Rosy Starling @ Desert National Park, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, India

Rosy Starling (Pastor roseus) 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 400, 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-collared Starling @ Town Park Puchong, Selangor, Malaysia

Black-collared Starling (Gracupica nigricollis) is a colorful, very active and attractive resident bird can be found in Town Park Puchong. It can be found in the vegetation along the small stream and ponds around the park.

The photos were taken using Nikon D500 paired with Nikkor 500 PF lens, ISO 1250, F 5.6, EV -0.3.

Town Park Puchong is a park located at Bandar Putri Puchong, Selangor, Malaysia. It is a public park that serves as a green lung for city folks. The park can be reached in just half an hour drive away from Kuala Lumpur City Center. 

The park is an important place for family get way, children activities and jogging. At the same time, it attracts wildlife and it has become an urban biodiversity and habitat to a wide range of flora and fauna. Also, a bird sanctuary too. 

Town Park Puchong has a large bird population and varieties with a recorded more than 30 species of birds. It certainly entices many birders to be there. The main target birds include different types of Cuckoos, Kites, Eagles, Kingfishers, Shrikes, Weavers, Flycatchers, Herons, Egrets, Bulbuls, Pigeons just to name a few. It has become a destination for migratory birds too.

Black-collared Starling @ Town Park Puchong, Selangor, Malaysia

Black-collared Starling (Gracupica nigricollis) is a colorful, very active and attractive resident bird can be found in Town Park Puchong. It can be found in the vegetation along the small stream and ponds around the park.

The photos were taken using Nikon D500 paired with Nikkor 500 PF lens, ISO 1000, F 5.6, EV -0.3.

Town Park Puchong is a park located at Bandar Putri Puchong, Selangor, Malaysia. It is a public park that serves as a green lung for city folks. The park can be reached in just half an hour drive away from Kuala Lumpur City Center. 

The park is an important place for family get way, children activities and jogging. At the same time, it attracts wildlife and it has become an urban biodiversity and habitat to a wide range of flora and fauna. Also, a bird sanctuary too. 

Town Park Puchong has a large bird population and varieties with a recorded more than 30 species of birds. It certainly entices many birders to be there. The main target birds include different types of Cuckoos, Kites, Eagles, Kingfishers, Shrikes, Weavers, Flycatchers, Herons, Egrets, Bulbuls, Pigeons just to name a few. It has become a destination for migratory birds too.

Siamese Pied Starling aka. Siamese Pied Myna @ Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia

Siamese Pied Starling aka. Siamese Pied Myna (Gracupica floweri) is a colorful, attractive and very fast action bird among hundred species of birds can be found in Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia. Siamese Pied Starling is a residence bird to Serdang. The bird can be found on the trees around the lake and along the forest edges.

Serdang is yet another wonderful birding destinations in Selangor, Malaysia as it is a residence to many exotic birds and has become migratory birds' destination too. The area has large man-made lakes, forest and savanna. 

Serdang can be reached in approximately less than one hour from Kuala Lumpur city center by car. The area has a large bird population and varieties. It certainly entices many birders to be there. The main target birds in Serdang includes different types of kingfisher, woodpeckers, land birds, shrikes, kites, pigeons, egrets, munias, prinias, darters and herons just to name a few.

Finch-billed Myna aka. Grosbeak Starling @ Tangkoko Nature Reserve, Batu Putih, North Sulawesi, Indonesia

Finch-billed Myna aka. Grosbeak Starling aka. Grosbeak Myna (Scissirostrum dubium) is a colorful, attractive and active bird among many hundred of bird species can be found in Tangkoko Nature Reserve, Batu Putih, North Sulawesi, Indonesia

Finch-billed Myna is an endemic to the island of Sulawesi. The photos were taken using Nikon D500 paired with Nikkor 500 PF lens, ISO 1000, F 6.3, EV -1.7     

Bird Photography and Bird Watching in Indonesia

Bird photography and bird watching in Indonesia has been getting very good attention and has captured overwhelming response from the local and foreigners alike. It has been long well known to the birding community worldwide, primarily due to its uniqueness of endemic species. 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 North Sulawesi

Sulawesi formally known as Celebes is an island located on the eastern part of Indonesia archipelago. Well known for one of the best diving destination in the world. It is the eleventh largest island in the world. Geographically, the island is surrounded by Borneo island to the west, Maluku to the east, the Philippine to the north and Flores and Timor to the south. Due to its location, climate and geography the island is home for many unique and exotic birds, both endemic and migratory species. 

Best time to visit North Sulawesi

For purpose of bird photography and bird watching, the best time to visit the island is during dry season; from June to September. During this period, temperature is between 20 - 32 degree centigrade with tropical humid climate on the lowland and 16 - 24 degree centigrade with subtropical rainforest climate on the highland. Hence, prepare for suitable clothing. No rain is expected during this period hence, outdoor activities can be carried out whole day long.

During the dry season, it is a peak season for tourists arrival, both local and foreign tourists. Expect more expensive accommodation and transporation during this period. 

Exciting Bird Photography and Bird Watching Locations

Exciting bird photography and bird watching locations include Tangkoko Nature Reserve and Tomohon Hill Station which can be reached in approximately two hours and one hour drive from Sam Ratulangi international airport respectively. The two locations are having different altitute and weather. Tangkoko Nature Reserve is located next to the beach whilst Tomohon is a highland.

How to go to North Sulawesi

Manado is the capital city of North Sulawesi. It is also the biggest city, can be reached in approximately four hours by plane from Singapore. It can also be reached from Bali in approximately three and half hours and four hours from the capital city of Indonesia, Jakarta respectively.  

At the point of this writing, there is no direct flight from Kuala Lumpur to Manado. 

Best Way to Go

Both local but non-native to Sulawesi 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.