in a forest, listening to the calls of creatures, and capturing a fleeting moment that tells a story. I was inspired by local photographers like Khokon Bhai from Sreemangal, whose stunning images of birds and wildlife sparked my curiosity. His work pushed me to explore Bangladesh’s forests, learn about animal behavior, and document these experiences—not just for myself, but to share with others.

The Journey Begins: Joining Nikon Bangladesh

Starting out, I faced a challenge: finding like-minded photographers to join on these adventures. Sylhet, though beautiful, didn’t have a large wildlife photography community. That’s when I stumbled upon Nikon Bangladesh’s Fan Club, a group of passionate photographers organizing a trip to the Sundarbans. It was the perfect opportunity to connect, learn, and grow. Khokon Bhai was part of the trip, and together, we embarked on my first major wildlife photography tour. The Sundarbans opened my eyes to the power of community in photography, but it was my later trips to Satchari and Hazarikhil that truly defined my journey.

Hazarikhil: The Quest for the Grey Peacock Pheasant

Hazarikhil Wildlife Sanctuary, nestled in the Chittagong region, is a haven for birdwatchers and photographers. The dense forests echo with the calls of the Grey Peacock Pheasant, hornbills, and other avian wonders. My goal? To capture the majestic Grey Peacock Pheasant, a bird I’d only seen in Khokon Bhai’s breathtaking photos. Joined by Khokon Bhai, Shamim Bhai, and a local guide, we set out early one morning, cameras ready, hearts pounding with anticipation.

We trekked through the forest, the air thick with the scent of earth and leaves. The Grey Peacock Pheasant’s distinctive call—a haunting, resonant note—teased us from the canopy. Hours passed as we waited, crouched behind bushes, tripods steady. Patience is the heart of wildlife photography, but it’s not always easy. At one point, frustration crept in. I muttered into my camera, “We’re waiting forever, and this pheasant won’t show!” Khokon Bhai was distracted, adjusting his lens, while Shamim Bhai fiddled with his tripod.

Then, for a fleeting five seconds, it happened. The Grey Peacock Pheasant swooped down, its iridescent feathers shimmering in the sunlight, and crossed the clearing. We froze, cameras forgotten, hearts sinking as we missed the shot. The guide warned us that the bird wouldn’t return before dusk. Disappointed, we decided to split up. Khokon Bhai and another photographer ventured deeper into the jungle, while Shamim Bhai and I stayed put, determined to try our luck.

The Triumph: A Second Chance

Just fifteen minutes later, the forest came alive again with the pheasant’s call. Shamim Bhai and I exchanged a glance, barely breathing. This time, we were ready. The Grey Peacock Pheasant landed on a nearby branch, its tail feathers a symphony of colors against the green backdrop. Click, click, click—our shutters fired in unison. We captured dozens of shots, each one a testament to our patience. The joy was indescribable. Back at camp, Khokon Bhai was crestfallen, having missed the moment, but he later trekked for hours and returned with his own stunning Grey Peacock Pheasant photos.

Satchari: A Dance with Nature

My adventures didn’t end in Hazarikhil. Satchari National Park in Habiganj became another chapter in my journey. Known for its rich biodiversity, Satchari is a photographer’s dream. Here, too, I chased birds, learning their behaviors and mastering the art of blending into the environment. The forest taught me to listen, to observe, and to respect the rhythm of nature. Every rustle, every call, was a clue to the next great shot.

Tips for Aspiring Wildlife Photographers

Why Bangladesh?

Bangladesh’s landscapes—from the Sundarbans’ mangroves to Hazarikhil’s forests—are a playground for photographers. The country’s biodiversity, with over 700 bird species, offers endless opportunities. Plus, the sense of adventure, the thrill of discovery, and the connection to nature make every trip unforgettable. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, Bangladesh has something to offer.

« ‹ of 4 › »

Join the Journey

My photography journey is just beginning, and I’m excited to share more stories, tips, and photos on asadsnapper.com. Whether you’re chasing Grey Peacock Pheasants in Hazarikhil, hornbills in Satchari, or tigers in the Sundarbans, I hope my experiences inspire you to pick up a camera and explore Bangladesh’s wild side.

Have you been to Hazarikhil or Satchari? Got a wildlife photography story to share? Drop a comment below or connect with me on social media. Let’s build a community of nature lovers and photographers!