BLUE TAILED BEE-EATER...YALA, SRILANKA...

As the name suggests this Bird has a blue tail and belongs to the family of Bee-Eaters. Swift and efficient prey catchers in mid air.

SPOONBILL IN FLIGHT...JAMNAGAR..GUJRATH...!!

The name of the bird gets derived from the long flat bill it has shaping like a spoon at the end. Bird has a large wingspan and looks majestic in flight...Here is a picture which shows its full aerodynamic position in flight...

BLACK SHOULDERED KITE.....LRK, GUJRATH....!!

This Raptor is about 12inches in height. Beautiful bird, its white body and cherry red eyes are simply beautiful. Perfect exposure against blue BG is a challenge due to extreme contrasts.

WHITE WAGTAIL....GRK..GUJRATH...!!

White Wagtail Male. This bird was photographed at Naliya grasslands in Greater Rann of Kutch. I was waiting near a water hole for the Sand grouse which I heard comes to drink water at a particular time. This white wagtail came flying and settled on the banks of the water hold...I managed to take some good ground-level shots.

SPOTTEL OWL...LRK, GUJRATH...!!

A pair of them were sitting in the shade at a distance. It was difficult to approach and get a right angle to shoot. By the time I managed to get an eye level shot..The other one managed to hide. None the less worth the effort.

LITTLE RINGED PLOVER....JAMNAGAR...GUJRATH...!!

This cute little bird was photographed at Jamnagar, Gujrath. It is not more than 5 inches in length and a very swift mover. I was lying on the ground for a long time to get this shot at eye-level. At the end of which I had a stiff back.....But it was worth doing it to capture this little beauty.

PIED KINGFISHER IN FLIGHT...LRK, GUJRATH..!!

Pied Kingfishers are very good in howering in mid-air to air and dive to catch the fish...They take into account the refractive index of water to precisely target the fish.

The Run @ RANN....!!

Asiatic Wild Ass found only at Little Rann Of Kutch. They are shy of intruders and move away or simply start to run on end...They run fast and for a long distance...They are easily spooked. I was informed if they feel threatened they run till they get exhausted and breath their last...So they are followed just for few min and are give their distance for them to relax.

WESTERN REEF EGRET....JAMNAGAR...GUJRATH...!!

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A beautiful bird found in and around Jamnagar water bodies. Grayish in color...Shy bird and maintains its distance.

THE CAT (DESERT) OF OUT THE BAG...WITH KITTENS...GRK...GUJRATH..!!

Surely my best wildlife moment. Almost 2 hours sighting of this elusive cat with her little ones was truly exhilarating experience. I still cant forget how, slowly and cautiously the mother emerged out the den with just the ears popping out to make sure all's well outside for her little kids to come out and enjoy the beautiful evening light till the Sunset in the west. This is jut one of the picture of the many I made.....Oh boy, did I jump in joy after this....The answer is Yes....!!!!

The latest report says ....A pair of Desert Fox has occupied this den Displacing  the Cat and her Kittens...!!

PEACOCK IN FLIGHT...YALA, SRILANKA...!!

I have not come across pictures of Peacock in flight. My visit to Yala, Srilanka yielded this picture. Peacock and Peahen are common birds across the subcontinent. The Peacock is more attractive and colorful with its long feathery tail. They are know for its design and colors and has inspired many artists in various fields.

I have enough pictures of peacock sitting, walking and displaying its feathers...This time I wanted them in flight...The problem is their flight is very short and does not gain much of height. So it is mostly among the bushes and branches of a foliage...

I found this fellow perching on a open branch and had a clear view of the sky. I decided to wait ...How long...god knows...He was basking in the glory of a beautiful Sunlight and absorbing every ounce of it...

It was a test of strength of my shoulders and Biceps to hold the combo of 300mm F 2.8 and 7D body...for about 25mins. At last he flew across the blue sky I clicked to glory. I was rewarded a picture of my life time.

He is more colorful in flight than on perch...the lovely earth color of the wings are treat to watch of them magnificent  bird.