Monday, June 27, 2011

Indian Roller–Karnataka’s State Bird

The Indian Roller is one bird that is very easily spotted in nearly all corners of India. When it is perched on a branch, it looks pretty, but not spectacular, but when it is in flight, its beautiful blue wings are known to captivate all birders.

Indian Roller takes off 
The Indian Roller is such a pretty sight when it is flying that a lot of my birder and photographer friends try to disturb it and make it fly. Well, this action goes against my conscience as we are disturbing the bird, but I generally give in as this allows me to see it in its true colours.

Indian Roller - Karnataka's State Bird 
In this case, my friends were not with me, and this Indian Roller chose to fly without us disturbing it. The bird was pretty far away and hence this is the closest I could go with my 100-400 lens. The green landscape in the background just forms the perfect contrast for the blue jay (another name for the Indian Roller).

Indian Roller in flight displays its true blue colour 
For all those who do not know, the Indian Roller is also Karnataka’s State Bird. I spotted these birds during a jungle safari into Kabini and Nagarhole National Park in Karnataka, India.

10 comments:

  1. Shrinidhi HandeJune 28, 2011 at 4:38 AM

    We spotted one on our way to Hampi too.... I didn''t know this one is our state bird...

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  2. Team g squareJune 28, 2011 at 7:05 AM

    lovely and colorful bird , my favorite bird .  Nicely captured ,especially the first one

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  3. Sam @ Weekend GetawaysJune 28, 2011 at 5:13 PM

    Awesome picture thanks for this and bird's color combination is looking so great with the color of green grass.

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  4. Anu ShankarJune 29, 2011 at 12:19 PM

    Beautiful!! i have seen this bird a number of times, but havent yet been able to photograph it...

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  5. Sankara Subramanian CJune 29, 2011 at 11:54 PM

    Favorite of the entire state :-) Thank you!

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  6. Sankara Subramanian CJune 29, 2011 at 11:55 PM

    Now you know :-)

    We spotted these along with Sandeep at one of our pit stops enroute to Belur too.

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  7. Sankara Subramanian CJune 29, 2011 at 11:56 PM

    Thank you Sam! Yes, the green background makes for a brilliant contrast.

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  8. Sankara Subramanian CJune 29, 2011 at 11:57 PM

    I am sure the opportunity will soon knock your door soon :-)

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  9. sandeepJune 30, 2011 at 11:43 AM

    loved these pics

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  10. Sankara Subramanian CJuly 2, 2011 at 12:20 AM

    Thanks bud!

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