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Birding Photography: Rare Wildlife Sightings from Maharashtra

byAashish PatilPhotography tours across Maharashtra, Mumbai, and major reserves like RajajiStarts from₹2,900 per personView full gallery

From the quiet forests of Panvel to the open wetlands of Bhigwan, these shots capture the raw, wild moments I have found through patience and observation.

A video showing the stunning patterns on a Greater Spotted Eagle. On my tours, I help you capture not just the bird, but the fine details that make it unique.

A majestic Steppe Eagle resting in the dry grasslands. These powerful raptors are a thrilling sight on our winter tours.

A Barn Owl trying to get some sleep. Finding and photographing nocturnal birds during the day requires a quiet approach and a keen eye.

A family of Lesser Whistling Ducks, with the parents carefully guiding their ducklings through the water. Capturing family interactions is always a heartwarming experience.

A Red Spurfowl cautiously emerging from the undergrowth. These ground-dwelling birds are shy, and getting a clear shot like this is a reward for patience.

The amazing camouflage of a Red Spurfowl against the forest floor. This shot shows the bird foraging among the dry leaves.

A close-up of the Red Spurfowl, showing the details of its speckled plumage as it searches for food.

Another angle of the Red Spurfowl, perfectly camouflaged in its natural habitat.

A full-body shot of the Red Spurfowl, displaying its unique patterns and red legs.

A Green Bee-eater perched on a thorny branch. The contrast between the bird's soft feathers and the sharp thorns makes for an interesting composition.

About A Birder's Collection

You don't need a massive telephoto lens to start. Most of these shots, from the Barn Owl hiding in the canopy to the Red Spurfowl foraging, were taken by staying still and waiting for the bird to trust me. The secret isn't the gear; it is knowing where to sit and having the patience to let the environment reveal itself. 🧿

Professional birding guide across Maharashtra wetlands. — Approved by the tribe
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Aashish Patil

Photography tours across Maharashtra, Mumbai, and major reserves like RajajiStarts from ₹2,900 per person

I’m Aashish. Camera is my therapy, honestly. I spend my weekends waiting by the creeks in Navi Mumbai or trekking through the Western Ghats to capture birds in their own world. If you want to spot species you’ve only seen in books, let’s go birding.

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I'll never forget this moment. The water was perfectly still, and this young flamingo stretched its wings, creating a flawless reflection. It’s a perfect example of the grace and beauty I love to capture in the wetlands.8
Action shots are my favorite challenge! I waited patiently to capture this Pond Heron at the exact moment it snatched a small crab for its meal. It’s a raw, powerful glimpse into the daily life of a wetland predator.
Sometimes, you feel like you're the one being watched. The fiery red eye of this Shikra, a skilled bird of prey, stared right through my lens. It's a reminder of the wild, untamed spirit of these magnificent hunters.
The forest was filled with the beautiful song of this Tickell's Blue Flycatcher. Capturing its vibrant orange and blue plumage as it sang its heart out was pure joy. These little birds have such big personalities.

Featured Wildlife Photography Highlights

M
MeowildAvailable for shoots across Mumbai Metropolitan Area and pan-India
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A small bird perches on a blade of grass, almost lost in the vast, wild grasslands of Navi Mumbai. A testament to the hidden beauty beyond the concrete.

Diverse Wildlife and Nature Photography

T
Tushar TandelBased in Navi Mumbai; Travels to Gir, Jaisalmer, Western Ghats & Pune for shoots
This is the shot I live for. The Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher, a tiny bird often called the "colour bomb," with its hard-earned meal. Capturing this moment required immense patience and waiting for the perfect light to make its rainbow plumage pop against the mossy perch in Panvel, Maharashtra.8
The thrill of bird action photography is freezing a split second in time. Here, a Common Kingfisher launches from the water in Wai, Maharashtra, its reflection captured in the golden-hour glow. This shot demonstrates my ability to anticipate movement and capture the raw energy of wildlife.
There's nothing quite like the majestic presence of a Great Hornbill. I used dramatic, low-key lighting to sculpt its impressive casque and intense gaze, creating a powerful portrait that feels both intimate and grand. This was a memorable encounter in Mangaon, Maharashtra.
The Indian Paradise Flycatcher is pure elegance. This is the white morph of the species, and I framed it against a soft, earthy background in Pune to emphasize its graceful form and the incredible length of its tail feathers. It’s a testament to how I use composition to tell a story.

Featured Wildlife and Bird Photography

M
Mandar KambleTravels for wildlife shoots across Mumbai and Maharashtra
The Common Green Magpie, seen here in Latpanchar, India, is a skilled predator. The chewed leaves are evidence of its hunt for caterpillars, a reminder that even the most beautiful birds are part of a complex food web.30
A Grey-lored Broadbill gathers nesting material in Manas National Park, Assam. Both the male and female work together to build their intricate, pendulous nests high in the trees, a testament to their cooperation.
The Shoebill Stork, with its prehistoric look, is famous for standing motionless for hours while hunting. This intense stare, captured in Uganda, gives a glimpse into the patience of this unique predator.

Avian Wonders: Documenting Birds in Their Natural Habitat

H
HemaBased in Mumbai; travels across India for photography assignments
A juvenile Hanuman Langur sitting peacefully in a field of green. This was one of my favourite portraits of 2024, a year filled with beautiful sightings.6
Another shot of the Hanuman Langur, featured in an article about my work. These monkeys are intelligent, social animals and are always a joy to observe.
"It's all about the light!" A juvenile Hanuman Langur soaking up the sunlight on a fine winter morning. Being in the right place at the right time is key in photography.
A Montane Trinket snake, a reminder that wherever there is wildlife, I'll be there to tell their stories. My fascination with nature started in childhood and continues to this day.

Wildlife Photography and Nature Encounters

K
Karan SolankiBased in Mumbai; Travels across India for wildlife shoots
A Great Barbet perched on a thick, gnarled tree branch. The vibrant green and blue of its plumage stand out against the soft, out-of-focus green foliage of the forest behind it.138
A Greater Yellownape Woodpecker inspects a cluster of bracket fungi on a fallen log. The composition highlights the interaction between the bird and its environment, with the bright green of the woodpecker contrasting with the dark red of the fungi.
A Striated Laughingthrush is perched on a textured, weathered branch. The warm, golden background complements the bird's brown plumage, creating a harmonious and peaceful scene.
A small Common Tailorbird clings to a diagonal branch. The simple composition against a clean green background emphasizes the bird's delicate form and posture.

Bird Photography in Natural Habitats

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Vikas MalhotraShoots across Delhi NCR & travels pan-India; Available online

More from Wildlife Photography Tours by Aashish Patil

FeaturedNavi Mumbai's Flamingos: The Pink SpectacleBig Cats & Mammal SafarisMaharashtra's Feathered JewelsCapturing Action: Birds in Flight & MotionThe Photographer's Eye: Light & CompositionBehind the Lens: The Safari ExperienceAwards & Recognition

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