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Ruddy Shelduck is migratory bird in India and also in Gujarat. It is generally found in many wetland areas and bird sanctuary like Thol Bird Sanctuary, Nal Sarovar , Little rann of Kutch , Pariej Wetland etc. It is known as Brahminy Duck in India. They are resident in Northwest Africa and Ethiopia. Their main breeding area are southeast Europe, China and Mongolia. Ruddy Shelduck is common winter visitor in India during  October to April.  Ruddy shelduck generally found near lakes, rivers , reservoirs and water bodies. Ruddy shelduck is the member of shelduck Genus Tadorna in wildfowl family Anatidae.

Description and Facts about Ruddy Shelduck :

• Length of ruddy shelduck is around 56-70cm . With wingspan length is around 110-135 cm.
• Ruddy shelduck body is orange brown, head is paler , tail is black and wings feather during flight is black also.
• It is migratory bird in India during winter . It breeds in Central Asia, southeast Europe .
• Female Ruddy Shelduck lays around 8 eggs . Female incubate them for four weeks. 
• Ruddy Shelduck call loud nasal honking  notes in series. They can call from ground and from air also.
• Juvenile is darker brown shade but very similar to female.
• Ruddy Shelduck is mainly nocturnal bird. It is omnivorous and feed grass, plants, grains and aquatic invertibates. 
• Population of Ruddy shelduck is around 170000 to 225000 approx.
• Ruddy shelduck is in least concern bird list in IUCN list

Ruddy Shelduck found in pair and small groups. They rarely found in flocks. It had been recorded more than 4000 birds in Koshi Barrage and Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve in Nepal. Also a 10000 recorded at Lake Duden in Turkey. In Gujarat i found Ruddy Shelduck at Thol Bird Sanctuary and also at Little Rann of Kutch. It is also found in many other wetlands like Nalsarovar Sanctuary, Pariej Wetland etc.  Nearest bird sanctuary near Ahmedabad is Thol Bird Sanctuary where you can find more than 150 different spices of birds and also a migratory birds like Greater Flamingos, Great White Pelican, Ducks, Spoonbill , Bar Headed Goose etc.

Camera used : Canon 6D, Canon 80D, canon 100-400mm lens 

Bay backed Shrike is generally found in south Asia and it is resident bird of south Asia. In Gujarat it found many places and near to agriculture areas. Also found in Thol Bird Sanctuary, Nal Sarovar Sanctuary and many other sanctuaries . It is member of bird family Lannidae. Binominal Name of Bay Backed Shrike is Lanius Vittatus. It is generally found in India, Pakistan, Nepal and Afghanistan and also in Shri Lanka.  In Lannidae family there are total 34 spices of shrike found in different places.

Description and facts about Bay Backed Shrike 

• Bay Backed Shrike is smallish shrike. 
• It has long black tail and maroon brown above parts with pale  rump.
• Bay backed shrike Underparts are white.
• On the eye of Bay backed shrike there is a black strike like a bandit mask.
• Legs and bill are dark grey in color.
• It built nest in bush, cultivation area or scrubby areas.
• It lays 3-5 eggs .
• They found generally in Pair.
• For hunting they fly 2 to 2.5 mt high from ground and catch food within 10 mt radius .
• Shrike has good eyesight and sharp beaks.
• Status of Bay Backed Shrike is least concern in IUCN list.

Bay backed Shrike is resident bird in Gujarat. It is found at many places like agriculture areas, farms, scrubby areas etc. I found it in Thol Bird sanctuary first time and then at agriculture areas outskirts it found easily. They find food easily near to agriculture areas and farms so they live near to them.  

Camera Used : Canon 1000 D, Canon 6D, Canon 100-400 mm lens

White Bellied Drongo is a spices of Drongo bird which is a member of Dicruridae family.  The George Edwards which is English Naturalist used name The Fork Tail'd Indian Butcher Bird. It is generally found at open forest or dry scrub areas. I found it at Thol Bird Sanctuary near thol village , Kadi taluka. It is also a Dicruridae  family bird which is very similar to black drongo only difference is white color in underparts. Tail is long and  looks like  fork .

Description and Facts about White Bellied Drongo :

• White bellied Drongo is similar to Black Drongo . It has black body , greyish throat and belly is white.
• Tail is looks like fork and less deep then black drongo.
• Male has shorter tail then female.
• White bellied drongo found in forest and dry areas. It is a resident bird in India.
• They are in group of 2 or 3 generally.
• Breeding season for Drongo is February to July.
• They lay 2 -4 eggs  on 20-30 feet height on tree.

Also a Black Drongo is very similar to white bellied drongo.  In Thol Bird Sanctuary both spices found. Also they found an many other places of Gujarat because they are resident birds. Drongo bird is also very aggressive during breeding season and after laying eggs to protect them.  

Photo Taken at Thol Bird Sanctuary, Gujarat

Gear used : Canon 1000 D with canon 55-250 mm lens

Asian Woolly-necked Stork is the large wading bird and it is also known as Asian Woollyneck . It is a spices of Stork family and large wading bird. It is widely spread spices  and it breeds in Asia , India and Indonesia. It generally found at wetlands, agriculture field, cliff, and on trees. It also build nest on trees, mobile towers. Asian woolly necked stork found in Gujarat at many places like Thol Bird Sanctuary, Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary, Velavdar Sanctuary, and many more agriculture lands and wetlands, small ponds etc. I shoot it at agriculture land near vamaj village neat to kalol. 

Facts and description about Asian Wooly-necked Stork :

• Binomial name of Woolly-necked stork is  Ciconia Episcopus.  
• Wooly necked stork is medium size stork in stork family
• It is around 75-92 cm in height.
• The iris of wooly necked stork is crimson or similar to wine red.
• Overall body is black in color . Neck is white and underparts are glossy purple or dark green. under tail and lower belly are white in color.
• It has long legs and heavy bill.
• Asian Woolly necked stork breeds singly. It breeds in India, Asian and Indonesia. 
• They are attracted of fire in farms and agriculture because they found insects easily run away from fire .
• It has long and browed wings to travel long distance.
• They are generally in solo, pair or in 4-5 group. Flocks are generally found in summer when wetlands are very few.
• Asian woolly necked stork generally eat insects, reptiles and amphibians.
• They build nest in agriculture area on trees. They lay 2-6 eggs.
• Population of Asian woolly necked stork population is decreasing . It is now in near threaten  ( NT ) in IUCN list.

