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Avian Photography: Kingfishers & Flycatchers in Maharashtra

byTushar TandelBased in Navi Mumbai; Travels to Gir, Jaisalmer, Western Ghats & Pune for shootsStarts from₹2,500 per sessionView full gallery

A journey through the lens, chasing the electric blue of kingfishers and the graceful dance of flycatchers. These birds are my teachers in patience.

The Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher, a tiny jewel of the forest, proudly displays its catch. Capturing this vibrant bird, with its rainbow plumage and a lizard in its beak, required hours of stillness and patience.

Known as 'Swargiya Nartak' or heavenly dancer, the Indian Paradise Flycatcher lives up to its name. This video captures its ethereal beauty and the graceful flow of its long tail feathers.

A pair of Pied Kingfishers perched on a branch, ever watchful over the water. Their striking black and white pattern stands out beautifully against the yellow-green background.

A Common Kingfisher, glistening with water droplets, sits on a new wooden perch. I replaced its old rusty perch to give it a more natural and comfortable spot to rest.

The White-rumped Shama fans its tail, creating a beautiful floral-like pattern. This shot captures the stunning display of one of the forest's most melodious singers.

The Blue-capped Rock Thrush, with its stunning combination of orange and blue, poses against a soft green background. A true gem from the Western Ghats.

A stunning portrait of a Bluethroat, a shy winter migrant. Getting this close to capture the intricate blue and orange pattern on its throat was a truly magical morning.

A Red-whiskered Bulbul, with its signature red patch and jaunty crest, perches against a vibrant green background. A common but always beautiful sight in the urban jungle.

The Heart-spotted Woodpecker, nature's little drummer, clings to a tree trunk. Its unique pattern and focused expression make it a fascinating subject to photograph.

A portrait of the White-bellied Blue Flycatcher, a splash of serene blue against a dark forest background. Its calm demeanor and beautiful color make it a personal favorite.

About Avian Jewels: Kingfishers, Flycatchers & More

Capturing an Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher or an elusive Paradise Flycatcher isn't about luck; it's about spending hours in silence, observing bird behavior, and knowing exactly when the light hits just right. My process involves finding the right perch, adjusting for the background, and waiting for that split second of stillness. If you have ever struggled to get sharp, high-speed shots of fast-moving birds, my field workshops focus on exactly these technical adjustments—achieving that clean, eye-level perspective without disturbing the wildlife.

Expert-led birding walks in Navi Mumbai. — Approved by the tribe
T

Tushar Tandel

Based in Navi Mumbai; Travels to Gir, Jaisalmer, Western Ghats & Pune for shootsStarts from ₹2,500 per session

I'm Tushar. When I'm not working my day job, you will find me in the mudflats of Navi Mumbai or the dense forests of Western Ghats, camera in hand. I don't believe in just clicking and leaving; I wait, observe, and document the lives of birds like the Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher, learning as much from them as I hope you will when we shoot together.

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Two Oriental Dwarf Kingfishers on a branch. A perfect frame that speaks of companionship in the wild, just in time for Valentine's Day.13
A Common Kingfisher perched patiently, waiting for the perfect moment to dive. Its turquoise and orange feathers stand out against the green foliage.
A Blue-cheeked Bee-eater, with its stunning green plumage and distinctive facial markings, posing perfectly on a branch.
A fascinating moment between two Blue-tailed Bee-eaters. This beak-to-beak interaction is a form of courtship feeding, a behaviour that strengthens their bond.

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A splash of color! This Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher, with a fresh catch, is a testament to the vibrant life found in India's forests. The rich greens of the background make its rainbow plumage pop even more.93
The perfect Holi bird! The Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher displays a whole spectrum of colors. This photo, taken at Karnala Bird Sanctuary, captures the essence of the festival of colors in a single, beautiful creature.
I can almost hear this photo. An Indian Pitta, known for its loud, distinctive call, singing its heart out. Capturing this behavior required patience and being in the right place at the right time.

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The Jewel of the Konkan, an Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher, with rain frozen in time by a fast shutter speed. On my birding workshops, I explain how to manipulate settings to tell different visual stories.33
A spot-billed pelican lands gracefully on the Cauvery river at Ranganathittu, a haven for bird photography. My weekend workshops here are perfect for mastering your skills.
A pelican skids across the water, another dynamic moment from our Ranganathittu workshop.
With wings spread wide, a pelican prepares for landing. The misty mornings at this sanctuary provide beautiful, soft light for photography.

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A classic shot of the Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher, also known as the Jewel of Konkan, with a freshly caught skink. I used a 200-600mm lens to get this close-up without disturbing the bird, resulting in a sharp portrait that highlights its intense focus and vibrant colours.18
I call this one 'King of Good Times'. A Common Kingfisher perched against a dark, clean background, which makes its iconic blue and orange plumage stand out. This is a perfect example of how I use bokeh to isolate the subject and create a striking wildlife portrait.
Capturing a Pied Kingfisher as it hovers and dives is a technical challenge I love. This action shot, taken in Wai, freezes the bird's wings in a beautiful pattern against a soft green background, showcasing its incredible aerial hunting skills.
The White-throated Kingfisher is larger and just as beautiful. I photographed this one against a brilliant yellow autumn background at IIT Bombay, using the contrasting colours to create a visually impactful image.

Kingfishers: Jewels of the River

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This flamingo struck a pose that looked straight out of a fashion magazine. Caught mid-groom, its crossed legs and elegant posture against the deep blue water created a moment of accidental high fashion in the wild.61
A flamingo in flight, coming straight towards the camera. Seeing them soar with their wings spread wide is a breathtaking sight. This shot captures the power and elegance of their flight against a clear blue sky.
A pair of flamingos resting while floating on the water. This is a common behavior that helps them conserve energy. The calm water and soft light make for a serene and beautiful wildlife photograph.
In a large flock, sometimes a few individuals stand out. Here, a pair of flamingos in the background form a heart shape with their necks, creating a focal point in the bustling crowd.

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A male Baya Weaver, one of the avian world's finest architects, meticulously builds his nest to attract a female. It can take over 500 trips to gather enough grass for a single nest.89
A closer look at the Baya Weaver's craftsmanship. The intricate weaving of dry and semi-dry grass is a testament to the skill and dedication of these small birds.
A portrait of a Sarus Crane foraging in a field in Gujarat. These birds have adapted to coexist with people, offering a beautiful example of harmony between wildlife and agriculture.
A pair of Spotted Owlets peeking out from their tree hollow on a winter morning. As nocturnal predators, they are usually inactive during the day, making this a special sighting.

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More services by Tushar Tandel

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