Blue-throated Blue Flycatcher [Male] @ Kerala, South Eastern of India

Blue-throated Blue Flycatcher (Cyornis rubeculoides) [Male] is a colorful, attractive and active bird among many hundred of bird species can be found in the state of Kerala, South Eastern of India.

The photos were taken using Nikon D500 paired with Nikkor 500 PF lens, ISO 1250, F 6.3, EV -1.7      

Bird Photography and Bird Watching in India

Bird photography in India has been getting very good attention and has captured overwhelming response from the local and foreigners alike. This can be witnessed by number of professional, enthusiast, serious hobbyist and beginners, men and women bird photographers and bird watchers at any birding location in the country.

Bird photography and bird watching business ecosystem have been mushroomed throughout the country. That includes, lodges built in the middle of the jungle, hides, birding tours and bird guides. It has become one of the upcoming lucrative businesses in the country which attracts both local and foreign bird photographers and bird watchers. 

Why Kerala

Geographically, state of Kerala is located in the South Eastern part of India, with tropical weather. Kerala has an impressive biodiversity. Many parts on the state are covered by large tea plantation on lush hill stations and the remainders are low land area. State gavernment has taken the initiative to gazatte number of forest areas as bird sanctuaries and national parks. The factors have been primary reason for Kerala to be home for many unique and exotic birds, both endemic and migratory species. 

Best time to visit Kerala

For purpose of bird photography and bird watching, the best time to visit the state is during dry season; from August to April. During this period, most leaves have dropped so it is easier to spot any bird on the trees with less or no leaves. At the same time, no rain is expected and hence activities can be carried out whole day long, even to the night. 

Exciting Bird Photography and Bird Watching Locations

Exciting bird photography and bird watching locations include Munnar and Chinnar hill stations which can be reached in approximately two to three hours from Kochi city, Thattekad Bird Sanctuary which can be reached in just approximately one and half hour from the city center, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary and Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary.

Best Way to Go

Both local but non-native to Kerela and foreign bird photograpers and bird watchers, prior arrangement with local bird guide is highly recommended as transportation to go places and knowledge on locations of specific species of birds are needed to ensure satisfactory result.

Kalij Pheasant [Male] @ Uttarakhand, North India

Kalij Pheasant (Lophura leucomelanos) [Male] is a colorful, attractive and active bird among many hundred of bird species can be found in the state of Uttarakhand, North India.

The photos were taken using Nikon D850 paired with Nikkor 500 PF lens, ISO 2500, F 5.6, EV -1.0     

Bird Photography and Bird Watching in India

Bird photography in India has been getting very good attention and has captured overwhelming response from the local and foreigners alike. This can be witnessed by number of professional, enthusiast, serious hobbyist and beginners, men and women bird photographers and bird watchers at any birding location in the country.

Bird photography and bird watching business ecosystem have been mushroomed throughout the country. That includes, lodges built in the middle of the jungle, hides, birding tours and bird guides. It has become one of the upcoming lucrative businesses in the country which attracts both local and foreign bird photographers and bird watchers. 

Why Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand means "Northen Land" in Hindi. Geographically, state of Uttarakand is located in the Northen part of India, with four seasons weather. It borders with China to the North, Nepal to the East and state of Uttar Pradesh to the South. Uttarakhand has an impressive biodiversity, both flora and founa. Approximately 85% of Uttarakhand state is mountainous and 65% of the total area is covered by forest; from glaciers at the highest elevations to subtropical forest at the lowest elevations, with the elevation ranging from 1,500 meter to 5,000 meter above sea level. The factors have been primary reason for Uttarakhand to be home for many unique and exotic birds, both endemic and migratory species. 

Best time to visit Uttarakhand

For purpose of bird photography and bird watching, the best time to visit the state is during winter; from November to March. During this period, temperature is between 10 - 18 degree centigrade during day time and it goes down to between 0 - 5 degree centigrade during night time and early morning. Hence, prepare for suitable clothing. No rain is expected during this period hence, outdoor activities can be carried out whole day long.

