Transition

/ Vivek Kale Nature Photography

 

 
 


 

Birds of Greater Runn of Kutch
This photoreport describes the enchanting nature engima felt during my trip to Greater Rann of Kutch in Dec 2009.
Kutch proper (7600 sq miles) lies on the west coast of India and is bound by Great Rann and Sind (Pakistan) on the north, and on the east by Little Rann and Gujrat beyond. On the south of Kutch lies the Gulf of Kutch and on the west lies the Arabian sea. Kutch is on the eastern end of the large strip of migration that sweeps Indian Penninisula from north and north western boundaries. Kutch also lies on another migration route from Northern Asia to east and South Africa. Kutch is one of the hotspots for avian fauna in India, due to its location on the crossroads of these migrational streams or flyways. Nakhatrana, Banni Grassland, Naliya grassland, Kunathiya grassland, chari dhand, and Fulay village are some of the interesting locations in Kutch to observe the avian fauna.

 

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Sunset at Scrub forest, Pot Mahadev, near Nakhatrana, GRK, Western India
Canon EOS 40D, Canon 100-400 mm f4-5.6 L IS USM, 1/8000 s, f/4.5, iso 640, Pot Mahadev, near Nakhatrana, Kutch, Western India, Dec 09
Nakhatrana is a small town in kutch. The dry arid region around is dotted with grasslands and scrub forests. The small town is located at the near center of Kutch and is convenient location to access the various hotspots of Kutch.

 

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Emberzia buchanani, Grey necked Bunting
Canon EOS 40D, Canon 100-400 mm f4-5.6 L IS USM, 1/500 s, f/5.6, iso 640, -1 EC, Pot Mahadev, near Nakhatrana, Kutch, Western India, Dec 09
Grey necked bunting has ashy grey head, white ring around the eye, dark moustachial streaks and the orange yellow bill. The birds are seen along the broken country and rocky region covered with thorn scrub and cactus. The birds feed on grass and weed seeds. The birds are seen in small parties. The bird is winter visitor to India and is seen from September to March. Birds are seen gathering near water holes in the afternoon to drink the water.

 

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Sun from Fulay village
Canon EOS 40D, Canon 100-400 mm f4-5.6 L IS USM, 1/8000 s, f/5.6, iso 640, -1 EC, Fulay, Kutch, Western India, Dec 09
Fulay is a small dusty village located north of Nakahatrana on the way to banni grassland. The village is surrounded by scrub bushes of Salvadora Persica and Acasia nilotica. The village is known for the winter visitor birds Grey Hypoclious.

 

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Lanius Vittatus, Bay-backed shrike
Canon EOS 40D, Canon 100-400 mm f4-5.6 L IS USM, 1/125 s, f/5.6, iso 640, +1 EC, Fulay, Kutch, Western India, Dec 09
The Bay backed shrike, is smallest shrikes seen in India. The bird has white mirrorss on black wing quills. These birds with black band across forehead backward through the eyes, are seen in dry acacia jungle. The bird has beautiful maroon back with white underparts.

 

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Lanius Vittatus, Bay-backed shrike
Canon EOS 40D, Canon 100-400 mm f4-5.6 L IS USM, 1/320 s, f/5.6, iso 640, +1 EC, Fulay, Kutch, Western India, Dec 09

 

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Hypocolius ampelinus, Grey Hypocolius male
Canon EOS 40D, Canon 100-400 mm f4-5.6 L IS USM, 1/2000 s, f/5.6, iso 500, -2/3 EC, Fulay, GRK, Western India, Dec 09
Grey Hypocolius birds are the regular winter visitors to the region near Fulay village. These birds feed on Salvadora Persica fruits. These plants have a small spherical fruits 5-10 mm in diameter. The fruits are pink to scarlet. The fruits have sweet, aromatic, pungent peppery taste. These birds breed in Middle east in Iraq, Iran, Pakistan, Afganistan.

 

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Hypocolius ampelinus, Grey Hypocolius male
Canon EOS 40D, Canon 100-400 mm f4-5.6 L IS USM, 1/4000 s, f/5.6, iso 640, -2/3 EC, Fulay, GRK, Western India, Dec 09
Hypocolius ampelinus, Grey Hypocolius is winter visitor seen in Sind and Gujrath. The bird is crested and the male has black mask with long tail having black tail band. The birds are seen in thorn scrub in semi desert.

