Capturing the Vibrant Behavior of Flycatchers and Kingfishers
From the ribbon-like tails of the Paradise Flycatcher to the lightning-fast dives of the Kingfisher, these birds are poetry in motion. I wait for the exact moment their behavior tells a story.
The dance of the Indian Paradise Flycatcher is a sight to behold. Its long, ribbon-like tail flows behind it, creating a moment of pure elegance that I was thrilled to capture on film.
Known as 'Swargiya Nartak' or the heavenly dancer, the Indian Paradise Flycatcher lives up to its name. This portrait captures its delicate beauty against a soft, green forest backdrop.
A male Indian Paradise Flycatcher, with its striking blue crest, perches gracefully. Filming this species requires patience, and the reward is capturing a true jewel of the forest.
My quest for the ethereal Indian Paradise Flycatcher took me deep into the wilderness of Tamhini. This video documents the journey to find and film one of nature's hidden gems.
A vision of grace and wonder. This shot of the Indian Paradise Flycatcher highlights its stunning form and the lush, green canopy of its home in the Western Ghats.
Every kingfisher is beautiful, but the Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher is the true gangster. This video captures the moment this tiny, vibrant bird arrives and steals the show with its stunning colors.
This Pied Kingfisher can hover better than a drone. I filmed this incredible display of natural engineering completely handheld, showcasing the bird's ability to stay locked on its target.
About this collection
Filming small, skittish birds like the Paradise Flycatcher or the Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher is not about chasing them; it is about patience and fieldcraft. When you want that perfect hover shot or a mating display, you need to know their perching habits before you even raise the camera. I prefer shooting handheld with my Nikon Z8, which lets me track their erratic flight paths instantly without needing a bulky tripod, giving you raw, high-frame-rate footage that feels alive.
Wildlife videography is ninety percent waiting and ten percent action. My process is simple: I find the spot, study the bird, and become part of the background. Whether it is the deep forest of Tamhini or the wetlands around Navi Mumbai, I focus on capturing the attitude of the Kingfisher or the graceful dance of the Flycatcher.
I use a Nikon Z8 paired with a 180-600mm lens, allowing me to switch between wide habitat shots and tight close-ups as the action unfolds. My ethics are non-negotiable: I do not believe in baiting or disturbing nests to get a better angle. You get authentic, behavioral clips that show these birds in their natural flow, not just posed portraits.
What you receive are files that capture the reality of the wild. If you are looking for documentary-style snippets or cinematic clips for social media, I ensure the footage reflects the atmosphere of the forest. We can discuss specific species you are looking to feature, as each bird has its own season and schedule.
Tushar Tandel
Hi, I am Tushar. I hold down a regular day job, but the wild is where I actually recharge. I do not just shoot wildlife; I live for the silence of the forest and the thrill of tracking a bird for hours just to get that one behavior shot.
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