Unity in diversity – Birds at Kadamakkudy

Is that a fashion parade of birds. These are the times when one long for better and more powerful zoom lens and camera. Thanks to my good old lumix camera. Think it is time to upgrade my camera and lenses. The research have just begun. Can you suggest a good camera and lens for bird photography / wild life photography which is both rugged and economical.

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Birds and humans of Kadamakkudy – The special bond between the Parrot and Shanmughan

Shanmughan a portrait

This time, he was with a parrot with whom he has developed a special bond. He does not own this parrot. Every day morning this parrot makes a visit to his house. Shanmughan and his family give him food. Then the parrot accompanies Shanmughan for a while and then disappears to reappear the next day. Shanmughan says that this parrot has a special knack to pick up cigarettes and cigarette lighters from his home and throw them out. Here is Shanmughan with the parrot at the main road cutting across of Kadamakkudy Islands

Shanmughan with the Parrot

May be, the birds have a special power to identify those with a beautiful heart like Shanmughan who is very soft spoken person. When I asked for his permission to photograph him, he had this small request….Sir, will you please get me a copy of the photograph. Last time when you published my photograph , lot of people told me about it, but I could not see it as I do not use neither a phone nor a computer……

Shanmughan’s photograph, captured almost a year back

This time, I will definitely give you a printed copy of your photograph. Thank you dear friend for spending some time for me, amidst your daily struggle for your daily catch of fish. Good bye, till we meet next time.

Birds of Kadamakkudy – Brahminy kite (Haliastur indus)

This photograph was captured at Kadamakkudy. The Brahmini kites are found abundantly in and around Kadamakkudy. They are found mainly on the coast and in inland wetlands, where they feed on dead fish and other prey. Adults have a reddish-brown body plumage contrasting with their white head and breast which make them easy to distinguish from other birds of prey. Brahmini kite is a familiar sight in the the skies of India, Pakistan, Nepal and southeast Asia.  and as far south as New South Wales and Australia. They perform seasonal movements associated with rainfall in some parts of their range.

The breeding season in South Asia is from December to April. In southern and eastern Australia, it is August to October, and April to June in the north and west. The nests are constructed of small branches and sticks with a bowl inside and lined with leaves, and are located in various trees, often mangroves. They nest in the same area year after year. In some rare instances, they have been seen to nest on the ground under trees. They lay two dull-white or bluish-white oval eggs measuring 52 x 41 mm. Both parents take part in nest building and feeding, but likely only the female incubates. The incubation period is about 26 to 27 days.

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Birds of Kadamakkudy – Jungle Babbler (Argya striata)

The jungle babbler (Argya striata) is  found in the Indian sub continent. They move around in small groups of six to 10 birds, hence they are also known as ‘Seven sisters’ or ‘Seven brothers’ They are gregarious birds that forage in small groups of six to ten birds, a habit that has given them the popular name of “Seven Sisters” . The jungle babbler is a common resident breeding bird in most parts of the Indian subcontinent and is often seen in gardens within large cities as well as in forested areas.

Cycling with my Camera

I love to cycle to Kadamakkudy through the unbeaten village routes. This time via the ferry. If you want to join me for lazy cycling tour of Kadamakudy, you are most welcome. The best way to flex those muscles which are not flexed from Monday to Friday.