Grey Wagtail @ Desert National Park, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, India

Grey Wagtail (Motacilla cinerea) is a colorful, fast and attractive resident bird among many hundred of bird species can be found in Desert National Park, Jaisalmer, the state of Rajasthan, Northwestern India.

The photos were taken using Nikon D500 paired with Nikkor 500 PF lens, ISO 500, F 5.6, 1/6000, EV -1.0.

Bird Photography Trip to Rajasthan, Northwestern State of India

It was the first bird photography trip to the state of Rajasthan, in Northwestern India during winter. The locations include Tal Chhapar, Bikaner and Jaisalmer. The three places are considered the most exciting bird photography and bird watching locations in the state of Rajasthan, where each place offers completely different species of birds and wildlife with its endemic species.  

Tal Chhapar

Tal Chhapar can be reached in approximately four and a half hours drive from Jaipur International Airport. Tal Chhapar sanctuary is an open grassland with scattered trees and it is home for blackbuck also known as the Indian Antelope. It attracts raptors during migration period in winter. Other places of interest are salt pans area which is adjacent to the sanctuary which is home to waders. Gousala is another exciting area for bird photography and bird watching in Tal Chhapar. The place is home to vultures and raptors, not forgetting an endemic bird; Spotted Treecreeper.

Bikaner

Bikaner is approximately 340 km from Jaipur International Airport or approximately 131 km from Tal Chhapar. It can be reached in 6 hours from Jaipur or 2 and a half hours from Tal Chhapar by car respectively. Bikaner consists of desert area with scattered grazing land in the Thar Desert. It is home to desert mammals, migratory birds and raptors in winter.

Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer is also know as "Golden City" because of it uses yellow sandstones for buildings. It is part of Indian Thar Desert and border to Pakistan. The area consists of sand dunes and yellow sandstones with scattered grass land. It can be reached in approximately 10 hours by car for a distance of 600 km from Jaipur international airport or 7 and a half hours drive from Tal Chhapar for a distance of 422 km or 5 hours drive from Bikaner for a distance of 330 km respectively. Jaisalmer is home to a famous Desert National Park (DNP) which is the main reason for bird photographers and bird watchers to be there. Desert National Park is one of few places where Indian Great Bustard and Macqueen's Bustard can be found, beside many other small endemic desert birds. 

Why Rajasthan

Rajasthan is the biggest state in India. It land covers 11 percent of total land area of India. The state has more than 600 species of birds to offer to bird photographers and bird watchers, not forgetting the flora and fauna. It is a low land where famous Indian Thar Desert is located. 

Rajasthan has an impressive biodiversity, especially fauna. Due to its geographical location, it is a destination to many migratory birds in winter, more specifically for raptors and at the same time it is home for endemic desert birds and other mammals. 

In terms of accessibility, being the biggest state in the country, Rajasthan is very accessible, be it via road, rail and air. There are abundant hotels, resorts, villas and guesthouses of different standards and prices in each city and town in the state. Not forgetting restaurants, cafe, convenience shops of all kinds and standards. 

Best time to visit Rajasthan

For purpose of bird photography and bird watching, the best time to visit the state is during winter; from October to March. During this period, temperature is between 15 - 20 degree centigrade during day time and it goes down to between 5 - 10 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.

Bird Photography and Bird Watching in India

Bird photography and bird watching in India have been getting very good attention and have captured overwhelming response from both 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.

 

Best Way to Go

Both local but non-native to Rajasthan 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.

In view of the distance between one place and the others, it is recommended to plan those destinations with local bird guide beforehand as special vehicle is needed to enter those places, especially desert area. One of the best route is to start from Jaipur to Tal Chhaper. From Tal Chhapar continues to Bikaner, then to Jaisalmer. The same route for the return. By doing so, it breaks a long distance drive.

Dusky Eagle-Owl @ Sekinchan, Selangor, Malaysia

Dusky Eagle-Owl (Bubo coromandus) is a large, active and attractive bird among hundred species of birds can be found in Sekinchan, Selangor, Malaysia. The bird is a resident to Sekinchan. It can be found around the paddy field area and surrounding plantation.

Dusky Eagle-Owl is a resident of Sekinchan, Selangor. The photos were taken using Nikon D500 paired with Nikkor 500 PF lens, ISO 1600, 1/125, F 5.6, EV -1.0.

Sekinchan is a small town in Sabak Bernam district of Selangor state of Malaysia. It is yet another wonderful birding destinations in Selangor, Malaysia as it is a residence to many exotic birds, bird watching and has become migratory birds' destination too. The place has huge area of paddy field. Sekinchan is a popular weekend destination to the local for family get away. Adequate accommodations, restaurants and local food stalls are provided in the area.