Well Like Asian woolly necked stork the other stork spices found in Gujarat is Painted Stork too. Size of both are almost same but difference of color. In Gujarat there are lots of bird sanctuary where we can found woolly necked stork and painted stork. My nearest bird sanctuary is Thol bird Sanctuary. In Thol Sanctuary there are more than 150 spices found by bird watcher. 

Gear Used : Canon 6 D , Canon 100-400mm lens

Location : Near vamaj village at agriculture area. 



Eurasian Curlew is also known as a Common Curlew. It is a large wader bird in family Scolopacidae. During winter it found in Africa, South Asia  and southern Europe areas.  In Gujarat it is found in Little rann of kutch and Great Rann of Kutch areas. I found it at Little rann of kutch during morning safari.  It was first recorded in 1377 in Langland. It is found near to scrubby riverbeds , groves and thorn forests.  Eurasian Curlew is restricted to Bhutan, Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Shri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam.

Facts about Eurasian Curlew :

• Eurasian Curlew is the largest wader in its range.
• Its length is around  50-60 cm . Wingspan is around 90-105 cm. Weight of Eurasian Curlew is around  400 - 1350 gm approx.
• Its color is mainly greyish brown, greyish blue leg, white back and a very long and curve  bill .
• The bill is the longest in adult female than male.
• Eurasian curlew lay 4 eggs and generally lay in april or may. They incubate eggs about a month.
• It has been found that eurasian curlew built their nest near to Common Kestrel nest for protecting from Predators.
• Eurasian curlew feed small invertebrates and crabs, earthworms  too.
• The population of Eurasian Curlew is declining in very huge rate.  It is now in the Nearest Threatened list in IUCN list in 2008.
• In last 25 years eurasian curlew population decline 50% in England and Scotland and 90% in Ireland .

Eurasian Curlew is a migratory bird in Gujarat during winter season. It is found in Little Rann of Kutch during november to march . Little rann of kutch is also famous for migratory raptors and eagles. Also lots of birds like Greater Flamingo, Falcons, Eagles, Pelicans, Short Eared Owl, Desert Fox  and a Wild Ass . Indian Wild ass is found only in Gujarat in Kutch area. The little rann of kutch land is dry during summer and after monsoon it is muddy. 

Camera used : Canon 6D, Canon 100-400 mm lens

How to Reach LRK : Little rann of kutch is around 100 -120 km from Ahmedabad.  

Common Kingfisher is also known as Eurasian Kingfisher or River Kingfisher.  It is sparrow size bird with blue color on top of the body.  It is widely distributed in North Africa and Eurasia. When rivers freezes in winter they migrate from their. In India common kingfisher also a widely distributed in all over region. They generally found near to the water areas like canals, rivers, river birdges, ponds etc. I took a shot of common kingfisher or Eurasian Kingfisher at Thol bird sanctuary located in Gujarat near Sanand.

Description and facts about Common Kingfisher :

• It is about 16cm long and 25cm with wingspan.

• Its weight around 35-44 gm.

• It has short tail as all kingfisher tail is short.

• It has green blue upperparts and it has green blue neck stripe.

• Juvenile is similar to adult but dull underparts.

• Main flight feathers moult between july to november and it will takes 90-100 days to grow.

• Kingfisher flight too fast on low water.

• It is widely distributed in Europe, Asia and North Africa ( winter visitor ).

• Common kingfisher eats 60% of its body every day.

• Common Kingfisher lays 2-10 eggs which are white glossy in color.

Common Kingfisher in Gujarat :

Common Kingfisher or Small Blue Kingfisher found in Gujarat at many places like Thol Bird Sanctuary, Nalsarovar Bird sanctuary, Velavdar Sanctuary and many other outskirts of Wetlands too. They are very small and cute in look. There are lots of kingfisher bird spices found in Gujarat also. 

Bar Headed Goose is high flying geese generally found in Asia. Bar Headed Goose and Bar Headed Geese both name you can use and both are same. It breeds in central Asia. It found many states in India during winter. In India its a winter visitor and breeds also during the month of November to April. For identification its looks simple because of it looks separate from other goose. There are black bars on head makes them different from other goose. It found in lakes and grasslands. I shoot them in Thol Bird Sanctuary near Sanand, Gujarat.

Migratory Birds In Gujarat : Bar Headed Geese/ Bar Headed Goose

You can call Bar Headed Goose or Bar Headed Geese also. It is migratory bird in India and also it can fly long distance and also at high altitude too.  Some description and interesting facts about bar headed goose are as follow

• Bar headed goose size around 70-75 cm length and weight around 2-3.5 kg
• Bar headed Goose color is pale grey. It is easily different from other geese birds as it has black color bars on head so it is called bar headed goose.
• Bar Headed Goose call is like typical goose honking.
• Bar Headed Goose breeds in Central Asia near mountain lake. Also breeds in winter in south Asia.
• Bar Headed Goose lays 3-8 eggs at a time.
• Bar Headed Goose known for high altitude flying bird because it fly over the Himalayas. Before crossing Himalayas it migrate from South Tibet, Kazakhstan, Mongolia and Russia.
• Bar Headed Goose is one of the Wolrd's Highest flying birds. 
• Some report says it fly over Mount Makalu ( fifth highest mountain in World ) around 27825 ft and also from Mount Everest around 29029 ft but this report has no verification but we must say that Bar Headed Goose is high Altitute flying bird. It is an interesting subject to study for Naturalist that why Bar Headed Goose flying so high and extream altitude.
• Bar Headed Goose built their nest in Tibetan Plateau.
• Bar Headed Goose has little large area of wing than other goose because of their weight.
• Bar Headed Goose can migrate around 1600 km in a day.
• Rajhans is the Gujarati name of Bar headed Goose.
• Bar headed Goose eat plants and invertebrates.
• Bar Headed Goose is Least Concern in IUCN list.
• Bar headed Goose Binominal name is Anser Indicus

In Thol Bird Sanctuary lots of migratory birds found and more than 150 different spices of birds found . Main attraction of Thol Bird Sanctuary is Greater Flamingo, Lesser Flamingo, Great White Pelican , Bar Headed Goose, Ducks, Waders, Blue Throat, Flycatcher, Greater spotted Eagle, Pochard and many more. 

