Gems from a National Park

A Purple Heron prepares itself to fish for breakfast

Wildlife photography might not always be of dangerous animals. Many a time, the pursuit of lesser-seen birds and animals provides a welcome break from hectic work schedules that add to the stress of employment these days. Often the best photographs in one's collection are those that depict funny moments from nature. The dream-like settings, and the subtle movements in the undergrowth spotted from the periphery of one's vision can all be most rewarding. Unfortunately, there are times when one has to return empty-handed with hardly any photographs worth uploading and sharing with others. However, even the very experience of taking a stroll in the forests and grasslands can be fulfilling in itself.

Spot-billed Ducks playing in the water.

Morning ablutions are very important for Spot-billed Ducks!

Water games of the Spot-billed Ducks

Often, the best photographs are the ones that are the most funny ones. Ducks flapping their wings with others watching them, missed landings, scuttling away birds, and Jackals in repose can be interesting indeed.

Asian Golden Jackals lazing in the morning sun

Perhaps the best photographs are those taken in the most unexpected moments. Photographs taken of birds making unusual gestures and movements can be most interesting. 

Flap the wings and catch the morning sun!

Some of the birds like the Common Hawk Cuckoo are imposters. Interestingly, this bird imitates the behaviour of Hawks and Kestrels and it even mimics a Hawk's cry. It moves around like a Hawk and fades into the foliage beautifully! Babblers are very noisy birds, they flit around in flocks and raise a din. I photographed one particular Babbler that looked like an angry bird!

The Common Hawk Cuckoo is an imposter and not sorry!

This Babbler looks angry!

Pied Bushchat birds are energetic birds and if you can photograph them while they are still, they come out rather well against a contrasting background. The Black-breasted Thrush can be seen hovering around rather like Hummingbirds.

This Pied Bushchat stands out against the background!

This Black-breasted Thrush can hover like a Hummingbird!