Sun Conure aka. Sun Parakeet @ Bukit Antarabangsa, Ampang, Selangor, Malaysia

Sun Conure aka. Sun Parakeet is a medium size, very colorful and attractive bird among many different types of birds trained at Bukit Antarabangsa, Ampang, Selangor, Malaysia. 

The photos were taken using Nikon D500 paired with Nikkor 500 PF lens, ISO 1000, F 5.6, EV -0.7. 

Due to its relatively high altitude, topography and forest reserves, Bukit Antarabangsa is a perfect place to train birds. At the same time, the place is home to many exotic residence and migratory birds. They can be found on the trees at the edges of the forest. 

The main target birds in Bukit Antarabangsa include different types Malkohas, Ioras, Doves, Orioles, Woodpeckers, Barbets, Flycatchers, Bee-eaters, Drongos and Bulbuls just to name a few.

Sun Conure aka. Sun Parakeet @ Bukit Antarabangsa, Ampang, Selangor, Malaysia

Sun Conure aka. Sun Parakeet is a medium size, very colorful and attractive bird among many different types of birds trained at Bukit Antarabangsa, Ampang, Selangor, Malaysia. 

The photos were taken using Nikon D500 paired with Nikkor 500 PF lens, ISO 1000, F 5.6, EV -0.7. 

Due to its relatively high altitude, topography and forest reserves, Bukit Antarabangsa is a perfect place to train birds. At the same time, the place is home to many exotic residence and migratory birds. They can be found on the trees at the edges of the forest. 

The main target birds in Bukit Antarabangsa include different types Malkohas, Ioras, Doves, Orioles, Woodpeckers, Barbets, Flycatchers, Bee-eaters, Drongos and Bulbuls just to name a few.

Slaty-headed Parakeet @ Mandal, Uttarakhand, North India

Slaty-headed Parakeet (Psittacula himalayana) is a colorful, attractive and active bird among many hundred of bird species can be found in Mandal, the state of Uttarakhand, North India.

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

Second Bird Photography Trip to Uttarakhand 

It was the second bird photography trip to the state of Uttarakhand, in North India during winter. The locations include Chopta, Mandal and Pangkot whereas the first trip was at Sattal, Bintal and Nainital.  During this period Chopta was experiencing heavy snowfall which was very unsual after mid of February. Hence, bird photography has become even more challenging to trek the hill as it covers by thick snow. The road leading to the peak is non accessible by car as the roads have become so slippery resulting road accidents happen on daily basis. 

At this time of writing, effective from February 2024 the Forestry Department of India imposes entrance and camera fees for bird photography and bird watching activities in Chopta and Mandal's forest reserves at a rate of Rs. 1,500 per day per person or equivalent to USD 20 per day per person. 

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. It is also known as the "Valley of God" to the local. 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. During this period the road leading the the peak is non accessible to traffic. The temperature may go down to minus 10 degree centigrade. 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 and Mandal are other excellent bird photography and bird watching locations in the state of Uttarakhand, North India. 

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 Jolly Grant airport it takes six 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.

Red-breasted Parakeet [Male] @ Melaka, Malaysia

Red-breasted Parakeet (Psittacula alexandri) [Male] is a colorful, attractive and very active large bird among hundred species of birds can be found in Malaysia. The bird can be found at a tall tree in residential enclaves and lives coexist with human being. 

Other neighboring areas for birding destinations are Sungai Rambai, Sungai Putat, Parit Jawa and Sungai Balang. 

Sungai Rambai is another wonderful birding destinations in Melaka, Malaysia as it is a residence to many exotic birds and has become migratory birds' destination too. The place has large area of paddy field, mangrove forest, seashore, and streams. Melaka is a popular weekend destination to the local for family get away, sightseeing and food. Adequate accommodations, restaurants, local food stalls and recreational activities are provided in the nearby town, Melaka. 

Sungai Rambai can be reached in approximately two and half hour from Kuala Lumpur city center by car. The place has a large bird population and varieties. It certainly entices many birders to be there. The main target birds in Sungai Rambai includes different types of kingfisher, woodpeckers, land birds,  shore birds, bitterns, stilts, shrikes, kites, pigeons, egrets and herons just to name a few.

Malabar Parakeet aka. Blue-winged Parakeet [Male]@ Kerala, South Eastern on India

Malabar Parakeet aka. Blue-winged Parakeet (Psittacula columboides) [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 640, F 5.6, EV -2.0      

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 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.