09th June, 2024
(All photographs in this article are taken by the author)
The rufous sibia (Heterophasia capistrata) is a stunning bird species that can be found in the woodlands and shrubby areas of the Himalayas, spanning from northern Pakistan to central Nepal. One might say that this bird is located in the foothills of the Himalayas.
Records of these birds in Pakistan are scarce and are mostly found in the lower Himalayan regions of Galliyat and Kashmir. The rufous sibia is recognized for its captivating feathers, which are mainly rufous or reddish-brown on the body. It possesses a black head and a distinct white throat. The wings and tail are generally darker, often with a bluish or black hue.
I have been searching for this bird for the past six years, but luck has not been on my side. During most of my birding trips in the northern area, I teamed up with my birding friend Ayaz Mahmood from Islamabad. He called me in the first week of June to report that he had spotted a Rufous Sibia during a hike in Galliyat and was fortunate to capture some good shots.
Saturday was a regular workday for me, and I had a presentation for the CEO on Monday morning, but the Rufous Sibia was on my mind. I left Lahore at 9 PM, traveled the entire night, and arrived in Galliyat at dawn to start our hike. I was in jeans, and my mind was still preoccupied with work, so I didn't bring any water or a day pack for the hike. After two hours, we began hearing the calls of the Rufous Sibia, but in the dense jungle, we couldn't catch a glimpse of the bird.
The Rufous Sibia (Heterophasia capistrata) is recognized for its sweet, melodious vocalizations, which include clear whistles and intricate warbles. These melodic calls are used for communication, marking territory, and attracting mates. Then my partner called out that he had seen the bird in the pine trees, but it had vanished. We continued hiking for another hour, still hearing calls, but the bird remained elusive in front of the camera. It was nearly four hours into our hike when we began our descent.
In my bird-watching journey, I've understood the importance of patience. No matter how much effort you invest in seeking out a specific bird, it only reveals itself when the time is right. It's crucial not to be disheartened if a bird-watching excursion doesn't yield any sightings, much like in life, where our best-laid plans can take unexpected turns, leaving us only with a smile and a lesson learned.
With my friend, Ayaz Bhi, I was sharing this very sentiment. I explained that I didn't feel discouraged by the seemingly fruitless outcome of my trip. Suddenly, with mere moments to spare, Ayaz bhi erupted with excitement, announcing the sighting of a Sibia perched on the pine tree just ahead. Initially, I thought he must have been mistaken, as five hours had passed without any luck. However, in an incredible turn of events, a bird emerged and settled atop the highest branch of the pine tree. It was a rufous sibia, and in the blink of an eye, it was joined by its mate. My heart filled with joy, and even Ayaz Bhi couldn't contain his elation. It felt like the universe had orchestrated this encounter to uplift us at the perfect moment. It was a reminder that the most rewarding experiences in life often come when we least expect them.
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| Bird appeared from a Pine tree for a moment |