During winter to summer season this bird is found at Thol Lake. I often travel to Thol Lake because its very near to my house. I reach early morning and back after half day. This time Bar headed goose is very close to me. I am so lucky that i got very sharp and clear blurred picture.The bird looks awesome in solo picture and in duo and also in a group. Bar headed goose is very shy bird so its is too difficult to get them very close. They are also high altitude migratory birds and passes over Himalayas from migration time.

Camera Used : Canon 6D, Canon 80 D, Canon 100-400mm lens

Location : Thol Bird Sanctuary, Sanand, Kadi

Places to Visit near Thol Bird Sanctuary : Adalaj Ni Vav, Motera Sun Temple, Little Rann of Kutch, Mahatma Mandir Gandhinagar.

Indian Grey Hornbill is now found in Gujarat many places in Arravalli Hills. I found it at Jessore Sanctuary near palanpur. There are also many more places where Indian Grey Hornbill found in Gujarat like Polo Forest, Sarita Udhyan Gandhinagar also Balaram many places and many forest area and outskirts of forest. Before 10 years there are less chances of Indian Grey Hornbill in Gujarat but now a days population increase of Indian Grey Hornbill. My friend Parikshit Acharya found many years ago at Jessore Sanctuary for the first time at Jessore and his artical was published in BNHS ( Bombey Natural History Society). After that we found it at many places in North Gujarat. There are also chances in south Gujarat but we didn't explore much in south Gujarat.

About Indian Grey Hornbill :

• Indian Grey Hornbill is a common hornbill.
• They generally found in pair.
• Color of Indian Grey hornbill is light grey as per its name and dull white belly and feathers also in grey color.
• As his name is Hornbill its horn is long and curvey. Horn color is black or dark grey.
• It is medium size 60 cm in lenght.
• In male hornbill skin around eye is dark and in female hornbill its pale raddish.
• Hornbill spices found generally at 2000ft height. It found also in cities on large trees.
• Indian Grey Hornbill call like black Kite.
• April to June is nesting and breeding season for Indian Grey Hornbill. It lays 1-5 eggs.
• Indian Grey Hornbill found all over India and also in Nepal, Pakistan and Bangladesh.
• Indian Grey Hornbill feed fruits, berries, insects, snakes, lizards etc.
• Indian Grey Hornbill is in Least concern in IUCN list.
• The Dayak tribe consider that if Hornbills are flying over house is sign of good fortune to come.
• The Sulu Hornbill spices is the rarest hornbill in the world. They generally found at Philippines.
• Hornbill lifespan around 30-35 years but they live less may be because of Habitats.

Hornbill Spices :

There are many spices of Hornbill bird in world. But in India there are some of them found. So i listed below the Hornbills Of India . I don't have all Hornbills Images but you can refer on Nature in Focus link  www.natureinfocus.in/animals/the-hornbills-of-india for all Hornbills of India Images.

• Malabar Grey Hornbill
• Rufous Necked Hornbill
• Wreathed Hornbill
• Oriental Pied Hornbill
• Indian Grey Hornbill
• Narcondam Hornbill
• Austen's Brown Hornbill
• Malabar Pied Hornbill

Indian Grey Hornbill generally seen in pair so if you found one then another is also their. Capturing hornbill is bit tough because they are on large trees so you need good binocular and good camera lenses to have a good Image of Hornbill. I was not much lucky but i have a record shot of Indian Grey Hornbill and have a tick in my bird list of Indian Subcontinent.

Gear Used : Canon 6D, Canon 100-400mm lens

Location : Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary, Way to Kedarnath Temple.

Black Headed Ibis has various names like Black Necked Ibis, Indian White Ibis and Orientle White Ibis. The Binominal Name of Black Headed Ibis is Threskiornis melanocephalus. It is large size water bird found in South Asia many regions. It is found in many low water areas and aslo breeds here too. Black Headed Ibis is also found in resident areas near me also where some low water areas. Near to me Black headed Ibis also found in Thol Bird Sanctuary, Nal Sarovar Bird sanctuary, Pariej Sanctuary and many more places like farms, ponds, low grasslands etc.

About Black Headed Ibis Bird :

• Black Headed Ibis is one of the large water birds spices.
• Its lenght about 65-75 cm .
• It has white plumage and black head and neck. Its beak is curvy.
• Adult male has grey feather at tail during breeding season.
• Black Headed Ibis are native to Bangladesh, China, India, Malaysia, Indonesia, Japan, Nepal, Shri Lanka, Combodia, Thailand etc. They are migrant to Japan, Koreaand mongolia.
• Black Headed ibis is versatile to use man made habitats. It generally found in ponds, Canals, riverside, lakes, crop fields, garbage dumping etc.
• It build nest near wetlands. It build platform for nest and made from sticks, grass and threads.
• Black Headed Ibis are treatened so its population is decreasing but they are not in endangered spices.
• Ibis can do aerating the soil while probing beak in soil for insects.
• Ibis birds are predators for snakes, monkeys, crows and alos birds of prey.
• Ibis sleep together on trees at night. They are active during day.
• Ibis lifespan is up to 25 years.
• Favorite food of Ibis are snail, fish and aquatic animals but they can also eat bread and popcorns too.

In resident areas there are also lots of birds you can find. At the end of resident area small pond and lakes made by humans and they are really good habitat for some birds. Ibis birds are very familiar to humans so they can live near the resident areas. Its beak is looking attractive because of curve and also scared to others. In resident birds of Gujarat ibis bird found many farm areas and wetlands, grassland, canals etc. It is also found in bird sanctuary Gujarat like Thol Bird Sanctuary near sanand, Nalsarovar Sanctuary etc. Both sanctuary are nearest places to my home so i oftenly visit both sanctuary. During winter these both sanctuary are full of migratory birds. 

