The scaly-breasted Munia is a widespread resident species in India. It is a tiny (10-12cms) shy bird making it a pretty challenging subject for photography. There is however a sure shot way to get close and photograph this bird - find a nesting pair.
And we were fortunate to have found a nest during our recent visit to Foresthills in Masinagudi. It was interesting to observe this breeding pair and we got about a minute to photograph them whenever they came to the nest, which was once every hour. The frenzied activity of the birds was quite a sight and here are a series of images that we captured over a span of a few hours.
All images have been taken with our trusted D300, 300mm f2.8 lens with 2x TC mounted on a tripod.
58 comments:
Hi Thomas,
A fantastic set of pictures of a very nice bird. I did not know this species but it is pretty cute! Well done on these portraits, they are sharp and beautifully composed!
Beautiful and interesting pictures.
I agree with you: sometimes small birds a real challenge for a good picture.
And sometimes they give more satisfaction than a bigger and impressive animal.
This is a fantastic species of birds. I am fortunate enough to have both the scaly breasted and white rumped munias (these are bolder) nesting in my Garden. The photos are just too good.
The chest plumage is striking. We have tiny manakins here that are quite similar but with spotty chest plumage. I've tried to photograph them as they feed at the bird table but the slightest movement sends them swarming into hiding. Your photos are stunning as usual.
These are amazing.
What beautiful chest feathers.
Just beautiful! Great job...
How fantastic is this birds chest feathers...and of course your photos are just incredible!! I believe I recently saw that one of these birds showed up in New York City's Central Park. It was identified as a Scaly-Breasted Munia..also called a Nutmeg Mannikin and was thought to be an escaped cage bird! If you are interested in visiting ..the address is:
http://photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=9816854
Wow, simply stunning shots. Good to be back here Thom. Your photos are always excellent.
Prześliczne zdjęcia , jestem pod dużym wrażeniem , pozdrawiam :)
He has got the most amazing patters on his feathers. A great capture!
terrific shots of this bird! the first wants provide so much clarity to every aspect of the animal itself. nice work here!
Stunning clarity and details here. Fantastic shots of this beautiful bird!
This bird is very aptly named. Super images Thomas. FAB
very interesting looking bird. fantastic series of shots!
These photos are absolutely fabulous. Amazing that they know exactly how to land and not get stuck with the thorns. A beautiful little bird.
never knew of this bird, and great snaps...
Scaly? Ugh! Who names these poor creatures? There is a decided lack of imagination there, I think!
Great photos, Thomas. You're right, the only way you can get close enough to photographing them is when they're nesting. Unless it's the peak of summer and you're near the only source of water for miles around.
Such s beautiful bird and such splendid shots!You have really done a great job here,Thomas.Missed your earliert post but the Herons below are brilliant, too!Espeacially the last close up.
Hello Thomas, a great serie as usual and so a wonderful little bird. It`s feathers looks like many little hearts.
All the best to you and til then.
Perfect as alwas
Beautiful bird and lovely shots!
What a beauty he is and your photos, so clear and well...inspiring.
Great shots, what a stunning looking bird.
you guys surely know your way around these animals.. nice work sharing how you obtained these shots too.. :) excellent shots!
Another incredible series! You both take excellent photos!
What lovely pictures... and What clarity...
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Thomas,
I am sorry, I have not been visiting your blog lately.
What a fantastic series of images! Very sharp and clear.
Vamsee
It looks like the same bird on the pictures, only the background changes. The point what I think it's different, this bird used as perch on cactus... Bonne semaine.
Fantastic photographs.
Preciosa serie con una increible calidad en todas sus fotografias, gran trabajo.
Thomas: Beautiful capture of a beautiful bird, your photos are outstanding.
Fantastic shots, nice to see a songbird in your collection. I`m hoping to come back and settle in India, looking forward to shots like these, well, not as good, I dont have a 300mm f2.8.
Another great series...wonderful details, great work
both thumbs up!
How on earth do you manage to photograph? You've put me in a trance.
I'm this horrible horrible photographer who just doesn't get it right :(
*sigh, sigh, sigh*
I'm delighted to have found you. Will see you around.
Hi Thomas,
as usual a fantastic series - pleasant colors, sharp and a good composition.
I've never heard from this bird, but looks very cute.
Una nitidez sorprendente, tanto el pajaro como el cactus donde esta asentado tienen unas texturas muy buenas e llamativas.
Saludos.
Fantástica serie, la nitidez como siempre buenísima.
buen trabajo!
Wonderful set of photos of a bird with a nice arrangement of plummage. It looks a bit like a type of finch.
You got some fantastic pictures of this shy bird - finding a nest is always a great way to get photos! What a neat bird and the detail you captured was is outstanding! Love the scaley chest!
Wonderful captures of this beautiful species :-) Bravo !
Great shots! Color, composition, sharpness everything it's fine!
Another incredible series, Thomas!
I'm impressed by the sharpness and the clarity of this series. Wonderful work !
Awesome clarity T&S. How do u edit these photos man? or is the camera itself doing everything ;)
Stunning!
I'd been missing the blog world action for a while now. and when i got back, this is the first place i came to. i knew u wud've an amazing set of images whenever i visit :) gr8 set of pictures again
What a beauty .. great Thomas
Another magnificent series .
Colors are always so beautiful
Thomas absolutely beautiful capture of the bird. And as a matter of fact this is one beautiful bird too. Thanks for sharing. Anna :)
Hello Thomas ,
Je ne connaissais pas du tout cet oiseau il a une curieuse livrée , bien gracieux , merci pour ce beau livre d'images
Amitiés .
what a beautiful little fellow, fantastic captures!
Wow beautiful bird! Love how he is on that cactus!
That 1st pic is really stunning, yellow creamy background with razor sharp thorn and claws.
such magnificent portraits!
I like the similarity of the cactus shapes and the bird skin drawing.
Great capures, as ususal ;)
The first photo presented beat is the best... Awesome sight! I think he thinking you're not inedible... The tiger always perform incredible post. Bravo.
superb shot, the green of the leaves and the brown birds match wonderfully and the blurry background make it really a pleasure to look at! Admire your patience 'shot in a couple of hours'
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