Lenstrails
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lenstrails

Nature & Wildlife enthusiast. Traveller. Observer. Photographer.
The invincible!⁣ ⁣ Featuring the Common Pigeon The invincible!⁣ ⁣ Featuring the Common Pigeon @lenstrails . ⁣ From playing an important role in Darwin’s ‘Natural Selection’ thesis to now being considered an urban menace, these birds have come a long way. If there is one bird that’s more common than any other, it is this one. Arguably the most widespread, from their native range across large continents to continents where they were introduced by pet trade. ⁣ ⁣ Let us be honest, when do we last remember liking this bird or appreciating it’s beauty? Almost never. Coming to think of it, these birds are one of the evolutionary wonders, equipped with unimaginable degree of adaptation ability and undoubted masters of survival. Their thriving population is an evidence to this.⁣ ⁣ These two images date back to 2012, those were my early days with a camera and I vividly remember how excited I was to have been able to compose and create these two images.⁣ ⁣ PS: This bird is known by many names - Rock dove, rock pigeon, common pigeon etc.,⁣ ⁣ Place: Lalbhag, Bangalore ⁣ April 2012⁣ ⁣ For nature & wildlife photos stories, visit link: http://www.lenstrails.com/ (link in bio)⁣ ⁣ ⁣ #bestbirdsofinstagram #nuts_about_birds #wildlifeplanet #birding #birdstagram #yourbestbirds #birdfreaks #birdwatching #birdlovers ⁣ #ngtdailyshot #yourshotphotographer #indianwildlifeofficial ⁣ #natgeowild #bbcearth #lenstrails #praveenashok #lenstrails_stories⁣ #commondove #rockpigeon #bangalorebirds #lalbhag #photostory #birdfacts #birdbehavior
The Oriental Turtle Dove ⁣ ⁣ @lenstrails . ⁣ Like in the legends/epics/movies - these doves actually migrate vast distances, thousands of kilometers in some cases. Why do they do that? Of course, food and breeding. ⁣ ⁣ Oriental turtle doves mate for life, they are monogamous. But the courtship isn’t nowhere close to easy. The first image is a head bobbing moment frozen in a frame, an act to woo the female - a natural history moment to not miss.⁣ ⁣ It’s is astonishing to note how well both parents share nesting responsibilities. For instance, male gathers nesting material and the female places it carefully building their home stick by stick, leaf by leaf. After the chicks are born, both parents feed the chick and how - with crop milk. Wonder creation by nature isn’t it?⁣ ⁣ Place: Sattal, Uttarakhand ⁣ April 2018⁣ ⁣ For nature & wildlife photos stories, visit link: http://www.lenstrails.com/ (link in bio)⁣ ⁣ ⁣ #bestbirdsofinstagram #nuts_about_birds #wildlifeplanet #birding #birdstagram #yourbestbirds #birdfreaks #birdwatching #birdlovers ⁣ #ngtdailyshot #yourshotphotographer #indianwildlifeofficial ⁣ #natgeowild #bbcearth #lenstrails #praveenashok #lenstrails_stories #dove #orientalturtledove #sattalbirds #uttarakhandbirds #photostory #birdfacts #birdbehavior #himalayanbirds
A pigeon from the woods...⁣ ⁣ Featuring the Ni A pigeon from the woods...⁣ ⁣ Featuring the Nilgiri wood pigeon @lenstrails . .⁣ ⁣ As difficult as it could get, we combed every possible patch in and around the region we were scouting for this bird and all we got is a few glimpses that you see here. ⁣ ⁣ Nilgiri wood pigeons may look similar to the Common pigeon around our balconies, but they are not. These birds are larger in size, shier in behaviour, and unfortunately classified as ’vulnerable’ due to a decreasing population trend unlike the latter.⁣ ⁣ The images here may not be the best representation of how the bird looks or it’s features, but the frame definitely depicts their preferred habitat of canopy in dense woods that I was referring to.