Gear Used : Canon 6D, Caon 100-400mm lens

Black Winged Stilt is a wader bird from stilt family. It is widlely distributed bird in Aisa, Africa, Europe. The scientific name of Black winged stilt is Himantopus . In Gujarat it is widely found in low water wetlands and some ponds and farms. Black winged stilt widely found in Thol Bird Sanctuary, Nalsarovar Sanctuary and their ourskirts. It is black and white bird with long legs and small in size. Not too small but medium size like Black Tailed Godwit bird. 

About Black Winged Stilt Bird :

• Black Winged Stilt bird size 32-36 cm for adult.
• They have long and thin black bill.
• Black winged stilt legs are pink in color and also long too.
• Black winged stilt head is white in color and neak is black in varying.
• Male has black back and greenish glow and female has brown hue.
• It has 5-7 subspices and sometime it reffered as Common stilt.
• Black winged stilt breeds in small pond, lakes, marshes. 
• Black winged stilt eat mainly insects.
• Black winged stilt pick their food from water or sand.
• It built nest near water and easily spotted. Also built nest in small group. Sometimes built nest with Avocets.
• Black Winged stilt is one of the spices to which the agreement on the conservation of African Eurasian migratory water birds. 

Thol Bird sanctuary is located near Thol village in Sanand. It is really good place for bird watchers. In Thol Lake you can find waders, large birds, tree birds, migratory birds, resident birds etc. Also more than 150 spices as per my knowledge may be more numbers found here. Also Migratory birds are most attractions of Thol Lake during Winter. In migratory birds most found Flamingos, Pelicans, Bar Headed Goose, Sarus Crane, Demoiselle Crane, Grey legged Goose, Pied Avocets etc.

Lits of Migratory birds At Thol Lake :

• Flamingos
• Great White Pelicans
• Bar Headed Goose and Grey heded Goose
• Ducks
• Spoonbills
• Sarus Cranes and Demoiselle Cranes
• Eagles
• Mallard

Best Time to Visit Thol Sanctuary :

Well for birding winter is the best time for Thol Bird Sanctuary. If you want day out then any time is better for thol except monsoon. There are lots of birds stay througout year in Thol lake. In winter lots of Migratory birds are most attractions of Thol Sanctuary. From November to March is the best time to visit Thol Lake.

Nearest Railwaystation With Major City : Ahmedabad

White browed Fantail bird is small size bird. It is Passerine bird of family Rhipiduridae. In Gujarat White browed Fantial found many places like Thol Bird Sanctuary, Nal Sarovar, Velavadar Sanctuary and many more farms outskirts dense bush areas. I found it at Thol Bird Sanctuary. During nesting time it may be agressive . White browed fantail looks beautiful when he open its tail feathers. It makes beautiful black and white feather abstract. Its feathers of tail looks like hand fan with design.

About White browed Fantail bird :

• White browed Fantail length about 18 cm .
• White browed Fantail found in Many regions of Asia , south Asia etc.
• It has dark brown upperparts and also white spots on wings. Underparts of White Browed fantail is white.
• White Browed Fantail Tail looks like hand fan shape.
• It build its nest like a cup shape.
• It lays eggs arround 2-5 in nest and its color like white and light browinish spotted in color.
• Fantail bird lifespan around 2-5 years.
• Incubation period during breeding season around 14 days.
• Fantail feed invertebrates like insects, moths,spiders, beetles, flies etc.
• According to Maori tribal legend if the fantail fly in your house then it signs of death of someone in your house.
• Tiwaiwaka , Piwakawaka, Tirairaka , Tiwakawaka are some common names of Fantail bird in Maori tribal.

Why It is called Fantail ? :

When its tail spread it looks like fan and foraging and when its tail folded it is rounded at the end. Thats why its called Fan-tail.

Thol Lake is one of the best place for birding in Gujarat. Thol bird sanctuary is in Sanand District near Thol Village. In Thol lake more than 150 different spices of waders and also nesting birds. Also Migratory birds are found here and stays here. Famous Flamingo Birds found here during winter and some of them found allover year and nesting here. 

Indian Paradise Flycatcher is previously known as Asian Paradise Flycatcher short form ( APFC ). It is widly spread in India and in Asia. All Flycatcher birds are medium in size. Asian paradise flycatcher size also medium. The Indian Paradise flycatcher is in lease concern on IUCN red list. There are three sub spices of Paradise Flycatcher

• T. P. Paradisi 
• Himalayan Paradise Flycatcher
• Ceylon Paradise Flycatcher

About Indian Paradise Flycatcher Bird :

• Adult Indian Paradise flycatcher size is around 19-22 cm.
• Flycatcher head color is black with crown and crest. 
• Male paradise flycatcher is white in color and female is rufous.
• Young Male Asian paradise flycatcher is much similar like female.
• Young male paradise flycatcher color is rufous and it has short tail. 
• After 2015 Indian Paradise Flycatcher, Amur Paradise Flycatcher and  Blyth's Paradise flycatcher are known as Asian Paradise Flycatcher.
• Indian Paradise Flycatcher is the State bird of Madhya Pradesh.
• Indian Paradise Flycatcher is known as Dudhraj in Gujarati. 
• Indian Paradise Flycatcher lay one eggs per day and it lay 4-8 eggs after nesting. Incubation period is around 13-15 days .

Paradise Flycatcher Name is from Greek terpsi mean ' Delighting in ' and phonos mean ' Voice ' . So it is Delighting In Voice Bird. The Indian Paradise flycatcher or Asian Paradise flycatcher found in Central and south India, Bangladesh , Myanmar, Shri Lanka and many more regions of Asia.  Indian Paradise Flycatcher eat insects like moths, beetles, Butterflies, Ants and Spiders too. The Average lifespan of Indian Paradise Flycatcher is aroun 8-10 years. I found Indian Paradise Flycatcher during my Manali trekking and Also at Thol Lake. During my trek to manali i found both Male and female Indian paradise flycatcher but unfortunately i capture only female paradise flycatcher. At Thol Lake i found only Female Paradise flycatcher. I get Male Indian Paradise flycatcher at Corbett national Park during my saffari ride. But some poor quality result photos.

