Birdwatching : My first wildlife photowalk

It is a story from a cold winter morning in February. I along with a friend headed to wild life park near Gurgaon, India. This was my first wildlife photo walk. I woke up very early than usual in order to make most of the golden hour. And trust me it was really hard to leave my cozy blanket and get ready for the shoot during peak winter. And once I headed out for the shoot I had no regrets, as the landscape was full of colors and morning joy. Early morning sunrays were piercing through the fog clouds spread across green fields.

When I entered the park, I felt as if I entered in a whole different world. It was serene, birds were chirping and there was a different kind of vibe in that place. Dew was dripping from tree leaves as it was a bit windy. I started to observe in my surroundings and came across different birds such as erget, resplendent white-throated kingfisher, Pied bush chat amongst others.

Resplendent white-throated kingfisher is quite easily noticeable due to its vibrant color. Its bright red beak, extends outwards like an ice-cream cone. The eye is black with a red eye ring. Such a beautiful bird.

I spotted it near water bodies, sometimes on a tree branch, a pole and even in a paddy field. I would say it is quite easy to click this bird as it is very patient like many fishing birds. While fishing it stays focused and concentrates at one potential place for long to grab its meal. Once potential prey is spotted, they swoop down and reappear with the catch in their beak.

A few other animals such as nilgai (literally meaning "blue cow", largest Asian antelope and is ubiquitous across the northern Indian subcontinent. I feel wildlife photography teaches one a lot of patience and to focus. It was a delightful morning for me to really coexist with the wild in the same habitat and see them venture freely without much of human intervention. And I am pleased to share it with you.

The morning landscape

Nilgai crossing waterbody

Pied bush chat

Pipit

white-throated kingfisher