⁣ ⁣ Not just their checkerboard pattern seen on their nape is iconic but also their call. First time when I heard it, I had in fact mistaken it to be that of langur’s. ⁣ ⁣ Place: Munnar, Kerala ⁣ December 2018⁣ ⁣ For nature & wildlife photos stories, visit link: http://www.lenstrails.com/ (link in bio)⁣ ⁣ ⁣ #bestbirdsofinstagram #nuts_about_birds #wildlifeplanet #birding #birdstagram #yourbestbirds #birdfreaks #birdwatching #birdlovers ⁣ #ngtdailyshot #yourshotphotographer #indianwildlifeofficial ⁣ #natgeowild #bbcearth #lenstrails #praveenashok #lenstrails_stories #nilgirihills #nilgiriwoodpigeon #munnar #keralabirding #birdbehavior #birdhabitat #photostorytelling
A priceless Emerald...⁣ ⁣ Featuring the Emeral A priceless Emerald...⁣ ⁣ Featuring the Emerald dove @lenstrails . ⁣ ⁣ Ironically this bird population is noted to be abundant in it’s distribution but the shy nature and fast flight makes it a difficult bird to spot, observe and photograph. It’s well chosen dense forest habitat makes the access even more difficult. ⁣ ⁣ If you do get to their range, the best place to look for this bird is on the ground. They spend a lot of time foraging for food and if you are silent (still) enough, there is a good chance these birds will come close, really close.⁣ ⁣ In Karnataka, Ganeshgudi and Old Magazine House (JLR) in particular gives us ample opportunities to spot this bird. If you haven’t been there yet, December/January is the best time to visit this birders abode.⁣ ⁣ Place: Ganeshgudi, Dandeli ⁣ December 2018⁣ ⁣ For nature & wildlife photos stories, visit link: http://www.lenstrails.com/ (link in bio)⁣ ⁣ ⁣ #bestbirdsofinstagram #nuts_about_birds #wildlifeplanet #birding #birdstagram #yourbestbirds #birdfreaks #birdwatching #birdlovers ⁣ #ngtdailyshot #yourshotphotographer #indianwildlifeofficial ⁣ #natgeowild #bbcearth #lenstrails #praveenashok #lenstrails_stories #ganeshgudi #oldmagazinehouse #dandeli #wildkarnataka #karnatakabirds #jlrexperience #junglelodgesandresorts #emeralddove #dove #birdportraits #birdfacts
The ridiculously innocent looking- Laughing dove.. The ridiculously innocent looking- Laughing dove...⁣ ⁣ @lenstrails . . ⁣ Yes, that’s the name of the dove, coming from it’s laugh like call. This slim pigeon is again very common like our friend featured yesterday, distinct by it’s pinkish shade. ⁣ ⁣ Generally seen in a pair, male vs female in laughing doves is nearly impossible to differentiate till it comes to courtship, that’s when our hero roles up his selves and starts head bobbing to woo his lady. I have witnessed this drama but haven’t had an opportunity to capture it on media. This is something you should check out - tons of videos are out there. It is indeed a fascinating show.⁣ ⁣ It is fair to call this dove a small pigeon with a long tail (proportionately). The distinctive necklace like pattern (seen in the images) is a clear identification cue. Next time you this bird, do remember to quickly observe all its features - they have a fast flight and before you realize they would be gone.⁣ ⁣ Place: Bangalore ⁣ ⁣ For nature & wildlife photos stories, visit link: http://www.lenstrails.com/ (link in bio)⁣ ⁣ ⁣ #bestbirdsofinstagram #nuts_about_birds #wildlifeplanet #birding #birdstagram #yourbestbirds #birdfreaks #birdwatching #birdlovers ⁣ #ngtdailyshot #yourshotphotographer #indianwildlifeofficial ⁣ #natgeowild #bbcearth #lenstrails #praveenashok #lenstrails_stories #laughingdove #dove #birdportrait #bangalorebirds
