As we approached the gulls sitting in the back water / sea slowly the birds started to react and fly. The specific individual (Black Gull) did not seem perturbed and managed to stay put with one leg up – indicating a position to conserve energy.
Although the trip to Kundapura was to see and capture images of the sea eagle, getting an Osprey as well was a bonus. Osprey is also also called as sea hawk, river hawk, and fish hawk and is a predominated fish eating bird. Osprey is not classified as a sea eagle and the osprey is unusual in that it is a single living species that occurs nearly worldwide.
They are large, crow-like with a long tail and coppery brown wings and found in wide range of habitats from jungle to cultivation and urban gardens. They are weak fliers, and are often seen clambering about in vegetation or walking on the ground as they forage for insects, eggs and nestlings of other birds. In some parts of Karnataka they are called as Kembootha. It is always a pleasure to see a skulker pose in the open and in good light!
