Category: Uncategorized

Élan of a rhythmic gymnast from paradise

Wonder how birds in paradise would look like? Great news, we have one straight from the garden of eden, The bird of paradise or The Indian paradise flycatcher. The first time you see this mature gentleman in full regalia, you will be wonderstruck. Blue eye rings, the mohawk, fancy trailing ribbons and flies with all the grace makes the adult male of this species a showstopper. 

I was very lucky to catch hold of their nesting season and track these extraordinay avians. Paradise flycatchers are monogamous and both parents contribute to nest building, brooding, and nestling care. The male Indian paradise flycatcher is a sight to behold with its long, ribbonlike tail.

Females do not possess the long, bewitching tail of the males. They also lack the blue ring around the eyes.

Both parents take care of incubation and bringing up the kids.
The incubation period lasts 14–16 days and the nestling period 9–12 days.
After many unsuccessful visits, chicks were hatched in about 21–23 days.
Pieces of insects, ants and larvae being fed to the chicks. Once they outgrow the nest, fledging starts and in no time, the nest is abandoned,

So keep looking around in wooded areas and you might spot this enchanting bird, that seems to have stepped right out of a fairy tale.

😉

Sneaking in the backyard with them little buddies

Shooting little birds is exciting yet tiresome, they keep you on your toes with them being restless almost everytime you spot them.

Here are few shots which made the effort worth it!

Purple sunbird chirping around
Olive sunbird checking me out
Left profile
Right profile
Meanwhile Asian Koel gives its first appearance
If a picture was to depict my current situation, this would be it.

Anyways,

Thanks birdies, keep visiting my backyard!

First outing with Mark II 70-300 on a Micro Four-Third body

Being smaller in size as compared to conventional aps-c sensors, micro-fourthirds increase the focal length, almost doubling it as compared to a full frame body.

And the best way to test it out is by shooting these little migrators during the dusk falling.

When the water is way colder than expected.
But worth the reward!

Will always remain a fan of haze accompanying sunsets, Combination best found in winter evenings.

The next 2 pictures will justify my point.

Whiskered tern overlooking the lake.
Common tern with contrasting hues.
Is this Haze or Pollution?.