Camera Used : Canon 6 D, Canon 1000 D, Canon 100-400 mm lens

Location : Male Indian Paradise Flycatcher found at Corbett National Park , Female Indian Paradise flycatcher found at Thol Bird Sanctuary and also at Manali trekking at Rumsu village.

Egyptian Vulture is endangered spices as per IUCN list. It is also known as White scavenger Vulture too. In Gujarat i found it at Banaskantha district outskirts flying on farms with pair and one is juvenile. I cann't shoot juvenile because they are far away and far on height too. But my first record shot clicked of Egyptian Vulture in my camera and i am very happy for that. Egyptian Vulture spices is in endangered vulture spices and many conservative societies and bird lovers working on study and their habitats to increase their populations.

About Egyptian Vulture / White scavenger Vulture :

• They generally found in southeast Europe, North America and India
• They are spices of Neophorn percnopterus as per binominal name.
• Adult Egyptian Vulture plumage is white. It has black flight feathers. 
• Length of Egyptian Vulture is around 45-65 cm and weight almost 2kg average.
• They can fly and go over 2000 meter during summer.
• They can migrate from Europe to South Africa.
• They build nest on rocky cliff and on large trees often.
• They generally found in pairs .
• They feed animal carcasses and also small mammals, small prey, lizards, insects, small birds, reptiles, ahmphibians, rodents and dead birds.
• They can live up to 35 to 37 years long.
• Female Egyptian Vulture lay 1 to 3 eggs with splotched Redidish brown in color. Male and female both incubate eggs until 38-45 days approx. Their breeding season is from mid march to june.
• As per IUCN report approx 20000 to 60000 individual remaining.
• They use round stones as hammer  to break large eggs.

Egyptian Vulture in Gujarat :

Well there are many sites of Egyptian Vulture in India. In Gujarat i foun it at Banaskantha District. Lots of other sites but i don't know about it. While i was travelling in car to my home from Jessore Sanctuary i found pair of Egyptian vulture and one juvenile near road side farms. They are flying very high so i can not capture good images but got record shot of Egyptian Vulture. I was very lucky for it that i got atleast good shot to identify. One more tick in my birds of prey checklist. Also my first vulture capture in Gujarat. 

Gear Used : Canon 6 D with Canon 100-400 mm lens.

Location : Banaskantha District farm areas.

Black Tailed Godwit is a wader bird found in many places of Gujarat. It generally found in India, New Zealand , West Africa, West Europe and Australia during winter season. In Gujarat it found in many places like Thol Bird Sanctuary, Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary, Khijadia Bird Sanctuary and many other muddy areas where they can found their food easily. I got them at Thol Bird Sanctuary during may month.

About Black Tailed Godwit :

• It has long bill around 7 to 10 cm long.
• It has orange-pink base bill with dark tip.
• Legs of Black Tailed Godwit are dark grey or black.
• Adult has brown-grey breast and upperparts and in Juvenile has orange neak and breast.
• Total lenght is around 70-80 cm and weight is almost 250-350 gm.
• Call of Black tailed Godwit is weeka...weeka...weeka
• They build nest on shallow ground.
• They lay eggs and protect them up to 30-50 m.
• They lay 3-6 eggs and color dark brown or olive green.
• They eat insects like grasshoopers, beetles , flies, caterpillers, fish eggs etc.
• Black tailed Godwit hunted in France.
• Population of black tailed godwit all around the world is around 6 to 8 lakhs.

Black tailed Godwit At Thol Lake :

Thol Lake near Ahmedabad around 25 km is one of the best place for birding. Here you can find more than 200 spices of different birds. Waders and flamingos are resident birds here. During winter the lake is full of birds like Flamingos, Pelicans, Sarus Cranes, Demoiselle Crane and many more tree birds like Asian paradise flycatcher, Fantail, bee eaters , kingfisher birds , swamphen etc. Must visit place near Ahmedabad for bird watchers. 

I shoot Black tailed godwit very near in Thol Lake and take a ground level shot to make good bokeh image. I was too far but i use canon 100-400 mm lens so i got good result no too good but good enough. I shoot 2 Black tailed Godwit territory fight and also matting of black tailed godwit too. Well i was confused either they fight or matting . Their long bill looks dangerous when you are very close to them. Taking a ground level shot is little bit difficult if the crowiling area is full of mud or wet. Generally i shoot without disturbing birds and shoot from much distance.

Gear Used : Canon 6 D body , Canon 100-400 mm lens

Location : Thol Bird Sanctuary

It is the largest species of Flamingo bird family and also a most widespread species of flamingo family.It is found in India ,south east , middle east and Africa. It is migratory bird. They also breed in India. In Gujarat they breed in Rann Of Kutch , Little Rann of Kutch also found in Thol Bird Sanctuary. I often visit Thol sanctuary so got good shots of them. Best time for shoot them is may-Jun at Thol bird sanctuary bcz of water level is too low . It is been recorded that some flamingo birds are resident in Gujarat at many places like LRK, Khijadia sanctuary, Nalsarovar and Thol Sanctuary. They also breed here and stay for all seasons. So you can find greater flamingo birds in all seasons in Gujarat at many places. 

Flamingo bird facts and description : 

• Greater flamingo bird is the largest living spices of flamingo.
• Greater flamingo has no subspices.
• Flamingo color most of pinkish white in plumage. Wings are red and feathers are black in end.
• Greater Flamingo bird call is like honking.
• The average lifespan of flamingo bird is 30-40 years.
• Main Difference between Greater flamingo and lesser flamingo is height . Lesser flamingo is shorter than greater flamingo. Also Greater flamingo has pale pink bill and black tip. In other case lesser flamingo has dark crimson bill. Lesser flamingo is also more red in color than greater flamingos.

