Image
details
1/125 sec, f/4; Fujifilm Velvia
Nikon F5, Nikkor 500mm f/4.5
Location: Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur, Rajasthan
Date: August 2003
Shoot details
For
three consecutive days I tried photographing these birds from early
morning to late evening but could not get a satisfactory picture of the
displaying pair due to overcast conditions and limited display activity.
Meanwhile individual pictures were scored in plenty. On fourth day
luckily the overhanging clouds parted just in time allowing a broad beam
of light illuminate the displaying pair and also enabled me to set
required shutter speed to freeze the action. The original picture is
slightly tilted to left because as I was hurriedly adjusting my
equipment, at the precise moment of taking
picture I accidentally stepped on a submerged Prosopis sapling. 5-6
thorns of it sunk deep in my flesh. The resultant reflex tilted the lens
and camera though fortunately it did not spoil the image
Species details
The Sarus, at
156cms, is our tallest bird. It has a special place in the heart of
Indians because of the strong pair-bonding observed and is celebrated in
our folklore and art. Once a common sight in wetlands and
agricultural fields over much of India, the Sarus today has sadly
dwindled in numbers and is considered to be a vulnerable species.
A
Birds of India presentation