Sekinchan can be reached in approximately one and half hour from Kuala Lumpur city center by car via Kuala Lumpur-Kuala Selangor Expressway (LATAR). The place has a large bird population and varieties. It certainly entices many birders to be there. The main target birds in Sekinchan includes different types of kingfisher, woodpeckers, land birds, ducks, rails, stilts, shrikes, kites, pigeons, egrets and herons just to name a few.

Red-wattled Lapwing @ Desert National Park, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, India

Red-wattled Lapwing (Vanellus indicus) is a colorful, fast and attractive resident bird among many hundred of bird species can be found in Desert National Park, Jaisalmer, the state of Rajasthan, Northwestern India.

The photos were taken using Nikon D500 paired with Nikkor 500 PF lens, ISO 640, F 5.6, 1/4000, EV -0.7.

Bird Photography Trip to Rajasthan, Northwestern State of India

It was the first bird photography trip to the state of Rajasthan, in Northwestern India during winter. The locations include Tal Chhapar, Bikaner and Jaisalmer. The three places are considered the most exciting bird photography and bird watching locations in the state of Rajasthan, where each place offers completely different species of birds and wildlife with its endemic species.  

Tal Chhapar

Tal Chhapar can be reached in approximately four and a half hours drive from Jaipur International Airport. Tal Chhapar sanctuary is an open grassland with scattered trees and it is home for blackbuck also known as the Indian Antelope. It attracts raptors during migration period in winter. Other places of interest are salt pans area which is adjacent to the sanctuary which is home to waders. Gousala is another exciting area for bird photography and bird watching in Tal Chhapar. The place is home to vultures and raptors, not forgetting an endemic bird; Spotted Treecreeper.

Bikaner

Bikaner is approximately 340 km from Jaipur International Airport or approximately 131 km from Tal Chhapar. It can be reached in 6 hours from Jaipur or 2 and a half hours from Tal Chhapar by car respectively. Bikaner consists of desert area with scattered grazing land in the Thar Desert. It is home to desert mammals, migratory birds and raptors in winter.

Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer is also know as "Golden City" because of it uses yellow sandstones for buildings. It is part of Indian Thar Desert and border to Pakistan. The area consists of sand dunes and yellow sandstones with scattered grass land. It can be reached in approximately 10 hours by car for a distance of 600 km from Jaipur international airport or 7 and a half hours drive from Tal Chhapar for a distance of 422 km or 5 hours drive from Bikaner for a distance of 330 km respectively. Jaisalmer is home to a famous Desert National Park (DNP) which is the main reason for bird photographers and bird watchers to be there. Desert National Park is one of few places where Indian Great Bustard and Macqueen's Bustard can be found, beside many other small endemic desert birds. 

Why Rajasthan

Rajasthan is the biggest state in India. It land covers 11 percent of total land area of India. The state has more than 600 species of birds to offer to bird photographers and bird watchers, not forgetting the flora and fauna. It is a low land where famous Indian Thar Desert is located. 

Rajasthan has an impressive biodiversity, especially fauna. Due to its geographical location, it is a destination to many migratory birds in winter, more specifically for raptors and at the same time it is home for endemic desert birds and other mammals. 

In terms of accessibility, being the biggest state in the country, Rajasthan is very accessible, be it via road, rail and air. There are abundant hotels, resorts, villas and guesthouses of different standards and prices in each city and town in the state. Not forgetting restaurants, cafe, convenience shops of all kinds and standards. 

Best time to visit Rajasthan

For purpose of bird photography and bird watching, the best time to visit the state is during winter; from October to March. During this period, temperature is between 15 - 20 degree centigrade during day time and it goes down to between 5 - 10 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.

Bird Photography and Bird Watching in India

Bird photography and bird watching in India have been getting very good attention and have captured overwhelming response from both 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.

 

Best Way to Go

Both local but non-native to Rajasthan 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.

In view of the distance between one place and the others, it is recommended to plan those destinations with local bird guide beforehand as special vehicle is needed to enter those places, especially desert area. One of the best route is to start from Jaipur to Tal Chhaper. From Tal Chhapar continues to Bikaner, then to Jaisalmer. The same route for the return. By doing so, it breaks a long distance drive.

Black-shouldered Kite @ Tal Chhapar, Rajasthan, India

Black-shouldered Kite (Elanus axillaris) is a fast, attractive and active resident bird among few hundred of bird species can be found in Tal Chhapar, the state of Rajasthan, Northwestern India.