 

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Phaenicophaeus leschenaultii, Sirkeer Malkoha
Canon EOS 40D, Canon 100-400 mm f4-5.6 L IS USM, 1/1600 s, f/5.6, iso 250, -2/3 EC, Fulay, Kutch, Western India, Dec 09

 

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Phaenicophaeus leschenaultii, Sirkeer Malkoha
Canon EOS 40D, Canon 100-400 mm f4-5.6 L IS USM, 1/160 s, f/14, iso 250, -2/3 EC, Fulay, Kutch, Western India, Dec 09

 

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Phaenicophaeus leschenaultii, Sirkeer Malkoha
Canon EOS 40D, Canon 100-400 mm f4-5.6 L IS USM, 1/1250 s, f/5.6, iso 250, -2/3 EC, Fulay, Kutch, Western India, Dec 09

 

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Phaenicophaeus leschenaultii, Sirkeer Malkoha
Canon EOS 40D, Canon 100-400 mm f4-5.6 L IS USM, 1/1250 s, f/5.6, iso 250, -2/3 EC, Fulay, Kutch, Western India, Dec 09
Phaenicophaeus leschenaultii, Sirkeer Malkoha is widespread resident bird in India. It is sandy colored with cherry red colored bill. The cherry red colred bill has yellowish hooked tip. It is a largely ground frequenting bird. It is a feeble flier and swiftly moves around the thorn scrub with its head down and horizontal tail. It is a silent bird and feeds on fruits, berries, insects, lizards etc.

 

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Francolinus francolinus, Black francolin
Canon EOS 40D, Canon 100-400 mm f4-5.6 L IS USM, 1/2000 s, f/5.6, iso 800, -2/3 EC, Kutch, Western India, Dec 09

 

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Phylloscopus collybita, Common Chiffchaff
Canon EOS 40D, Canon 100-400 mm f4-5.6 L IS USM, 1/1000 s, f/5.6, iso 400, -2/3 EC, Kutch, Western India, Dec 09

 

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Vanellus gregarius, Sociable Lapwing
Canon EOS 40D, Canon 100-400 mm f4-5.6 L IS USM, 1/4000 s, f/5.6, iso 400, -2/3 EC, Kutch, Western India, Dec 09
Sociable Lapwing was seen in dry field near Bhavanipur dam, Kutch. The bird in non breeding plumage, has dull head pattern, white belly and streaked breast. It has nice dark cap with white supercilla which join at nape. These birds are rare in India. The birds are winter visitors to Pakistan from Central asia.

 

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Prinia buchanani, Rufous-fronted Prinia.
Canon EOS 40D, Canon 100-400 mm f4-5.6 L IS USM, 1/1000 s, f/9, iso 400, -2/3 EC, Kutch, Western India, Dec 09

 

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Prinia buchanani, Rufous-fronted Prinia.
Canon EOS 40D, Canon 100-400 mm f4-5.6 L IS USM, 1/1600 s, f/9, iso 400, -2/3 EC, Kutch, Western India, Dec 09
The bird has rufous brown crown and broad white tips to tail, as seen in this image prominently.

 

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Grassland
Canon EOS 40D, Canon 100-400 mm f4-5.6 L IS USM, 1/1600 s, f/4.5, iso 200, 0 EC, Kutch, Western India, Dec 09
As one enters the vast expanse of Naliya grassland, the grassscape overwhelms the viewer.

