Monsoon are
back with lots of rain, pakoras and remaining indoors. We enjoy them it
after all this scorching heat. Though the monsoon keeps enthusiastic
photographer housed to enjoy snacks but there is something chirping in nearby
grasslands which let photographers’ move out from their comfort zone so that
they don’t miss out any opportunity to have some super keepers of some lovely
bird species.
Now how many of
us know that birders are scouting for a lovely species as monsoon clouds gather
over the country. Jacobin Cuckoo
also known as “harbinger of monsoon” as it correlates its presence with the
annual showers. It is believed that migrant species appears in many parts of
the country pronouncing the imminent arrival of monsoon. One photograph hunt
for this bird is worth and it will not disappoint you.
The breeding
season of the Baya Weavers is
during this season of the year. The bird known for the elaborately woven
nests constructed by the males is a photographers’ delight. Male bird
build partial nests and begin courting females. Male finishes only that nest to
completion after finding a mate and getting approved by the female.
Photographing the bird complete the hanging nest is really a picture you should
have in list.
Cattle Egret is a sociable
species and is most commonly seen foraging with grazing stock in wetland areas.
A relatively small snowy-white egret, the Cattle Egret is distinguished during
breeding season which is nearly during monsoon, by its orange crown, neck and
breast, with similarly tinted long loose neck plumes. The long sharp, slightly
curved yellow bill becomes bright red during breeding season. The beauty it
gives in photographs is immense.
Green Bee-eater
nests during May/June in the tunnels dug into sandy banks. Females lay eggs
which are incubated for two weeks by both the breeding pair. The bird chicks which
hatch near to monsoon are cared and fed by both the parent until they leave the
nest. And you find some amazing shots of these birds during all these activity.
As monsoon is
good time photographing these birds there are several problems faced because of
lowlight and sudden showers so one should be well prepared for this by:
-
Knowing camera limit
-
Increasing ISO on your camera for
high shutter speed
-
Fixing camera on a steady tripod
-
Protecting camera with a good rain
cover
-
Taking an umbrella in case of sudden
shower.
Now with all these I don’t think
you should sit in just waiting for good times.
