White-browed Fantail @ Jhalana National Park, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India

White-browed Fantail (Rhipidura aureola) is a cute, active and attractive resident bird among few hundred of bird species can be found in Jhalana National Park, Jaipur, the state of Rajasthan, Northwestern India.

The photos were taken using Nikon D500 paired with Nikkor 500 PF lens, ISO 800, F 5.6, 1/1600, 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 ecosystems 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.

White-throated Fantail @ Fraser's Hill, Pahang, Malaysia

White-throated Fantail (Rhipidura albicollis) 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 2000, F 6.3, EV -1.3.

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.

White-throated Fantail @ Gunung Alab Substation, Tambunan, Sabah, Borneo, East Malaysia

White-throated Fantail (Rhipidura albicollis) is a cute, active and attractive bird can be found in Gunung Alab Substation, Tambunan, Sabah, Borneo, East Malaysia.

In terms of color, size and other features there is no significant differences between White-throated Fantail found in East and West Malaysia. The photos were taken using Nikon D500 paired with Nikkor 500 PF lens, ISO 1600, F 6.3, EV -1.0. 

Gunung (Mount) Alab Substation is part of Crocker Range National Park. The place needs no introduction to the world, especially well-known to the nature lovers, hikers and jungle trekkers. Located in the district of Tambunan, South-east of Sabah, island of Borneo, East Malaysia, some 60 km from the capital city, Kota Kinabalu. It can be reached in approximately 1.5 hours by car from Kota Kinabalu International Airport through winding mountainous road. Due to it high elevation, weather in the Substation is very unpredictable. It can be very chilling and foggy hence, prepare for suitable clothing. 

The Substation has the most diversified treasures, both flora and fauna, including more than 350 species of bird and 100 species of mammal. Although the place is small, to cater for both local and foreign tourists, there are some basic rest-house, chalets and camping ground for rent. Some local restaurants and convenience shops are also available.

For bird lovers, Gunung Alab Substation certainly is the place to test your passion and perseverance in getting the best from the rain forest of Borneo. Some target birds include many species of Sunbirds, Trogons, Borneon Whistling Thrush, Babblers, Warblers, Barbets, Flowerpeckers, Flycatchers, Drongos, Owls, Partridges, Whitehead's Broadbill, Bornean Treepie just to name a few.

Malaysian Pied Fantail Feeding @ Taman Rimba Kiara, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Malaysian Pied Fantail (Rhipidura javanica) is another very active and attractive resident bird can be found in Taman Rimba Kiara. It can be found in the vegetation along the small stream around the park.

Bird feeding the chick is one the most interesting, exciting yet challenging scene to be photographed as the bird is very active. It only gives few seconds window to capture the most amazing scene of nature. 

Taman Rimba Kiara is one of few parks located in the center of Kuala Lumpur city. It is a public park that serves a green lung for city folks. It is located at Taman Tun Dr. Ismail, just half an hour drive away from Kuala Lumpur City Center. 

The park is an important place for family get way, children activities, jogging and even wedding. At the same time, it attracts wildlife and it has become a bird sanctuary. 

Taman Rimba Kiara has a large bird population and varieties with a recorded more than 40 species of birds. It certainly entices many birders to be there. The main target birds include different types of kites, eagles, hornbills, bee-eaters, kingfishers, shrikes, weavers, flycatchers, bulbuls, pigeons just to name a few. It has become a destination for migratory birds too. Other excellent nearby birding locations are Bukit Kiara Park and Taman Zaaba TTDI.

Malaysian Pied Fantail [Nest] @ Taman Rimba Kiara, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Malaysian Pied Fantail (Rhipidura javanica) is another very active and attractive resident bird can be found in Taman Rimba Kiara. It can be found in the vegetation along the small stream around the park.

Taman Rimba Kiara is one of few parks located in the center of Kuala Lumpur city. It is a public park that serves a green lung for city folks. It is located at Taman Tun Dr. Ismail, just half an hour drive away from Kuala Lumpur City Center. 

The park is an important place for family get way, children activities, jogging and even wedding. At the same time, it attracts wildlife and it has become a bird sanctuary. 

Taman Rimba Kiara has a large bird population and varieties with a recorded more than 40 species of birds. It certainly entices many birders to be there. The main target birds include different types of kites, eagles, hornbills, bee-eaters, kingfishers, shrikes, weavers, flycatchers, bulbuls, pigeons just to name a few. It has become a destination for migratory birds too. Other excellent nearby birding locations are Bukit Kiara Park and Taman Zaaba TTDI.