 

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Oenanthe picata, Variable wheatear female
Canon EOS 40D, Canon 100-400 mm f4-5.6 L IS USM, 1/2000 s, f/5.6, iso 320, -2/3 EC, Naliya, Kutch, Western India, Dec 09

 

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Saxicola macrorhyncha, Stoliczka's bushchat female
Canon EOS 40D, Canon 100-400 mm f4-5.6 L IS USM, 1/2000 s, f/5.6, iso 400, +2/3 EC, Naliya, Kutch, Western India, Dec 09

 

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Anthus similis, Long billed Pipit
Canon EOS 40D, Canon 100-400 mm f4-5.6 L IS USM, 1/3200 s, f/6.3, iso 400, -2/3 EC, Naliya, Kutch, Western India, Dec 09

 

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Oenanthe deserti, Desert Wheatear
Canon EOS 40D, Canon 100-400 mm f4-5.6 L IS USM, 1/2000 s, f/6.3, iso 400, -2/3 EC, Naliya, Kutch, Western India, Dec 09

 

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Circus pygargus, montague harrier female
Canon EOS 40D, Canon 100-400 mm f4-5.6 L IS USM, 1/400 s, f/6.3, iso 400, +2/3 EC, Naliya, Kutch, Western India, Dec 09

 

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Oenanthe deserti, Desert Wheatear male
Canon EOS 40D, Canon 100-400 mm f4-5.6 L IS USM, 1/3200 s, f/5.6, iso 400, -2/3 EC, Banni, Kutch, Western India, Dec 09

 

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Oenanthe deserti, Desert Wheatear male
Canon EOS 40D, Canon 100-400 mm f4-5.6 L IS USM, 1/3200 s, f/5.6, iso 320, -2/3 EC, Banni, Kutch, Western India, Dec 09

 

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Sylvia nana, Asian Desert Warbler
Canon EOS 40D, Canon 100-400 mm f4-5.6 L IS USM, 1/3200 s, f/5.6, iso 320, -2/3 EC, Banni, Kutch, Western India, Dec 09

 

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Harrier
Canon EOS 40D, Canon 100-400 mm f4-5.6 L IS USM, 1/3200 s, f/5.6, iso 320, -2/3 EC, Chhari Dhand, Kutch, Western India, Dec 09

 

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Aquila clanga, Greater Spotted Eagle juv.
Canon EOS 40D, Canon 100-400 mm f4-5.6 L IS USM, 1/1600 s, f/5.6, iso 320, +2/3 EC, Chhari Dhand, Kutch, Western India, Dec 09

 

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Cinnyris asiaticus, Eclipse Purple Sunbird
Canon EOS 40D, Canon 100-400 mm f4-5.6 L IS USM, 1/2000 s, f/5.6, iso 320, -1 EC, Kutch, Western India, Dec 09

 

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Cinnyris asiaticus, Eclipse Purple Sunbird
Canon EOS 40D, Canon 100-400 mm f4-5.6 L IS USM, 1/2500 s, f/5.6, iso 320, -1 EC, Kutch, Western India, Dec 09

 

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Cinnyris asiaticus, Eclipse Purple Sunbird
Canon EOS 40D, Canon 100-400 mm f4-5.6 L IS USM, 1/3200 s, f/5.6, iso 640, -1 EC, Kutch, Western India, Dec 09

 

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Oenanthe deserti, Desert Wheatear female
Canon EOS 40D, Canon 100-400 mm f4-5.6 L IS USM, 1/8000 s, f/5.6, iso 400, -2/3 EC, Chari Dhand, Kutch, Western India, Dec 09

 

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Grus grus, Common Cranes
Canon EOS 40D, Canon 100-400 mm f4-5.6 L IS USM, 1/1600 s, f/5.6, iso 1600, -2/3 EC, Chari Dhand, Kutch, Western India, Dec 09

 

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Oenanthe deserti, Desert Wheatear male
Canon EOS 40D, Canon 100-400 mm f4-5.6 L IS USM, 1/400 s, f/5.6, iso 500, +1 EC, Chari Dhand, Kutch, Western India, Dec 09

 

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Saxicola maurus, Siberian Stonechat
Canon EOS 40D, Canon 100-400 mm f4-5.6 L IS USM, 1/2000 s, f/5.6, iso 500, +1/3 EC, Fulay, GRK, Western India, Dec 09

 

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Luscinia svecica, Bluethroat
Canon EOS 40D, Canon 100-400 mm f4-5.6 L IS USM, 1/2500 s, f/5.6, iso 500, -1/3 EC, Kutch, Western India, Dec 09

 

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Rufous tailed shrike, Lanius isabellinus
Canon EOS 40D, Canon 100-400 mm f4-5.6 L IS USM, 1/4000 s, f/5.6, iso 640, -1/3 EC, Kutch, Western India, Dec 09

