A Birder's Portfolio: Diverse Bird Sightings in Maharashtra
From migratory Shrikes to backyard Sunbirds, this is a look at the wild beauty I have encountered across Maharashtra. These are not posed shots, just moments of patience.
A rare sighting of an Isabelline Shrike in Navi Mumbai. This migratory visitor, also known as a 'butcher bird', has a fascinating habit of impaling its prey.
Another shot of the Isabelline Shrike, this time against a softer, warmer background.
A Vigors's Sunbird perched on a bright red ginger flower. The contrast of colours is simply stunning.
A pair of Grey-headed Swamphens swimming peacefully in the water, their reflections trailing behind them.
A sunbird looking up at a leaking pipe, perhaps waiting for a drop of water. Nature always finds a way.
An Oriental Magpie-Robin, a common but charming bird, perched on a log.
A group of cormorants perched on a man-made barrier, with plastic waste visible in the background. A stark reminder of the impact of pollution on our wetlands.
A beautiful portrait of a Spotted Dove, showcasing its delicate features and the spotted pattern on its neck.
A female Purple Sunbird, subtly beautiful, caught in a moment of stillness.
An Indian Roller perched atop a cactus, a much-awaited sighting. Its blue and brown feathers are beautiful even when not in flight.
About A Birder's Portfolio: Diverse Sightings
People often ask how I get these shots without disturbing the subjects. The secret is simple. I do not set up. I wait. Whether it is a Wood Sandpiper foraging or a Shrike guarding its catch, I stay still, usually in the early morning light, until the bird forgets I am there.
Wildlife photography in the Mumbai Metropolitan Area is more than just having a long lens. It is about knowing the habitat and the timing. When I am out in spots like TS Chanakya or the wetlands of Panvel, I am not looking for the perfect pose. I am looking for the story. You will see this in my gallery. From the Butcher Bird impaling its prey on a thorn to the Sunbird waiting for a drop of water from a pipe, these images capture nature as it happens.
The Gear and The Craft
I rely on my Nikon D7500 and 200-500mm lens to keep my distance, ensuring the birds go about their day naturally. This gear allows me to frame subjects like the Indian Roller or the Red-whiskered Bulbul without invading their space.
My Approach to Birding
- Patience is primary: Most of these shots involve hours of sitting still. It is my therapy.
- Local Knowledge: Knowing where to find the Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher or the migratory Isabelline Shrike comes from years of observing these wetlands.
- Ethics: I prioritize the bird's comfort over the shot. If an animal seems stressed, I pack up.
If you want to learn how to spot these species or improve your own telephoto handling, I offer 1-on-1 field mentorship sessions. We can head out to the hotspots, where I will help you with shutter speeds, composition, and reading bird behaviour in real-time.
Aashish Patil
I am Aashish. For me, the camera is therapy. Whether I am trekking through the forests of Tamhini Ghat or just sitting on my balcony in Navi Mumbai, I look for the wild stories happening right in front of us. I do not do forced poses. I just wait for the right moment.
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