The photos were taken using Nikon D500 paired with Nikkor 500 PF lens, ISO 640, F 5.6, 1/8000, EV -0.3.

Bird Photography Trip to Rajasthan, Northwestern State of India

It was the first bird photography trip to the state of Rajasthan, in Northwestern India during winter. The locations include Tal Chhapar, Bikaner and Jaisalmer. The three places are considered the most exciting bird photography and bird watching locations in the state of Rajasthan, where each place offers completely different species of birds and wildlife with its endemic species.  

Tal Chhapar

Tal Chhapar can be reached in approximately four and a half hours drive from Jaipur International Airport. Tal Chhapar sanctuary is an open grassland with scattered trees and it is home for blackbuck also known as the Indian Antelope. It attracts raptors during migration period in winter. Other places of interest are salt pans area which is adjacent to the sanctuary which is home to waders. Gousala is another exciting area for bird photography and bird watching in Tal Chhapar. The place is home to vultures and raptors, not forgetting an endemic bird; Spotted Treecreeper.

Bikaner

Bikaner is approximately 340 km from Jaipur International Airport or approximately 131 km from Tal Chhapar. It can be reached in 6 hours from Jaipur or 2 and a half hours from Tal Chhapar by car respectively. Bikaner consists of desert area with scattered grazing land in the Thar Desert. It is home to desert mammals, migratory birds and raptors in winter.

Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer is also know as "Golden City" because of it uses yellow sandstones for buildings. It is part of Indian Thar Desert and border to Pakistan. The area consists of sand dunes and yellow sandstones with scattered grass land. It can be reached in approximately 10 hours by car for a distance of 600 km from Jaipur international airport or 7 and a half hours drive from Tal Chhapar for a distance of 422 km or 5 hours drive from Bikaner for a distance of 330 km respectively. Jaisalmer is home to a famous Desert National Park (DNP) which is the main reason for bird photographers and bird watchers to be there. Desert National Park is one of few places where Indian Great Bustard and Macqueen's Bustard can be found, beside many other small endemic desert birds. 

Why Rajasthan

Rajasthan is the biggest state in India. It land covers 11 percent of total land area of India. The state has more than 600 species of birds to offer to bird photographers and bird watchers, not forgetting the flora and fauna. It is a low land where famous Indian Thar Desert is located. 

Rajasthan has an impressive biodiversity, especially fauna. Due to its geographical location, it is a destination to many migratory birds in winter, more specifically for raptors and at the same time it is home for endemic desert birds and other mammals. 

In terms of accessibility, being the biggest state in the country, Rajasthan is very accessible, be it via road, rail and air. There are abundant hotels, resorts, villas and guesthouses of different standards and prices in each city and town in the state. Not forgetting restaurants, cafe, convenience shops of all kinds and standards.

Best time to visit Rajasthan

For purpose of bird photography and bird watching, the best time to visit the state is during winter; from October to March. During this period, temperature is between 15 - 20 degree centigrade during day time and it goes down to between 5 - 10 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.

Bird Photography and Bird Watching in India

Bird photography and bird watching in India have been getting very good attention and have captured overwhelming response from both 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.

 

Best Way to Go

Both local but non-native to Rajasthan 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.

In view of the distance between one place and the others, it is recommended to plan those destinations with local bird guide beforehand as special vehicle is needed to enter those places, especially desert area. One of the best route is to start from Jaipur to Tal Chhaper. From Tal Chhapar continues to Bikaner, then to Jaisalmer. The same route for the return. By doing so, it breaks a long distance drive.

Blue-throated Bee-eater [Multiple] @ Kampung Talang, Kuala Pilah, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia

Blue-throated Bee-eater (Merops viridis) is a colorful, fast and attractive bird among hundred species of birds can be found in Kampung Talang, Tanjung Ipoh, Kuala Pilah, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia. The bird can be found at the forest edges along the road of Kampung Talang, Tanjung Ipoh.

The photos were taken using Nikon D500 paired with Nikkor 500 PF lens, ISO 1600, 1/6000, F 5.6, EV -1.0. 

Kampung Talang can be reached in approximately one and half hours from Kuala Lumpur by car. Since it is located next to large forest reserve, Kampung Talang has a large bird population and varieties. It certainly entices many birders to be there. The main target birds in Kampung Talang include different types of broadbills, babblers, sunbirds, hornbills, woodpeckers, parrots, shrikes, malkoha just to name a few.

Other nearby birding destinations to Kampung Talang are Seremban Lake Garden, Linggi River, Ulu Bendul and Gunung Tampin Forest Reserve.