Birding is like an emotional Roller coaster – patience, persistence, disappointment, hope, and finally, joy. When you are into birding, one thing is certain — anything can happen at any time. All you need is optimism and patience.
For the past three years, the Tricolored Munia had been on my wish list — a bird I had heard so much about but never managed to see. Every time I came across a friend’s post featuring this striking species, a small voice inside me would whisper, “Will I ever get my shot?”. I made several trips to Jawaharpur and even visited New Chandigarh a couple of times, but every time I returned empty-handed. Still, I held on to hope. Birding had already taught me that patience always pays — just like with Kingfishers or Herons, you simply have to keep trying until the right moment arrives.
Another challenge was that the Tricolored Munia is usually seen around the Tricity region only for two to three months a year. The rest of the time, it’s a long, silent wait for the next chance.
This October, however, things felt different. The winter birding season had just begun, and with two lifers — the Golden Leafbird and Rufous-tailed Rock Thrush — already added to my list, I began to feel that perhaps luck was finally in my favour. Then came the spark — a Facebook post showing a flock of Tricolored Munias at Jawaharpur. My birding friend Vicky further encouraged me, saying, “You must visit, they’re still around!” That was all the push I needed.
On 12th October 2025, I set out once again to Jawaharpur, filled with cautious optimism. And within just half an hour, my long wait came to an end — there it was, the Tricolored Munia, right before my eyes!
Common Rosefinch
Without wasting a second, I clicked a few shots — partly for confirmation, partly to make sure it wasn’t a dream. As the bird posed gracefully, a wave of satisfaction washed over me. The patience of three years had finally borne fruit.
Red Avadavat
The day continued to surprise me with sightings of Red Avadavat, Common Rosefinch, and Bengal Bushlark — but the real gem of the day, or perhaps of the entire year, was the Tricolored Munia.
Bengal Bushlark
This sighting wasn’t just about adding another lifer to my list. It was a reminder — that in birding, as in life, persistence is the key. You may be just one step away from your goal when you decide to give up. So never lose heart — try, try again, because the next dawn may bring the bird you’ve been dreaming of.
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