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.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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 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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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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
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The bird has rufous brown crown and broad white tips to tail, as seen in this image prominently.
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Grassland
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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
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As one enters the vast expanse of Naliya grassland, the grassscape overwhelms the viewer.
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Oenanthe picata, Variable wheatear female
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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Contact me at kale_v@rediffmail.com for any queries and
suggestions. |
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