Angel of fire...⁣ ⁣ Featuring the Eurasian col Angel of fire...⁣ ⁣ Featuring the Eurasian collared dove @lenstrails . . ⁣ No, this dove has nothing to do with fire or Michael the Archangel of Fire (even I just googled it). I simply captioned this image the ‘Angel of Fire’, thanks to the flowers in the background, creating a flame like effect. These flowers are from a tree vastly found, commonly known as ‘Flame of the Forest’. Too much info!? I think so.. Let us get to the bird then.⁣ ⁣ A commoner in most part of Eurasia, this dove gets it’s name from the collar like black patch on it’s neck. This loud bird is a resident in most parts here and adapted well enough to not get scared of us or our activities, even traffic movement. Look out in the open and you will notice this dove more often than not, almost anywhere.⁣ ⁣ The Eurasian collared dove is peculiarly social, not minding to flock in hundreds if not thousands. What makes them special is how both the parents share parental responsibilities unlike many other species. ⁣ ⁣ PS: All elements in the frame are purely accidental and none of them were artificially introduced in post production.⁣ ⁣ Place: Bangalore ⁣ ⁣ For nature & wildlife photos stories, visit link: http://www.lenstrails.com/ (link in bio)⁣ ⁣ ⁣ #bestbirdsofinstagram #nuts_about_birds #wildlifeplanet #birding #birdstagram #yourbestbirds #birdfreaks #birdwatching #birdlovers ⁣ #ngtdailyshot #yourshotphotographer #indianwildlifeofficial ⁣ #natgeowild #bbcearth #lenstrails #praveenashok #lenstrails_stories #dove #eurasiancollareddove #collareddove #valleyschool #bangalorebirds #photostorytelling
And they happily lived ever after!⁣ ⁣ Featurin And they happily lived ever after!⁣ ⁣ Featuring the Sarus Crane @lenstrails . . ⁣ An epitome of togetherness, a contender for the national bird, and an inspiration for a poet to write one of India’s most revered epic - here is the tallest flying bird standing at about 6 ft.⁣ ⁣ Sarus crane is celebrated in many cultures across India - considered a symbol of marital virtue to an extent where newly wed couple are asked to see a pair of these birds for good omen. Sarus pair are known to stay together for life.⁣ ⁣ Such being the reputation, as a birder it has always been a dream to watch and record their courtship behavior. I was fortunate to witness one such episode, partially though. Missed the highlight, a spectacular trumpeting pair display - well, they just didn’t do it. If you anthropomorphize the images in sequence, you will know what I mean.⁣ ⁣ That said, I celebrate this sequence of images to date. One of the closest natural history moments I experienced of this species.⁣ ⁣ First image is the male wooing the female, second was some kind of an interaction (sun setting in the background) which I fail to decipher and the third is... Rest is history :)⁣ ⁣ And I would like to believe, they still continue to live happily together and ever after..⁣ ⁣ Place: Bharatpur, Rajasthan⁣ ⁣ For nature & wildlife photos stories, visit link: http://www.lenstrails.com/ (link in bio)⁣ ⁣ ⁣ #bestbirdsofinstagram #nuts_about_birds #wildlifeplanet #birding #birdstagram #yourbestbirds #birdfreaks #birdwatching #birdlovers ⁣ #ngtdailyshot #yourshotphotographer #indianwildlifeofficial ⁣ #natgeowild #bbcearth #lenstrails #praveenashok #lenstrails_stories #saruscrane #photostory #birdbehavior #birdcourtship #bharatpurbirdsanctuary #keoladeonationalpark
