The complexity involved in Bird photography is what got me excited to this last year. It’s extremely challenging since everything is a variable – light, bird behavior, clutter around it, where it’s perched, and so on. For those, who are reluctant to put in this groundwork (and time), hides are a great opportunity for some close-up shots. The downside to this (if the hide is famous and frequented by enthusiasts), there will be a few 100 people with possibly the exact same shot. Apart from the fact that you are sort of meddling with the birds and their natural way of finding food/ water.
Personally, I am not a fan of hides. I had only heard of them, never used one. Until now.
Deb and I went to Satisha Sarakki‘s hide near Aagara lake on 22nd Feb 2021. And here are some of the close-ups I ended up getting.
Purple-rumped and Loten’s Sunbird
Indian White-eye
Jerdon’s leafbird
Jungle Bushquail
Bulbuls – Red-whiskered, White-browed and Red-vented
Black-rumped Flameback
Indian Golden Oriole
Spotted and Laughing Dove
Asian Koel, Oriental Magpie Robin and Spot-breasted Fantail
Coppersmith Barbet, Cinereous Tit and Yellow-billed Babbler
And, a couple of unwanted visitors – Indian palm squirrel and Indian grey mongoose.
Your write up/ short story add sweetness and beauty to your sequential photos and vice versa. Well done. Highly commendable. Keep them coming.
Where is it exactly? Is it open on all days and how to book a seat?