Birder Profile– Onenjungshi

Onenjungshi, also known as Onen, is a passionate wildlife enthusiast born and raised in Nagaland. He holds one of the most interesting professions that many would envy – working as a photographer for the Nagaland Forest Department. Continue reading to know more about his journey in the world of birdwatching.

1. Please tell us a bit about yourself. What do you do and where do you live?

My name is Onenjungshi, and I am from Nagaland. I grew up being surrounded by nature and have always been interested in learning more about the secretive lives of wild animals with whom I share space. I love to watch them and try to capture their essence through my lens. I am currently working as a photographer in the Department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Govt. of Nagaland. I love the fact that my job fulfils my passion for spotting and photographing wildlife.

2. When and how did you get interested in birding? 

While I have been more interested in photographing wild animals since my youth, my interest in birds began a decade ago. I often travelled to the interior dense forests of Nagaland, and in the process, I found myself captivated by the melodious songs and colourful plumage of birds I’d never seen before. Such casual observations turned into passion as I continued photographing different birds in our state.

3. Do you have a favourite bird or birds? Why is it/are they your favourite?

No, I don’t have a favourite because I see every bird as beautiful and unique in its own way. Every bird is exquisite, and just like humans, they have different personalities.

4. Do you have a birding partner or a group you enjoy birding with? How is birding alone different from birding with others?

We have very few birders in Nagaland, hence most of my birding trips are done solo. But, I do have a very good friend, Mr. Lansothung who’s an even bigger wildlife enthusiast than me. We take birding trips together whenever possible. Birding solo and birding with others are two completely different experiences. While you are able to connect deeper with nature or the bird when you are alone, birding with others allows you to tap into the knowledge and expertise of other birders.

5. What is your most memorable birding experience?

While birding in Uttarakhand, I was mesmerised by the birdlife in Pangot. It is a paradise for bird lovers. Nestled amidst oak and pine forests, this place provides a stunning backdrop for birdwatching. The immense diversity of resident as well as migratory birds in the area captivated me. I especially enjoyed the time I caught sight of a Crested Kingfisher. Spotting this bird had been on my bucket list for a long time, and I got the chance to see it.

6. Anything on the birding bucket list? (Doesn’t have to be a bird, could be a place, witnessing a phenomena, etc)

Yes, and it is an unending list. But my aim is to try and watch or spot at least 90% of the birds of the Indian subcontinent.

7. Which of the two do you enjoy more and why: a) regular birding around your house/local patch/district, or b) widespread birding in different landscapes across different districts and states?

I am an adventurer; hence, I would enjoy birding in different landscapes any day. Travelling to new places with different terrains and habitats intrigues me to explore more and delve deeper into understanding what avian life is like in that place.

8. How has your approach to birding changed over the years? (optional)

I started birding with an interest in capturing their beauty through my camera. But, over the years, I began to understand how different species behave, their foraging habits, and the habitats they prefer. All this new information has added to my interest and encouraged me to go beyond just clicking birds. Now, I study the species, try to connect with them, and study their migratory routes whenever I go on birding trips.

9. Have you set any birding goals for the coming months?

Yes, my goal for the year is to do at least two extensive birding trips!

Grey-headed Swamphen (Purple Swamphen) Porphyrio poliocephalus © Onenjungshi

Header Image: Blyth’s Tragopan Tragopan blythii © Onenjungshi