Our Beautiful ‘Threatened’ neighbor.⁣ ⁣ Fe Our Beautiful ‘Threatened’ neighbor.⁣ ⁣ Featuring the Painted Stork @lenstrails . . ⁣ Here, you see the same bird in three different stages of their life cycle in one frame. Adult on the left with a chick (zoom in) and juveniles on the right. Scenes like these fascinate me and I celebrate this image from couple of years ago, till date.⁣ ⁣ Their colorful features, especially their pink feathers you see (result of the food they consume) gives them their name. What makes them special to me is the way they stand still for extended durations, especially after they feed. Giving us opportunity to observe them closely and create photographic compositions like the one here.⁣ ⁣ Almost any wetlands, lakes and even rivers are common sites to view these large birds. Non-migratory and once more common than now, these birds actually are known to live for a good thirty years in ideal conditions.⁣ ⁣ Unfortunately, habitat loss is pushing them to a trend of decreasing population and their current status is ‘Near Threatened’.⁣ ⁣ Did you know, these birds are monogamous in nature - one partner for life. Not a common trait amongst many other bird species though.⁣ ⁣ Place: Bharatpur, Rajasthan⁣ ⁣ For nature & wildlife photos stories, visit link: http://www.lenstrails.com/ (link in bio)⁣ ⁣ ⁣ #bestbirdsofinstagram #nuts_about_birds #wildlifeplanet #birding #birdstagram #yourbestbirds #birdfreaks #birdwatching #birdlovers ⁣ #ngtdailyshot #yourshotphotographer #indianwildlifeofficial ⁣ #natgeowild #bbcearth #lenstrails #praveenashok #lenstrails_stories #paintedstork #photostories #birdfacts #birdhabitat #keoladeonationalpark #bharatpurbirdsanctuary
The whistling stork.⁣ ⁣ Featuring the “vulne The whistling stork.⁣ ⁣ Featuring the “vulnerable” Wooly-necked Stork @lenstrails . ⁣ Ironically, soon after picking up a long lens my preference changed and I started avoiding absolute close-ups of wildlife subjects, especially birds. This image was created before that, a timeframe where I used to regret not having a super telephoto lens as I couldn’t shoot - up, close and personal.⁣ ⁣ Today, when I sit back and look at this image, I actually like it. A narrative to tell you how these birds nested or what type of habitat they preferred isn’t required. The image speaks for itself, isn’t it?⁣ ⁣ Wooly-necked Storks aren’t locals here, they are winter migrants. With a peculiar behavior preferring solitude or very small flock, these storks are unique in comparison to their cousins. They also have a weird unmistakable whistling call and their raptor like thermal soaring behavior leaves me totally confused when seen in flight. All said, the look on their face and the wool like texture on their necks make them a special bird for me.⁣ ⁣ PS: Just as I post this, I have mixed feelings again. May be I should have had a long lens on that very day. I could have a close-up portrait shot of this big bird highlighting all the specialty features with a nice de-focused background. What do you think? 😛 ⁣ ⁣ Place: Bharatpur, Rajasthan⁣ ⁣ For nature & wildlife photos stories, visit link: http://www.lenstrails.com/ (link in bio)⁣ ⁣ ⁣ #bestbirdsofinstagram #nuts_about_birds #wildlifeplanet #birding #birdstagram #yourbestbirds #birdfreaks #birdwatching #birdlovers ⁣ #ngtdailyshot #yourshotphotographer #indianwildlifeofficial ⁣ #natgeowild #bbcearth #lenstrails #praveenashok #lenstrails_stories #woolyneckedstork #storks #habitatshot #photostorytelling #habits #birdhabitat #birdbehavior
