[hothatchaway]

Was able to identify the bird using the Merlin bird ID app, the birdsong as we heard and what was available on the app was a dead giveaway. It's the stork billed kingfisher

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stork-billed_kingfisher

Is it common to spot these in residential areas? We are in South Kolkata in a leafy area

[robimahanta]

Originally Posted by hothatchaway

Was able to identify the bird using the Merlin bird ID app, the birdsong as we heard and what was available on the app was a dead giveaway. It's the stork billed kingfisher

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stork-billed_kingfisher

Is it common to spot these in residential areas? We are in South Kolkata in a leafy area

Sorry. I didn't check the thread. Yes it is a stork billed KF. It is quite common is West Bengal and Orissa. I saw quite a few of them in Sunderbans and Bhitarkanika.

Some random kingfisher images from my Sunderbans trip last year

Black Capped, Collared, Common, Brown winged and Stork Billed

[robimahanta]

Had been to an Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher (ODKF) hide near Navi Mumbai recently and it was lovely to see the beautiful kingfisher catching different prey like skinks, crabs, spiders etc. to feed its young ones in the nest.

The oriental dwarf kingfisher is one of the smallest known kingfisher species. It is around 12-15 cm in length but catches prey almost its body size. It is a very seasonal thing to watch these beautiful birds at their best.

Some pictures:

Tried to get different images with backgrounds and prey to break the monotony.

[rishi.roger]

These are some amazing shots!!! Brilliant stuff, sire!
Searched through your post but couldn't find the camera model you're using, but from the looks of it appears to be a 1DX ?
Also is that a 600 f/4 at play ?

[robimahanta]

Originally Posted by rishi.roger

These are some amazing shots!!!….it appears to be a 1DX ? Also is that a 600 f/4 at play ?

Thanks. Yes most are with a 1DX (Mark I) and EF 600f4

[sea_eagle]

Hi from a fellow.bird-photographer from Bangalore.

Just posting some of the recent captures from (wild) outings in Coorg.

I have personally started to dislike hide photography especially the one on the outskirts of Bangalore because of ethical reasons. I have been to the hide during my initial days but oflate I have started to become perhaps overly sensitive of excessive culturing of birds by the hide owners. I'm in love with your pics and would love to catch-up sometime.

Image 1 - Malabar Trogon (male)
Image 2 - River Tern in flight
image 3 - Small Pratincole

[robimahanta]

Some more random images

Purple Sunbird


Fan tail


Babbler


White Eye


Yellow throated sparrow


Oriole


Malabar and Plum headed parakeets with juveniles