Greater Flamingo birds In Thol Lake : Thol sanctuary is often i visit. Flamingo birds are stay here all seasons. I got good numbers of Greater flamingo and lesser flamingo bird images in a group when i visit Thol. This is my best time with flamingos. Also i got some beautiful pictures of flamingo birds with group and also in duo with some masti. Flamingos looks very good in frame bcz of their color. Thol lake is good place for birders because more than 150 birds spices found here. Also some mammals like Blue bull and black buck also found here. Lots of water birds and tree birds found here. Also sanctuary is not so big so you can find all birds in around 6 sqkm area. Best time to visit thol lake is November to March. All migratory birds are visit in winter so that is best time. Early morning is best for birders. 

Timing And Fees of Thol Sanctuary :

Thol Sanctuary open at 6 AM in morning and close at around 5 PM

Fees of Thol Sanctuary is 50 INR per person and camera fees are 200 INR. Car fees are 500 INR. 

Weekend fees may change that actually i don't know about it. 

Two flamingos with little egret in between of them with down head all. The images of flamingo bird making a good frame. Because of its color flamingo birds images are very attractive and also their grouping make a perfect frame of flamingo bird picture.

A morning pared time for flamingo birds. A beautiful Greater flamingo birds are in a raw make image nice and show their unity. 

Perfact wingspan of Flamingo bird looks great. Pink Wings make image more attractive.

Solo Greater flamingo bird 

Some masti time for two flamingo birds .

Above image shows the discipline of Flamingo Bird and looks like a morning pared they are doing . 

https://youtu.be/9dVBrR9NSOo

A group of Flamingo Birds at Thol Lake make your frame awesome.

Location : Thol Lake, Gujarat

Thol lake is just 25 km approx. from Ahmedabad. You can visit one day for Thol lake is enough. Also you can find another migratory birds like pelicans , bar headed goose, river tern and many more resident spices.

Ahmedabad to Thol lake distance about 25km

Demoiselle Crane is migratory bird in Gujarat. It is spices of Crane family. It is Winter visitor bird for India. In Gujarat it found in many places and sanctuaries. Demoiselle crane found in Gujarat in Thol Bird Sanctuary, Nalsarovar bird Sanctuary, Velavadar National Park and also outskirts of these sanctuaries. When we  are travelling to Nalsarovar sanctuary some local people tell us about Vadla village Wetland area and they told us about thousands of birds here. So we cancel nalsarovar and go their. And look what we found thousand of Demoiselle cranes are their. Very difficult to choose in your frame what to shoot. Also flying shots and group shots and solo shots of Demoiselle cranes we got. 

Description of Demoiselle Crane : 

• Demoiselle Crane birds similar to Sarus Crane only difference of color and its also a smallest crane too. 
• Demoiselle crane bird is about 100 cm long and its weight approx 3 kg. It is small from Sarus crane. 
• It has long black  on fore-neck and white strip on neck side. 
• It can live different environments. 
• They migrate from Siberia to china. 
• In India they spend winter for rest . 
• It migrate over Himalayas from India. Demoiselle crane can fly over Himalayas in high altitude about 25000 Feet. 
• They generally found in low water wetland area where they can fishing easily.
• Demoiselle crane's Gujarati name is Karkaro  and also have another name in Hindi is Koonj in North India.

Flying Demoiselle Crane looks awesome in frame. Also black and white photo of bird in flight looks beautiful. A group of Demoiselle Crane migrate and stay in Nalsarovar , Thol, LRK in Gujarat. Birds in flight in black and white looks like abstract image of birds. 

Crane is very shy bird and if you want to go close to them they run away faster than you. You must have patience to capture photos of Demoiselle Crane or Sarus Crane bird. 

Location :: Near Vadla village

Near Nalsarovar lake,Nearest place Ahmedabad.

Grey Headed Swamphen Or Sultana Bird: Purple swamphen bird is water bird and also a backyard bird too. There are six spices of purple swamphen. It is also known as Sultana Bird. Purple swamphen bird is chicken size bird. It has large feet  and bright plumage and red bill. It is generally found near lower water areas in wetlands. It is easily identifiy and also easy to find because of its color purple catches easily to your eyes towards it.

Six spices of swamphen are : 

• Western Swamphen 
• African Swamphen 
• Grey headed swamphen 
• Black backed swamphen 
• Philippine swamphen 
• Australasian swamphen. 

In Gujarat generally it found at wetland areas like Thol Lake, Nalsarovar, Pariej wetland etc. Also some low water area they are found.  

Some Facts about Grey-Headed swamphen : 

• Purple swamphen can fly long distance . 
• They are good swimmer too.  
• They can make loud bleating and hooting call. 
• They are seasonal breeders. 
• Swamphen live in pair . 
• They eat small fishes and snails like invertebrates. 
• Color of Purple swamphen is like a peacock and a red bill on its head looks beautiful. 

Purple swamphen is very good in color so the pictures are looking bright. Some of pictures are taken from my old camera so they may be not so good but i tried my best. Above image taken from my canon with 100-400 mm lens and in background and foreground a green grass make my image really fantastic.

Birds of Gujarat : Purple swamphen generally found in water areas and wetlands. My nearest place and bird sanctuary is Thol Lake. I often visit Thol Lake for birding. During winter season lots of Migratory birds came here and stay during winter. Swamphen bird is residence here and you can get them the whole year. They also breed here. 

Gear used : Canon 100 - 400 mm lens, Canon 6 D , Canon 1000 D 

Location : Thol Bird Sanctuary , Near Sanand , Gujarat

Short Eared Owl is generally found in grassland. It is in family Strigidae. Its ear cannot be visible in regular pose so may be it called short eared owl. You can see its ears only in defensive pose of it. It is generally found in open area and grasslands. But the color of feathers is simillar to dry grassland so to find it is very difficult in grassland. In Gujarat it found in Little Rann of Kutch mostly and easily. Little rann of kutch is very popular place for birding and specially for Wild Ass.

Description of Short Eared Owl :

• It is medium size owl.
• Length of short eared owl is 34-43 cm and weight is 475 gm aprrox. 
• It has short , black and strong bill.
• It has big head, large eyes, wings are broad and a short neck.
• It is  described as moth and bat like in flight.
• Its wingspan almost 33 - 43 inch.

