Waders, Ducks & Waterbirds Wildlife Photography
From the marshy fields of Singapore to the coastal mudflats of India, I capture the grace of waders and waterbirds in their natural environment.
The Black-winged Stilt, with its impossibly long pink legs and slender build, is a picture of elegance. This widely distributed wader was captured in India, perfectly reflected in the calm water as it foraged.
A Lesser Flamingo stands out with its pink plumage amidst a flock in Mumbai. These birds get their color from the algae they consume, which thrives in the city's creeks. Each year, over 100,000 flamingos migrate here from their breeding grounds.
A Painted Stork wading in the wetlands of India. Unlike the hybrid species sometimes seen in Singapore, this bird displays the pure, rich coloration of its species, with a vibrant orange head and delicate pink hues on its wings.
A Red-necked Stint makes a grand entrance as a wave crashes behind it. This uncommon migratory bird was a fleeting visitor to Singapore's shores, staying for only a couple of days. Capturing this dynamic moment was a matter of pure luck.
A Purple Heron in flight against a clear blue sky. This shot showcases the impressive wingspan and streamlined form of this common Singapore resident, often nicknamed the "Snake Bird" for its long, slender neck.
A male Mallard duck, perhaps the world's most populous duck species, glides across the water in an urban park in Shanghai. Its iridescent green head and the perfect reflection make for a classic and serene wildlife portrait.
The Chestnut Teal is a dabbling duck species found in Australia. I was glad to get some close-range shots of this male, showcasing his metallic green head and the beautiful contrast of his chestnut-colored body.
The Pacific Golden Plover is an incredible long-distance migrant, traveling up to 26,000 km round-trip from its breeding grounds in Alaska and Siberia. I was surprised to find this lone beauty on the shores of Marina East Drive in Singapore.
The Baillon's Crake, or Marsh Crake, is an uncommon migratory species in both Singapore and Mumbai, where I photographed this juvenile. These birds are incredibly secretive, so catching this one foraging in the open was a rare treat.
A pair of Asian Openbills, a rare migrant to Singapore, grazing in the fields of Marina East Drive. This species may soon become a resident, as they have been seen almost daily since the last migratory season.
About Waders, Ducks & Waterbirds
I almost exclusively shoot handheld with my Canon EOS R5 when photographing waders and ducks. This approach allows me to adapt instantly to a bird's movement, whether it is a Pink Flamingo foraging in a busy Mumbai creek or a Baillon's Crake darting through dense shrubs, without the bulky tripod setup that often scares away these skittish species.
Photographing waterbirds is a lesson in patience and observation. Each of these birds has a unique relationship with its habitat, whether they are migrating thousands of kilometers across continents or simply dabbling in a local urban park. When capturing species like the Red-necked Stint or the Asian Openbill, I look for the specific behaviors that define their character, such as how they forage or interact with their environment.
My collection spans diverse locations, including the wetlands of Singapore, the coastal regions of India, and urban parks in Shanghai. Each image in this gallery represents a specific encounter, documented with the intent of sharing the story behind the species.
When you select a print from this collection, you are receiving more than a photograph. Every archival print and gallery-wrapped canvas comes with a dedicated Species Story Card. This card details the behavioral facts, the location of the capture, and the ecological importance of the bird's habitat. My prints use museum-quality Giclée technology on acid-free cotton rag paper, ensuring that the vibrancy of the bird's plumage and the natural tones of the water are preserved for years to come.
Rishi Lalwani
I see my camera as a ticket to the wild, always chasing that moment of connection with a creature. Whether I am waiting in the mud for a wader to emerge or catching a duck's reflection in a quiet pond, I am documenting the stories behind the species.
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