This Stork brings us babies, really!?⁣ ⁣ Featu This Stork brings us babies, really!?⁣ ⁣ Featuring White Stork @lenstrails . . ⁣ We have all seen sketches from folklore where a stork is seen carrying a baby in it’s beak (symbolic to new parenthood), haven’t we? The stork featured in this post is the hero who does that, at least that’s what the legend states.⁣ ⁣ Why did we come up with such a legend? Well, I do not have a direct explanation to that (it is a legend, duh..) but I do have some logical reasoning. White storks are opportunistic feeders, they don’t shy away from building nesting sites close to human settlements. They are popular vermin predators thus making farmers happy, leading them to believe this stork brings good luck. Good luck = Babies, some connection right?⁣ ⁣ Wiki tells me, this species also carries some beliefs from Ancient Greek & Roman civilizations related to babies and parenthood, so that could be another reason.⁣ ⁣ Now let’s get back. In India, this species is a winter visitor. My first and only encounter till date has been at Little Rann of Kutch. Strangely, otherwise known to be flocking in large groups this one appeared to be a loner. I love habitat shots and grabbed the opportunity to make couple of dream frames of this beauty. I wish, you see it on a large screen like I did while writing this post 🙂 ⁣ ⁣ Place: Little Rann of Kutch, Gujarat⁣ Date: January 2018⁣ ⁣ For nature & wildlife photos stories, visit link: http://www.lenstrails.com/ (link in bio)⁣ ⁣ ⁣ #bestbirdsofinstagram #nuts_about_birds #wildlifeplanet #birding #birdstagram #yourbestbirds #birdfreaks #birdwatching #birdlovers ⁣ #ngtdailyshot #yourshotphotographer #indianwildlifeofficial ⁣ #natgeowild #bbcearth #lenstrails #praveenashok #lenstrails_stories #whitestork #storks #littlerannofkutch #birdhabitat #photostorytelling
Did you say Common? Common Who? Where?⁣ ⁣ Feat Did you say Common? Common Who? Where?⁣ ⁣ Featuring Common Crane @lenstrails . ⁣ This name kept propping up every time but where was this crane? Was it common at all in the first place or yet another “used to be” case? ⁣ ⁣ Curiosity led to case study and there were them, all across - from Europe to Asia, hence the name perhaps. But here in India, the distribution is restricted to North Western region where they pay a visit in winters. Little did I expect I would see them during my maiden visit to Velavadar, an ecological wonder space in southern Gujarat.⁣ ⁣ Common cranes flock together, like most cranes they pretty much eat anything edible (read as available). Popular myth is they damage crops, which studies reveal is nothing but a misunderstanding. While foraging land, they mostly consume waste grain from previous harvests, makes sense for an opportunistic feeder isn’t it?⁣ ⁣ Of the many frames, this one in particular amazed me. Doesn’t it look like they are all posing, like in a family portrait session. I would like to believe it’s mommy, daddy and two brats :)⁣ ⁣ Place: Velavadar, Gujarat, India⁣ Date: January 2018⁣ ⁣ For nature & wildlife photos stories, visit link: http://www.lenstrails.com/ (link in bio)⁣ ⁣ ⁣ #bestbirdsofinstagram #nuts_about_birds #wildlifeplanet #birding #birdstagram #yourbestbirds #birdfreaks #birdwatching #birdlovers ⁣ #ngtdailyshot #yourshotphotographer #indianwildlifeofficial ⁣ #natgeowild #bbcearth #lenstrails #praveenashok #lenstrails_stories #commoncrane #gujaratbirds #velavadar #photostory
Pratincole, I thought..It turned out to be a Cours Pratincole, I thought..It turned out to be a Courser.⁣ ⁣ Cream-colored Courser @lenstrails . ⁣ I wasn’t as acquainted with the coursers as I was with Pratincoles, thanks to a larger distribution of the latter. However, that December evening would change it for me. ⁣ ⁣ At a flying distance, the bird though seemed larger in size, the relaxed wing beats misled me. And not surprisingly I took the bait. What changed was once it settled, the black eye strip and white brows (known as supercilium) spilled the beans, and in seconds the ID was confirmed. These three images were an attempt to capture the details clearly.