Sanjay Thapa Photographs 726 Bird Species in Nepal

Kathmandu. Of the 902 bird species documented in Nepal so far, Sanjay Thapa Shrestha of Bhaktapur has captured images of 726 species. Active in wildlife and bird photography for the past 11 years, he has traveled to more than 65 districts in search of birds. From Ilam in the east to Dadeldhura in the far west, he forgets all his hardships and obstacles when he gets to photograph birds. Sanjay, a resident of Bode, Municipalities-8, Madhyapur Thimi, heads out with his camera as soon as he gets free time. In the last six months alone, he has visited Nagarkot, Phulchowki, and Chitwan 20 times to photograph birds. During this time, he has traveled to Shivapuri 13 times, Lumbini 5 times, Kalinchowk 3 times, and Helambu 2 times. Sanjay, who has visited Banke, Bardia, and Shuklaphanta National Parks, aspires to visit Kanchenjunga, Sagarmatha National Park, Rara, Badimalika, Khaptad, Bajura, and Ramaroshan. When he cannot travel far, he visits the Manohara River near his home. The Manohara River in Bhaktapur is an important 'transit point' for birds. Birds migrating from countries like China, Russia, and Mongolia rest here for 4-5 days before heading towards the Terai, India, and coastal areas. Sanjay, who started observing birds in Manohara around 2016, initially photographed 80 rare bird species there. Later, this number increased to 353 species. He travels to various parts of the country with a 'Nikon Z9' camera worth 2.2 million rupees and a 600mm prime lens. His childhood friend Shailendra usually accompanies him on his travels. His daughter Saisa, who studies in grade five, and his wife Rajeshwari, who has been interested in observing birds since grade one, also join him on trips when time permits. Besides them, friends like Deepak Budhathoki, Ramchandra Moy, Manish Mahato, Kurbaan Mansuri, Ram Shahi, Mahananda Joshi, and Milan Tamang inform him as soon as they spot a new bird. His passion for bird photography is unique. After his father's death, while observing mourning rituals, he heard about a new bird at the Manohara River and ran with his camera without even wearing slippers. Upon reaching there, he photographed a migratory 'Sandpiper' bird. Sanjay has some notable records in wildlife photography. He is the first photographer to capture an image of the 'White-bellied Flowerpecker' (Brown-rumped Minivet) found in Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve. For this, the Koshi Rural Municipality of Sunsari also honored him. In 2020, a photograph of the 'Reed Bunting' (White-tufted Bulbul) he took identified Nepal. He has also captured images of the Fishing Cat, considered rarer than tigers, the Red Fox in Upper Mustang, the Great Hornbill, the White Stag, and the rare Red Panda. Sanjay has changed 4 cameras so far, from Nikon D3500, 610, D850 to Z9. He stated that he has spent 4 million rupees on camera equipment alone and about 30 million rupees over more than a decade of his photography journey. 'Some people call me foolish and crazy,' he said, sharing his experience, 'I find more joy in being close to nature than anywhere else. I have no regrets about spending money.' He represented Nepal in the 'Bird Race' competition held in Malaysia, where he recorded 135 bird species. During his photography, he has taken many risks. He has narrowly escaped attacks from tigers in Shuklaphanta, rhinos in Chitwan, and elephants in Koshi Tappu, and survived a fall from a cliff in Helambu. Remembering the warm hospitality shown by locals when he went to photograph a rare bird in a Dadeldhura apple orchard and their refusal to accept money when he was leaving, he said, 'I was deeply moved by the experience of how big-hearted and pure-hearted Nepalis are.' Sanjay is currently in the final stages of publishing a book about the birds that come to the Manohara River. This book, which includes his decade-long study, will feature photographs of birds found from the Manohara River's source, Shalinadi, to the confluence at Balkumari. He is the treasurer of the Bird Conservation Nepal, the first lifetime member of the Pigeon Fanciers Association of Nepal, an advisor to the Koshi Bird Society, and a lifetime member of the Pokhara Bird Society. About 8 percent of the total bird species found in the world are found in Nepal. About 8 percent of the total foreign tourists visiting Nepal come for bird watching. They stay for 15 days to a month, and bird guides earn $100 to $200 per day, contributing significantly to the tourism economy. Sanjay laments that despite the immense potential for bird tourism in Nepal, it has not been adequately promoted by the state and society.