 

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Luscinia svecica, Bluethroat
Canon EOS 40D, Canon 100-400 mm f4-5.6 L IS USM, 1/800 s, f/8, iso 500, +1/3 EC, Kutch, Western India, Dec 09

 

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Luscinia svecica, Bluethroat
Canon EOS 40D, Canon 100-400 mm f4-5.6 L IS USM, 1/250 s, f/5.6, iso 500, +1/3 EC, Pingaleshwar, Kutch, Western India, Dec 09

 

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Luscinia svecica, Bluethroat
Canon EOS 40D, Canon 100-400 mm f4-5.6 L IS USM,1/250 s, f/5.6, iso 500, +1/3 EC, Pingaleshwar, Kutch, Western India, Dec 09

 

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Phoenicopterus minor, Lesser Flamingoes
Canon EOS 40D, Canon 100-400 mm f4-5.6 L IS USM, 1/2000 s, f/5.6, iso 500, +1/3 EC, Pingaleshwar, Kutch, Western India, Dec 09

 

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Oenanthe isabellina, Isabelline Wheatear
Canon EOS 40D, Canon 100-400 mm f4-5.6 L IS USM, 1/160 s, f/5.6, iso 500, +1 EC, Pingaleshwar, Kutch, Western India, Dec 09

 

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Grus grus, Common Cranes
Canon EOS 40D, Canon 100-400 mm f4-5.6 L IS USM, 1/3200 s, f/5.6, iso 250, -2/3 EC, Greater Rann, Kutch, Western India, Dec 09

 

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Pelecanus crispus, Dalmatian Pelican and Pelecanus onocrotalus, Rosy Pelican
Canon EOS 40D, Canon 100-400 mm f4-5.6 L IS USM, 1/640 s, f/5.6, iso 400, -2/3 EC, Bhuj, Kutch, Western India, Dec 09

 

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Halcyon smyrnensis, White Breasted Kingfisher
Canon EOS 40D, Canon 100-400 mm f4-5.6 L IS USM, 1/160 s, f/5.6, iso 640, +1/3 EC, Bhuj, Kutch, Western India, Dec 09

 

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Fossil from Rann of Kutch
Canon EOS 40D, Canon 100-400 mm f4-5.6 L IS USM, 1/4000 s, f/5.6, iso 200, -2/3 EC, Kutch, Western India, Dec 09

 

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Oenanthe deserti, Desert Wheatear male
Canon EOS 40D, Canon 100-400 mm f4-5.6 L IS USM, 1/4000 s, f/5.6, iso 200, -2/3 EC, Fulay, GRK, Western India, Dec 09

 

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Boselaphus tragocamelus, Bluebull
Canon EOS 40D, Canon 100-400 mm f4-5.6 L IS USM, 1/80 s, f/5.6, iso 800, 0 EC, Kutch, Western India, Dec 09

 

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Phoenicurus ochruros, black redstart male
Canon EOS 40D, Canon 100-400 mm f4-5.6 L IS USM, 1/1000 s, f/5.6, iso 320, -2/3 EC, Kutch, Western India, Dec 09

 

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Francolinus pondicerianus, Grey Francolin
Canon EOS 40D, Canon 100-400 mm f4-5.6 L IS USM, 1/1600 s, f/5.6, iso 400, -2/3 EC, Naliya, Kutch, Western India, Dec 09

 

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Rann of Kutch Panaroma
Canon EOS 40D, Canon 100-400 mm f4-5.6 L IS USM, f/9, multiple images, iso 200, -2/3 EC, Rann - Kutch, Western India, Dec 09

 

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Rann of Kutch
Canon EOS 40D, Canon 18-55 mm , f/5.6, 1/1250 sec, iso 200, 0 EC, Rann - Kutch, Western India, Dec 09

 

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The grassland
Canon EOS 40D, Canon 18-55 mm , f/4.5, 1/1000 sec, iso 200, 0 EC, Kutch, Western India, Dec 09

 

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Banni grassland
Canon EOS 40D, Canon 100-400 mm f4-5.6 L IS USM, f/5.6, 1/3200 sec, iso 400, -2/3 EC, Rann - Kutch, Western India, Dec 09

