It was one of my early birding trips, and when I suggested Ranganathittu to my friends as a destination there was no disagreement. Anil, a friend of mine who visited the park in the past excited rest of us with stories of large birds flying overhead so close that one could feel their powerful wing beats!
Dr. Salim Ali bird sanctuary at Ranganathittu is a cluster of islets in the river Cauvery. These islets are covered by trees and bushes suitable for roosting and making nest. Lush green paddy fields surrounding this area are ideal for foraging. Large number of Marsh Crocodiles also make these waters their home.
After reaching the park, we booked for a boat ride around the rocky islets. When I saw the adult Painted Stork along with a juvenile, the first thing came up in my mind was how appropriate its name is.
Another place that provides safe haven for these beautiful birds is Kaggaladu in Tumkur, Karnataka. It was a big surprise to see the birds in the middle of a small village, especially when we were expecting a protected sanctuary for birds. If someone visits this place in non-breeding period of the year (August - February) it would be hard to imagine it's one of the largest Painted Stork colonies in South India.
We saw few large Tamarind trees in the middle of the village claimed by a group of storks. Watching them in their nest was real pleasure for us.
Panasonic DMC-FZ7, 1/500 sec., f/7.1, ISO 100, March 23, 2008
It was difficult to get an unobstructed picture through the twigs and leaves. Fortunately this particular bird landed in clear view and I was ready for this.
Panasonic DMC-FZ7, 1/400 sec., f/8.0, ISO 100, March 23, 2008
Taking a good picture of these birds on wings was always in my mind. This dream came true in my visit to Keoladeo National Park in Rajastan. My guide led me through the main road that goes through the park. Large trees bordered this long empty road. We reached an open area, from where I could watch a large group of Painted Storks making nests on a small island in a flooded lake. They regularly flew in and out through a rather predictable route. I positioned myself along this and waited for an opportunity. I didn't have to stay long before my chance arrived. I spotted one of the birds just taking off. It was gliding slowly so I could easily keep it in my view finder while tracking continuously. The bird flew towards me. It was so large that I thought I could not contain it fully in the frame. I swiftly started clicking and the bird slightly altered its path to present me with some beautiful views.
These are the two photos which I liked the most in a series of continuous shots.
Canon EOS 50D; EF400mm f/5.6L USM; 1/3200 Sec at f/5.6; ISO 640; Aperture-priority AE; Partial Metering; Central focusing point with AI Servo, handheld.
Canon EOS 50D; EF400mm f/5.6L USM; 1/1250 Sec at f/5.6; ISO 640; Aperture-priority AE; Partial Metering; Central focusing point with AI Servo, handheld.