Some Facts to know about Short Eared Owl :

• It is simillar in looks with Long Eared Owl just difference is ear tuff of long eared owl can easily visible.
• It breeds in Europe, North and south America , Asia and Caribbean etc.
• It is known to relocate to area of higher population of its food.
• Breeding season is once in  a year around in March or April in Northen Hemisphere.
• It nests on ground in medow and it made by grass and vagitations.
• They hunts mostly at night and mouse or rat is favorite food of its. It also feed small mammals like squirell, mole, rat, bats etc.
• It is listed endangered in Mexico.
• 4 to 7 eggs approx. found in Short eared owl clutch and eggs  incubated  by female in 20-35 days approx.
• It is partially migratory.
• Call of short eared owl is waowk....waowk......waowk or toot.....toot......toot . During breeding it sounds also like eeee - yerp sound.

Birds of Little Rann of Kutch :

Little rann of kutch is very well known for Wild Ass. But its is heaven for birding too. Lots of migratory birds and Specially Raptors found during winter season . Short Eared Owl is also resident bird and breeds here too. Lrk is sanctuary that you can take 360 degree horizons view. Beautiful sunset and sunrise locations here. There are also many outskirts area near LRK is good for birding and horizons photos.

How to Reach LRK :  Little rann of kutch is about 165 km from Ahmedabad. You can go by own car inside sanctuary. 

Nearest Airport is Ahmedabad.

Gear Used : Canon 6 D, Canon 100-400 mm lens

Hoopoe is a colorful bird.It found in Asia, Europe, Africa etc. The genus name is Upupa Epops. Upupa epops are Latin names. The hoopoe requires light vegetated ground such as trees,cliffs, walls and nest boxes. These types of environment  found easily everywhere. Its a medium size bird. For habitat and distribution Hoopoe bird is distributed all around in Asia, Europe and North Africa and easily found. For breeding hoopoe bird found wormer areas. It is also called as Eurasian Hoopoe bird too . In Gujarat it found at many farm outskirts and also at Thol Bird Sanctuary, Nal Sarovar , Velavdar and many more areas.

Physical features of  Eurasian Hoopoe Bird : 

• Hoopoe bird is a small size bird. Its weight is around 45-90gms .
• Size of common hoopoe is around 25-32 cm. and 44-48 cm with wingspwan. 
• Its wings are round and broad so hoopoe bird can flight strong. 
• The beak of hoopoe bird is as long as woodpecker. 
• Body color is light and black strips. 
• A most beautiful thing about hoopoe is Crown of Feather on its head. That makes hoopoe special. 
• Hoopoe bird call is Hoo-Hoo-Hoo .

Some interesting facts about Common Hoopoe Bird: 

• Hoopoe bird is selected as a National Bird of Israel in 2008. 
• Hoopoe eats insects and pests which damage to agriculture and forest land. So Hoopoe is very helpful to save forest and agriculture land as it protect from such insects and pests. 
• Interesting thing about hoopoe is it like to take a bath in sun and dust. 
• Hoopoe bird average lifespan is 10 years. 
• Hoopoe bird can easily approached while they are eating and they didn't notice anyone around it. So that is the best time to get closer to hoopoe bird and get good Hoopoe bird images. 
• Hoopoe bird also noted at Mt. Everest. 

About Thol Lake : 

Thol bird sanctuary is located near Thol Village so its called Thol Bird Sanctuary. The village Thol located in Kadi Taluka and Mehsana District of Gujarat. Area of Thol Lake is around approx 7 km square. Thol is generally known for migratory birds found here. During November to March there are lots of migratory birds came here. More than 150-200 spices of different types of birds including migratory and residence are found here. May be my figure is not actual but its seems to near it. Most attractions of Thol Lake is Flamingo bird, Pelican Bird, Bar headed Goose, Cranes and also huge number of Duck spices. Best time to visit Thol lake is winter From November to March. Best time to reach is early morning before sunrise is good. You can see the beautiful sunrise with lovely sky colors and Birds with it. 

I got good and very close sharp Common Hoopoe bird or Eurasian Hoopoe bird images  

Nearest city to Thol Lake is Ahmadabad about 25 km approx.

Gear Used : Canon 1000 D, Canon 55-250 mm lens, Canon 6 D , Canon 100-400 mm lens

Indian Peacock or Indian Peafowl is National Bird of India. It is swan size bird and very colorful bird with long tail of feathers. There are two types of spices fo Peafowl found. In India and Shri Lanka Indian peafowl found and Green Peafoul found in IndoChina and Burma. The male is known as Peacock and female is known as Peahen. It is large flying bird.

About Peafowl Bird :

• It has large and colorful feather with blue and green color.
• Its body about to 35 to 50 inch long and the tail is about 5 ft long.
• It is the largest flying bird.
• It average life is 20 years.
• In plumage Indian peacock blue and green plumage but green peacock has green and bronze body.
• Females are smaller then male.
• The peacock is the mount of Lord Kartikeya.
• Peafowl are eat mostly plant parts,seeds,flowers and insects etc.
• They put their nest on ground  but roost in trees.
• Baby of Peacock called Peachick.

Peacock is the symbol of Pride and Vanity. India declared Peacock as National Bird of India in 1963. Indian Peacock is one of the National Symbol Of India.

Two of photos are Peahen. Peahen photos taken at Thol Bird Sanctuary and Peacock photos taken at Jim Corbett National Park. Generally Peacock or Peafowl found at my village also near to me. It is very comman that you can found it in agriculture areas. The feather of Peacock is very colorful and it alwasy on Lord Krishna's Crown. Dancing peacock pictures are taken from far so low quality images but it is wonderful time that to see dancing peacock.

Camera Used : Canon 6 D, Canon 100-400 mm lens.

Eastern imperial eagle is member of  Aquilinae family. It is also called booted eagle. It is winter visitor in LRK Gujarat, India. It migrate form southeast Europe. It also breeds in Southeast Europe. My first siting of Eastern Imperial Eagle at LRK ( Little Rann Of Kutch ) Gujarat. There are also other migratory raptors are found here. Little rann of Kutch sanctuary is known for Raptors during winter season. 