 

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Camels at Chari Dhand
Canon EOS 40D, Canon 100-400 mm f4-5.6 L IS USM, f/5.6, 1/1600 sec, iso 200, -2/3 EC, Chari Dhand - Kutch, Western India, Dec 09

 

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Turdoides caudata, Common Babbler
Canon EOS 40D, Canon 100-400 mm f4-5.6 L IS USM, f/5.6, 1/125 sec, iso 500, +2/3 EC, Rann - Kutch, Western India, Dec 09

 

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Chlamydotis macqueenii, Macqueen Bustard
Canon EOS 40D, Canon 100-400 mm f4-5.6 L IS USM, f/5.6, 1/2000, iso 800, -2/3 EC, Banni Grassland - Kutch, Western India, Dec 09

 

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Vulpes bengalensis, Indian Fox
Canon EOS 40D, Canon 100-400 mm f4-5.6 L IS USM, f/5.6, 1/125, iso 800, -2/3 EC, Banni Grassland - Kutch, Western India, Dec 09

 

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Vulpes bengalensis, Indian Fox
Canon EOS 40D, Canon 100-400 mm f4-5.6 L IS USM, f/5.6, 1/60, iso 800, -2/3 EC, Banni Grassland - Kutch, Western India, Dec 09

 

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Egretta garzetta, Little Egret
Canon EOS 40D, Canon 100-400 mm f4-5.6 L IS USM, f/5.6, 1/500 sec, iso 500, -2/3 EC, Bhuj, Western India, Dec 09

 

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Aloe vera flowering in grassland
Canon EOS 40D, Canon 100-400 mm f4-5.6 L IS USM, f/5, iso 100, -1 EC, Kunathiya Grassland - Kutch, Western India, Dec 09

 

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Butterfly in desert
Canon EOS 40D, Canon 100-400 mm f4-5.6 L IS USM,1/8000 sec, f/5.6, iso 400, -1 EC, Rann - Kutch, Western India, Dec 09

 

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Pavo cristatus, Indian peafowl
Canon EOS 40D, Canon 100-400 mm f4-5.6 L IS USM, f/5.6, 1/2000 sec, iso 400, +2/3 EC, Kutch, Western India, Dec 09

 

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Indian vulture, Gyps indicus
Canon EOS 40D, Canon 100-400 mm f4-5.6 L IS USM, f/5.6, 1/2000 sec, iso 400, +2/3 EC, Kutch, Western India, Dec 09

 

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Eurasian Griffon, Gyps fulvus and White rumped vulture, Gyps bengalensis
Canon EOS 40D, Canon 100-400 mm f4-5.6 L IS USM, f/5.6, 1/2000 sec, iso 400, +2/3 EC, Kutch, Western India, Dec 09

 

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Indian vulture, Gyps indicus
Canon EOS 40D, Canon 100-400 mm f4-5.6 L IS USM, f/5.6, 1/3200 s, iso 250, -2/3 EC, Kutch, Western India, Dec 09

 

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White rumped vulture, Gyps bengalensis
Canon EOS 40D, Canon 100-400 mm f4-5.6 L IS USM, f/5.6, 1/1000 s, iso 250, +2/3 EC, Kutch, Western India, Dec 09

 

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Indian vulture, Gyps indicus
Canon EOS 40D, Canon 100-400 mm f4-5.6 L IS USM, f/5.6, 1/3200, iso 250, -2/3 EC, Kutch, Western India, Dec 09
It is brown above with necked head, nape and neck. It has white ruff at the base of neck. In flight, pale underside black trailing edge of underwing separates it from Indian white backed vulture.

 

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Eurasian Griffon, Gyps fulvus
Canon EOS 40D, Canon 100-400 mm f4-5.6 L IS USM, f/5.6, 1/3200, iso 250, -2/3 EC, Kutch, Western India, Dec 09
Eurasian Griffon is ahuge brown vulture with yellowish head, yellowish white ruff at the base of the neck. It is seen in semi desert country and is often seen with other vultures.

 


Contact me at kale_v@rediffmail.com for any queries and suggestions.