Fish stealer

The grey plumaged heron was wading through the edge of the water looking for prey. It waited patiently to and motionless to strike a blow and tach the fish. Just as it caught the fish it did not it was being watched by the Brahminy kite too which made a quick dash to snatch the prey. This image was made at that moment when the Bhrahminy kite made the attempt to steal the fish. However, the Grey heron was quick to react and jumped, flow away, to be chased by the Brahminy kite…however the kite was not successful in attempting to steal. The meal was made for the heron.

Fishing Painted Storks

A little water attracts so much activity, this is another case of the presence of water attracting a large number of storks and herons. This image portrays the typical behavior of the painted storks. These birds with their long bill dipped into the shallow water keep moving it sideways while keeping it submerged and at the same time walk slowly in the water too. As the prey moves, the stork feels it through the sense of touch they do a quick snatch to make a meal of it. In this image one stork has a frog for the meal and the other two are continuing their fishing. These storks are classified as Near Threatened as per IUCN.

Barn Swallow

A very common bird from the rural area and semi open country side. These birds fly at a fast clip over the grass land and hawk the insects mid air. They are also very adaptable and are known to have expanded their presence to build nests in human constructions too. The swallows are also perform a fairly communal roost post nesting as we could see hundreds of them perched on the electric wires and often together.  A long distance winter migrant to Bangalore, these birds breed across the norther hemisphere and travel to the southern hemisphere during winters. These are classified as least concern by IUCN.

Streak Throated Swallow

Extremely happy to see this bird in Bangalore. It is a species of the swallow found in South Asia. Whitish below the throat and boldly streaked with brown on throat and upper breast is a clear way to identify this bird. As with other swallow species this also has a very communal roosting behavior. They are mostly found in large clusters of nesting groups around water bodies. It is erratic in its distribution but within its range it is plentiful around water bodies near cliffs or other masonry on which it can build its nests, often in the company of Sand Martins.  This is classified as least concern by IUCN.

Western Marsh Harrier

The marsh harriers are birds of prey of the harrier subfamily. They are medium-sized raptors and the largest and broadest-winged harriers. A migratory raptor that visits Indian and Africa from Europe and Asia during winters. These harriers glide low just above the grassland and make a quick dive to feed on frog, fish, insects and birds. The adult female is identified by the pale crown. This image was made as the bird was preening and a small feather is seen on one of the eyes as a result of the preening activity.