Description of Eastern Imperial Eagle : 

It is large in size and dark in color. White spots on its wings and wings color is dark grey. It has long and thick neck, square tipped tail and well feathered strong legs. Generally Male are little smaller than female. In talk of Eastern Imperial Eagle size length is around 70-90 cm . Average wing spawn is about 5 to 9 ft. Eastern Imperial Eagle is a predator and also called Birds Of Prey. It generally hunts small mammals, reptiles and birds. 

Some facts about Eastern Imperial Eagle : 

• There may be confusion between Eastern Imperial Eagle and Golden Eagle. 
• Difference is Eastern Imperial Eagle is smaller then Golden Eagle. Also Its head is larger than golden eagle. 
• Eastern Imperial Eagle migrate from southeast Europe to middle east . 
• Some Eastern Imperial Eagle is breed at Lake Baikal will migrate to south Asia. 
• In winter Eastern Imperial Eagle found in Gujarat, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Jharkhand.
• Eastern Imperial Eagle weight around 2.5 kg
• Eastern Imperial Eagle bird call is owk owk..... gok gok or kraw kraw
• Best time to catch Eastern Imperial Eagle in Gujarat is November to February.

About Little Rann Of Kutch :

Little Rann Of Kutch is very well known for Raptors and migratory birds. During winter season there are lots of migratory birds like Flamingo birds, Pelican, Goose birds  etc and also Raptors, falcons, harriers etc. So that LRK is beautiful place to visit for wildlife lovers in Gujarat. Also small birds are good attractions for bird watchers of Gujarat. And the best think is the Horizons Of LRK.  A beautiful sunset and sunrise views from LRK you can see a flat surface looks beautiful. Amazing wetland areas also in LRK and also outskirts of LRK.

Little rann Of kutch is about 120 km from Ahmadabad. You can go Bajana Forest Entry gate for enter in LRK. Also some outskirts village area where you can find good wetlands for birds and sunset or sunrise shooting.

Location : Little Rann of Kutch

Best time to Visit LRK : November to March

Nearest Airport is Ahmedabad. 

Gear Used : Canon 1000 D with Canon 100-400 mm lens.

Backyard Birds : Dove bird is symbol of peace. It is loveable bird. It is very friendly to humans. Dove bird is now backyard bird because you can find it in your backyard. There are lots of spices of dove bird. Generally i found blue pegion at my home but these time i found Eurasian Collared Dove at my home. And look what close image i got it amazing.

The spices Eurasian collared dove is native Asia and Europe. There are two subspices recognised of Eurasian collared Dove 

• Western Collared Dove
• Burmese Collared Dove

Western Collared dove ranges Europe to India, China and Korea. Burmese Collared Dove ranges Central Myanmar to southern China-Eastern China. eurasian collared dove is not migratory. Eurasian collared Dove has been great colonisers of the bird world. They travelling from its native range to colder countries and many of them permanently stay their. 

Facts and Description of Eurasian Collared Dove :

• Its a medium size dove but smaller then wood pegion and similar to rock pegion.
• From Beak to Tail length is 13 inch.
• With wingspan length is 19-22 inches.
• Weight of Eurasian collared dove is 120-240 g.
• Color of eurasian collared dove is grey buff to pinkish grey and blue grey underwing patch.
• The tail feathers are grey buff and dark grey and tipped white below.
• Legs are short and bill is black
• Eyes appear black from distance but iris is red and narrow rim of reddish brown iris can be seen.
• Juveniles differs from collar and iris.
• Eurasian collared dove make large sound call  goo-goo-goo

Breeding and feeding :

• It breed near to human habitats where food and trees are available.
• Females lays two eggs in nest which color is white.
• Eggs incubates by both male and female. Male incubates in day time and female incubates at night.
• Incubation period is about 14-18 days.
• They feed grains, seeds and insects.
• They feed in farms and grain stores in a flock.
• Flock of Eurasian collared dove is from 10-40 most probably but it has been recorded up to 10000.

Pegion or Dove is a bird living in a human habitations. So they are very familier to humans. I also put some grains to feed them at my home. Generally Pigeon or Dove is very comman so you can shoot them photo anywhere with close up. I never take a shot of pigeon in jungle trail but this time at home The dove sitting on my gate light and i see beautiful background of my backyard trees with green background of Dove. I cann't stop my fingers to catch a photo. And see the result is great enough that i think The dove with green background. I also happy that i shoot too close to its eyes that i can see red eyes of Dove. Thats the beautiful part of the photo. 

Gear Used : Canon 6 D with Canon 100-400 mm lens.

Birds Of Gujarat ( Dendrocitta vagabunda ) : Rufous Treepie bird is a member of Crow family. It found in open scrub, forests, urban area and agriculture areas. The bird with long tail and beautiful color combination of Tail is bullish grey and stipped black. I shoot it at Jessore sloth bear sanctuary during Kedarnath temple trek. It generally found in India, Pakistan, Myanmar, Thailand and Bangladesh. 

Description About Rufous Treepie : 

• Body color is cinnamon and black head of Rufous Treepie bird.
• It has long Tail with bullish grey and black tipped.
• White patch in wings.
• The lower back and underparts are tawny brown to orange brown in color.
• Feet and legs are black.

Things to Know about Rufous Treepie Bird :

• In India Rufous Treepie breeding season is April to June.
• It generally lays 3 to 5 eggs.
• It built nest in bushes and trees.
• Rufous Treepie Bird call is bob - o - link  or ko - tree .
• Kotri is the local name of the Rufous Treepie bird.
• Gujarati Name of Rufous Treepie is Kherkhato
• Treepie also known for feed on fruits of which are toxic to mammals.

The bird Rufous Treepie is familier to get photographed. It has large sound so you can easily find him in a jungle by sound directions. Also a color is attractive so found easily. 

Photos Taken At Jessore Sanctuary, Gujarat.

Gear Used : Canon 1000 D , Canon 55-250 mm Lens