⁣ ⁣ While getting a chance to create this migratory courser’s images in it’s habitat, that too in golden hour was as much I could ask for; an encounter with it’s resident Indian cousin (the Indian Courser) is still pending in my wishlist.⁣ ⁣ Place: Desert National Park⁣ Date: December 2018⁣ ⁣ PS: A post detailing the behavior of this species was posted in March this year, in case you would like to know more you can check it in my feed.⁣ ⁣ For nature & wildlife photos stories, visit link: http://www.lenstrails.com/ (link in bio)⁣ ⁣ ⁣ #bestbirdsofinstagram #nuts_about_birds #wildlifeplanet #birding #birdstagram #yourbestbirds #birdfreaks #birdwatching #birdlovers ⁣ #ngtdailyshot #yourshotphotographer #indianwildlifeofficial ⁣ #natgeowild #bbcearth #lenstrails #praveenashok #lenstrails_stories #creamcoloredcourser #rajasthanbirds #migratorybirds #birdshabitat #photostory #canon5dmarkiv #desertnationalpark
Neck-less ..?⁣ ⁣ #weekwiththedarter @lenstrail Neck-less ..?⁣ ⁣ #weekwiththedarter @lenstrails ⁣ All the fuss is about the Darter’s neck - weird and triggers envy. While it is used primarily to dart it’s sharp bill to impale fish or twist with a mate in courtship display, it is also used to defend nests by thrusting it.⁣ ⁣ See how dubious the neck appears, now why would you need that kinda flexes unless it is for showing-off!? :)⁣ ⁣ For nature & wildlife photos stories, visit link: http://www.lenstrails.com/ (link in bio). . #bestbirdsofinstagram #nuts_about_birds #wildlifeplanet #birding #birdstagram #yourbestbirds #birdfreaks #birdwatching #birdlovers #ngtdailyshot #yourshotphotographer #indianwildlifeofficial 
#natgeowild #bbcearth #lenstrails #praveenashok #lenstrails_stories #darter #orientaldarter #bharatpur #keoladeonationalpark #birdbehavior #birdfreaks #photostorytelling
Left or Right, perched there tight .. ⁣ ⁣ #wee Left or Right, perched there tight .. ⁣ ⁣ #weekwiththedarter @lenstrails ⁣ This ‘near threatened’ species will often fool us to be a snake while in water, thanks to it’s long neck. Commonly known as the ‘Snake bird’ due to this feature, the Oriental Darter is a specialized hunter. ⁣ ⁣ Darter uses it’s sharp pointed beak as a spear to stab it’s prey, usually a fish. What’s unique is how it eats it after, tossing the fish up to mandatorily swallow ‘head first’. Peculiar isn’t it!?⁣ ⁣ Beauty of the darter and cormorants is when they perch, sunning open and dry. They are true posers, I must say. Here are two such images, clicked just a few seconds apart. ⁣ ⁣ For nature & wildlife photos stories, visit link: http://www.lenstrails.com/ (link in bio). . #bestbirdsofinstagram #nuts_about_birds #wildlifeplanet #birding #birdstagram #yourbestbirds #birdfreaks #birdwatching #birdlovers #ngtdailyshot #yourshotphotographer #indianwildlifeofficial 
#natgeowild #bbcearth #lenstrails #praveenashok #lenstrails_stories #darter #orientaldarter #birdportraits #bharatpur #keoladeonationalpark #photostorytelling #birdbehavior
A stochastic morning.. ⁣ ⁣ #weekwiththedarter A stochastic morning.. ⁣ ⁣ #weekwiththedarter @lenstrails . . ⁣ ⁣ How often do we get to start a morning like this? A morning where the winter mist loses to the mesmerizing rays of the sun a little too soon. A morning filled with birds flirting with a light setting perceived perfect. ⁣ ⁣ A morning where a Darter sunning on the perch seems to spread her arms wide open, as though welcoming the seeker to fall in love all over again. ⁣ ⁣ A morning’s experience to remember, a not to be missed frame to capture that leaves you with an eternal want. A want to keep watching. A want to keep writing. ⁣ ⁣ This was one such stochastic morning. One of the many you would wake up to, at Bharatpur (Rajasthan).. ⁣ ⁣ More on the snake bird (Oriental Darter) featured here in the upcoming posts this week.⁣ ⁣ For nature & wildlife photos stories, visit link: http://www.lenstrails.com/ (link in bio)⁣. . #bestbirdsofinstagram #nuts_about_birds #wildlifeplanet #birding #birdstagram #yourbestbirds #birdfreaks #birdwatching #birdlovers #ngtdailyshot #yourshotphotographer #indianwildlifeofficial 
