The Grey-backed shrike is a resident and winter visitor to North and North Eastern parts of India. It is common to see them perched on tall grass and bushes, constantly looking out for moving prey - primarily insects, lizards etc. Because of this behaviour of theirs, they are categorized as sit-and-wait predators.
The open grasslands of the Kaziranga Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the best places to observe and photograph the Grey-backed Shrike in NE India. During all our safaris, we saw this beautiful bird playing hide and seek with us in the grasslands. However, we were pleasantly surprised to see this 25cm bird allow our jeep come less than 15 feet of it resulting in some frame filling compositions.
As we have said earlier, we strongly believe in using a vehicle as a hide for bird photography and this time too it paid rich dividends. Here are a series of images taken with the D300, 300mm f2.8 lens mounted with the 2x TC.
Pl. note that all the images on this blog are the copyright of Thomas and Shilpy. Pl. contact us on suresh_anand@hotmail.com in case you want to use any of our pictures.
The open grasslands of the Kaziranga Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the best places to observe and photograph the Grey-backed Shrike in NE India. During all our safaris, we saw this beautiful bird playing hide and seek with us in the grasslands. However, we were pleasantly surprised to see this 25cm bird allow our jeep come less than 15 feet of it resulting in some frame filling compositions.
As we have said earlier, we strongly believe in using a vehicle as a hide for bird photography and this time too it paid rich dividends. Here are a series of images taken with the D300, 300mm f2.8 lens mounted with the 2x TC.
Pl. note that all the images on this blog are the copyright of Thomas and Shilpy. Pl. contact us on suresh_anand@hotmail.com in case you want to use any of our pictures.
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52 comments:
Your usual stunning clarity in the pics.
what's sticking out on the bird's back?
Fantastic shots as usual. Thanks for the comment on my blog. Unfortunately my brother has moved out of Kanha to delhi now.
I have the same question as Janet...about what is sticking out of the back features? I've never seen that. Once again, Thomas, these images are soooo National Geographic!
very beautiful shots, especially the first one
nice colours and framing
Very Nice !!!!
Your post is always so interesting.
This bird is very nice, its colours are splendid.
Good week Thomas.
I agree with François for the beauty of this bird but it should not be nice to fall between his legs!
See you soon Thomas.
cute li'l critter.. :) but what's that on his back? it's like a tail of some sort..
Superb shots as always Thomas. First and last are outstanding.
The sharpen, the details are very nice
Outstanding shots Thomas. FAB.
Hi Thomas,
Stunning shots that you have there. I've experienced that too, some of my best shots 2009 were taken from the car. Looks like the birds are not afraid of humans in cars, but if you go out, then no chance. Well done amte, these pictures are superb!
Bonjour Thomas ,
C'est un bien bel oiseau que tu nous présente là,pour moi totalement inconnu ,les nuances sont extraordinaires ,merci du voyage .
Amitiés .
Sharp and crisp shot. As always beautiful captures of the nature.
A colorful little bird but what is it that sticks out of his feathers?
What a brave looking little bird, I love the third image most I think. Like others, I am wondering what is sticking out of his back in two of the images, it looks like a leaf.
Can I say something more ? Very nice lighting, details, colors... I specially like first and last shots.
I am assuming that the thing sticking out the back is actually a twig going under its wing . . . anyway, another wonderful series.
Is that part of the grass on it's back? Nice pictures, great background colors. I like them all, as always.
Wonderful captures... I really admire your skills !
Amazing captures of the beautiful bird.
Cute little bird, excellent shots!
they're just tooo beautifuL!!! the first is awesome!! and i also want to know whats sticking out of the back? is it a broken feather?
beautiful photos again!
the first one especially is amazing!
Just to answer the query on That green thing sticking out of the feathers. It is a blade of grass that's got entangled in the feathers...Thomas
wow so beautiful...amazing shot...i like it very much...=)
~ HaQeeM ~
The little bird is fascinating...but the rhino photos...WOW. It must have been amazing to be so close...I can see the trucks. You are an amazing photographer...no matter what the subject!
Happy New Year, Thomas!! Sorry I have been so lame about not visiting...I will blame my poor connection. Great to visit your blog again with sensational photos as always!!
Cheers,
Scotty
beautiful little birds
The pics are simply awesome. Great series of photographs of a rare bird.
Thomas: The beauty of you photography has shown through on this little bird. I did notice the grass head and thanks for the confirmation.
Excellent! I especially like the third photo, with the bird in full profile.
Excellent details and clarity in the images as usual... very nice
Ive not seen this bird before..thanks for posting it
stunning shots and a very cute bird :)
amazing bird shots with the shallow DOF here!
Hey Thomas and Shilpy,
How are you doing? Been wanting to write to you, but you know how it is when you are back at work...anyways the pics are truly amazing!...keep them coming :)
Very nice. The first picture is amazing ... crystal clear.
What's that thing on the back of the bird between the wings? Some vegetation?
Beautiful shrike shots! That beak is very dangerous -adn a thing of beauty.
Stunning Bird Thomas and again stunning photography I love the detail :)
Exceptionnelles photos de ce magnifique oiseau !
Great Shots Thomas. Am really enjoying your blog and the accompanying writeups
cute and nice lighting!
Very crisp images, beautiful as always.
This bird is very nice Thomas
The colours are splendid.
Yes, truly amazing!
Have a nice day
Grz Sien
Brilliant shots, Thomas.First one is just great!Perfect ligting, and great pose, I must say! :)
great captures and stunning sharpness. That 300 + TC combo sure looks sweet.
Just stunning pictures of the shrike. One I didn't see in India - must go back, soon.
Love the shots, Thomas! Rich in both details, and color. It's great to be able to bet up close.
Magnificent setting, the color very well, I feel very good pictures.
Greetings
Thomas very amazing photo of this bird. Such a beautiful creature. BTW what is this thing on his back, is this part of his body? Anna :)
so cute, so gorgeous :)
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