Saturday , 12th Aug 17 It was 5:30 AM and I was all packed and decked at my place in Thane, awaiting my pickup to report, I was supposed to catch-up with my with my fellow birding friend at Chembur around 6:30AM.
On schedule, and we a group of 10 birders and photographers were on our way to a campsite near Chiplun. Sojourn to Konkan during this time of the year is my yearly ritual. I was ready for the long and treacherous journey all for that one glimpse of the Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher (ODKF), one of the most colorful and beautiful kingfisher species
Reached the camp site at around 3:00 PM had a quick lunch and we split into two groups and where off on the lookout for the elusive ODKF.
Trivia about ODKF (Thanks Wikipedia)
The Oriental dwarf kingfisher (Ceyx erithaca), also known as the black-backed kingfisher or three-toed kingfisher, it is endemic across much of the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia.
This is a small, red and yellow kingfisher, averaging 13 cm (5.1 in) in length, weighing about 15-20 gms, yellow underparts with glowing bluish-black upperparts.
The preferred habitat is small streams in densely shaded forests In the Konkan region of southwest India.
It was already 4:00PM by the time we settled into its habitat and the waiting game began for this bird to make an appearance, like salman khan waving to its fans from Galaxy balcony. And just like his poor fans even we didn’t know when the star would appear and just waited patiently.
It finally obliged us after 2 hrs. for our first sighting. Well worth the wait even though for that brief 20 sec.
Oriental dwarf kingfisher(ODKF)
It was time to go back to our night abode. After an early dinner we decided to take a night stroll to spot some nocturnal beings. We were hoping to spot some owlets but no such luck that night had to be content with frogs, toads, snails and other amphibians. The macro group did make the best of the opportunity crawling and cuddling in the puddle trying to get the vantage angle on its subject for that perfect photograph, it was a sight to watch
Next day was early start as we had to attempt another go at the ODKF before we left for our lesser world in the afternoon. We took our positions at 7:00 AM no movement, no talking only pointing our bazookas and occasionally making some corrections in our camera settings hoping for that one perfect click. The ODKF made its first appearance at 10:30 AM. The long wait had taken its toll, bruised elbows and sore bottoms wild life is all about patience and perseverance
I was done with the oriental beauty and was not ready to stay put for another 3 hrs. So I decided to explore the campus for some other feathery varieties. Following is the list of birds I managed to capture with my camera:
All the above is bonus to the ODKF. After our lunch we left for Mumbai. By the time I reached home it was 11:00 PM. Another successful ODKF tour, even though missed the ODKF with a catch this time around but would surely try for it the next year around till that time Adiós!
About the Author : Amol Patil
Amol is an avid birder and passionate photographer on a mission to spread the art of photography through his photography masterclasses in Thane
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