Chopta is also known as "Mini Switzerland" has colder temperature with snowfall during winter as it located in higher altitute. Hence, prior arrangement is needed during winter as it is a peak season for tourists arrival, for both local and foreign tourists. 

Exciting Bird Photography and Bird Watching Locations

Exciting bird photography and bird watching locations include Sattal and Bhintal which can be reached in approximately two hours drive from the airport, Pantnagar. Pangkot which can be reached in just approximately one and half hour drive from Sattal town. Chopta is also another great location. 

How to go to Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand can be reached in approximately one hour by plane from Delhi to a small airport at Pantnagar town. It takes two hours drive from Pantnagar airport to Sattal or Bintal town. Alternatively, train service which takes 6 hours from Delhi to Ramnagar town. Bus service from Delhi to Uttarakhand is also available. 

As for Chopta, it is recommended to go by plane from Delhi to Dehradun airport which takes approximately one hour. From the airport it takes five and half hours drive to Chopta. 

Best Way to Go

Both local but non-native to Uttarakhand and foreign bird photograpers and bird watchers, prior arrangement with local bird guide is highly recommended as transportation to go places and knowledge on locations of specific species of birds are needed to ensure satisfactory result.

Slaty-legged Crake @ National Botanical Garden Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia

Slaty-legged Crake (Rallina eurizonoides) is a colorful, attractive and very cute resident bird can be found in National Botanical Garden Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia. It can be found in the vegetation along small paths around the park.

National Botanical Garden Shah Alam or Taman Botani Negara Shah Alam in Malay is one a few parks located in the center of Shah Alam city. It is a public park that serves as green lung for city folks. It is located at Taman Pertanian Malaysia, just less than an hour drive away from Kuala Lumpur City Center. 

Covering an area of 817 hectares, the park is an important place for family get way, children activities, gathering, jogging and even wedding. At the same time, it attracts wildlife and it has become a bird sanctuary. A small entrance fee of RM3 per person is collected at the entrance to the park. The Park opens from Tuesday to Sunday from 7.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. It closes on Monday. 

National Botanical Garden Shah Alam has a large bird population and varieties with a recorded more than 60 species of birds. It certainly entices many birders to be there. The main target birds include different types of pittas, eagles, doves, hornbills, bee-eaters, kingfishers, shrikes, weavers, flycatchers, bulbuls, pigeons just to name a few. It has become a destination for migratory birds too.

Other neighboring areas to National Botanical Garden Shah Alam for birding destinations include Shah Alam Lake Garden and Bukit Jelutong Eco Community Park.

White-tailed Blue Robin [Female] @ Fraser's Hill, Pahang, Malaysia

White-tailed Blue Robin (Myiomela leucura) aka. White-tailed Robin [Female] is another colorful, attractive and very fast bird among few hundred species of birds can be found in Fraser's Hill, Pahang, Malaysia. The bird can be found on the tree branches along the roads at the Hill. 

The photos were taken using Nikon D500 paired with Nikkor 500 PF lens, ISO 1600, F 6.3, EV -1.0.

Fraser's Hill is definitely one of the best birding destinations in Malaysia and in Asia as it is a residence to many exotic birds. The hill covers a large area of tropical rain forest, waterfalls, trekking and streams. There are abundant accommodations, food and recreational activities provided at the Hill. It can be reached in approximately two hours from Kuala Lumpur by car.

Fraser's Hill has the largest bird population and varieties. It certainly entices many birders from all over the world to be there. The main target birds in Fraser's Hill include different types laughingthrush, broadbills, cuckoos, flycathers, woodpackers, barbets, babblers, Niltavas, Minivets and Trogons just to name a few. 

As part of it's promotion and global recognition, Fraser's Hill holds Fraser's Hill International Bird Race annually. The hill is truly a heaven for bird and nature lovers.