#natgeowild #bbcearth #lenstrails #praveenashok #lenstrails_stories #photostory #photostorytelling #indianphotostory #darter #orientaldarter #bharatpurbirdsanctuary #keoladevnationalbirdsectuary #rajasthandiaries #rajasthanbirds #canon5dmarkiv #canon500f4isii
White-eyed Buzzard ⁣ ⁣ #weekofbuzzards @lenstr White-eyed Buzzard ⁣ ⁣ #weekofbuzzards @lenstrails . . ⁣ ⁣ Largely a solitary bird, and mostly seen soaring high up in the sky; it was a pleasant surprise when we saw this bird perched at this level.⁣ ⁣ We were just winding up a more than successful morning drive in the Blackbuck National Park, Velavadar (Gujarat) and Ramzan Bhai (our naturalist and driver) stalled the vehicle. He seemed more excited than surprised and that amazed us. It was heartening to see that his three decades of experience did little damage to the excitement that he perhaps carried since the beginning of his career.⁣ ⁣ With our spirits high and hearts contended we exchanged looks, while within seconds, in what seemed like an open invitation by the thermals, the White-eyed buzzard took to the skies. ⁣ ⁣ For nature & wildlife photos stories, visit link: http://www.lenstrails.com/ (link in bio). . #bestbirdsofinstagram #nuts_about_birds #wildlifeplanet #birding #birdstagram #yourbestbirds #birdfreaks #birdwatching #birdlovers #ngtdailyshot #yourshotphotographer #indianwildlifeofficial 
#natgeowild #bbcearth #lenstrails #praveenashok #lenstrails_stories #whiteeyedbuzzard #buzzard #gujaratbirds #velavadar #velavadarnationalpark #photostory #habitatshot
Long-legged Buzzard⁣ ⁣ #weekofbuzzards @lenstr Long-legged Buzzard⁣ ⁣ #weekofbuzzards @lenstrails . ⁣ ⁣ On this occasion, it was a bird which we spotted a mile away, no exaggeration! Long-legged Buzzard’s being one of the largest buzzard species, prompted us to blaze through the arid habitat risking a flat tyre. All we wanted was to get a closer glimpse before it took off.⁣ ⁣ Couple of minutes and we managed to reach a vantage point, that rewarded us with a detailed view. What followed blew our mind. A full display of the iconic legs which this magnificent species is named after..⁣ ⁣ Contrary to our initial speculation, the buzzard was in no hurry to go anywhere and was barely distracted by our presnece. Perhaps, it was one of those days - lazy for the bird and lucky for us. ⁣ ⁣ For nature & wildlife photos stories, visit link: http://www.lenstrails.com/ (link in bio). . #bestbirdsofinstagram #nuts_about_birds #wildlifeplanet #birding #birdstagram #yourbestbirds #birdfreaks #birdwatching #birdlovers #ngtdailyshot #yourshotphotographer #indianwildlifeofficial 
#natgeowild #bbcearth #lenstrails #praveenashok #lenstrails_stories #longleggedbuzzard #rajasthanbirds #raptorsofinstagram #photostory #habitat #safari #habitatshot #birdphotographyindia #birdsinaction
