This photograph was taken in mid-February at Mangalajodi Wetlands, a village on the northern banks of Chilika Lake in Odisha. Known as “The Bird’s Paradise,” Mangalajodi hosts more than 300,000 migratory and resident birds in its marshy waters during the winter months. Birdwatchers and photographers explore the wetlands in small traditional boats, moving quietly to observe wildlife without disturbance.
On one such boat ride, I witnessed a black headed ibis capturing a snake – an intense yet natural moment of survival. The bird’s calm posture contrasted with the struggle of its prey, revealing the raw and unscripted reality of life in the wild.
I captured this image to document nature as it truly is. For me, it represents the delicate balance of the ecosystem and underscores the importance of conserving habitats like Mangalajodi, where countless stories of life unfold every day.