Hoopoe - Poop burst awardee!? @lenstrails . . ⁣ Hoopoe - Poop burst awardee!? @lenstrails . . ⁣ I have almost always watched Hoopoes busy foraging the ground for food all day. Since they nest in lower tree holes or stone walls, I kept wondering how the nestlings survive predation when the parents are away.⁣ ⁣ To my surprise, nature has equipped the chicks with an amazing defence mechanism. Leave alone the nest’s foul stench by design which keeps larger predators away, they use a special skill to escape the notorious reptiles as well. ⁣ ⁣ When an adamant hungry snake does enter the nest, chicks simply spill their faeces in short bursts on the face startling the enemy and forcing it away... Thus rewarding themselves a lifetime achievement poop burst award called life. Astonishing isn’t it!?⁣ ⁣ For nature & wildlife photos stories, visit link: http://www.lenstrails.com/ (link in bio)⁣. . #bestbirdsofinstagram #nuts_about_birds #wildlifeplanet #birding #birdstagram #yourbestbirds #birdfreaks #birdwatching #birdlovers #ngtdailyshot #yourshotphotographer #indianwildlifeofficial 
#natgeowild #bbcearth #lenstrails #praveenashok #lenstrails_stories #photostories #habitatshot #hoopoe #hoopoebird #birdfacts #littlerannofkutch #velavadar #storytellingphotography
Yellow Bittern - (Before &) After @lenstrails . . Yellow Bittern - (Before &) After @lenstrails . . ⁣ This Yellow Bittern seemed devoid of shyness, a prized possession gifted by evolution. Our small boat didn’t bother it’s morning routine and it went on to give a full show of the hunting sequence. Enjoy this as you swipe across (in reverse order). ⁣ Feeding on insects, fish and typically anything that moves in these waters, the bittern is well equipped with a neck capable of incomprehensible elongation supported by longish bill.⁣ ⁣ For nature & wildlife photos stories, visit link: http://www.lenstrails.com/ (link in bio). . #bestbirdsofinstagram #nuts_about_birds #wildlifeplanet #birding #birdstagram #yourbestbirds #birdfreaks #birdwatching #birdlovers #ngtdailyshot #yourshotphotographer #indianwildlifeofficial 
#natgeowild #bbcearth #lenstrails #praveenashok #lenstrails_stories #bittern #yellowbittern #mangaljodi #chilka #odisha #odishabirds #birdsinaction #birdsofinstagram #habitat #photostorytelling
Common Stonechat or Siberian Stonechat? That’s a Common Stonechat or Siberian Stonechat? That’s a tough one.. @lenstrails . . ⁣ NB: Don’t miss the third image made at the salt pans of Tal Chappar, Rajasthan⁣ ⁣ As complex as it could get, the name of this species is used interchangeably and the identification is also too technical. ⁣ ⁣ Plus, the species would easily fool you with their seasonal variations. So, I prefer sticking to what I know and how much I could grab from the bird guide book - I commonly refer to it as Common Stonechat. ⁣ ⁣ Coming to the identification - the size that of a sparrow, darker coloration of a male and paler coloration of the female makes it rather easier to stick to.⁣ ⁣ But why all this fuss? Is the identification so important or is it just showing-off!? You may ask.. Sure, while I recognize the importance of getting the species right as a birder, I wouldn’t deny the little pleasures I derive from the latter..:D⁣ ⁣ All said, the contrasting colors of this species does provide abundant opportunities to create artistic images and their comfort level with us around is an icing on the cake..⁣ ⁣ For nature & wildlife photos stories, visit link: http://www.lenstrails.com/ (link in bio) . #bestbirdsofinstagram #nuts_about_birds #wildlifeplanet #birding #birdstagram #yourbestbirds #birdfreaks #birdwatching #birdlovers #ngtdailyshot #yourshotphotographer #indianwildlifeofficial 
#natgeowild #bbcearth #lenstrails #praveenashok #lenstrails_stories #stonechat #commonstonechat #siberianstonechat #talchappar #velavadar #nandurmadhmeshwarbirdsanctuary #bangalorebirding #photostory #habitat
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