Avian World: Rare Indian Bird Behaviour Documentation
Beyond the peacock lies a secret world of avian stories. From the devoted Indian Grey Hornbill to the acrobatic courtship of the Golden Oriole, I document the real, unscripted lives of birds in our backyards and forests.
A Changeable Hawk-Eagle cools off in a waterhole at Nagzhira. During the scorching heat, it dominated the water source, not allowing any other animal near. This image, showing its powerful presence, now adorns the wall of the WWF-India office.
This courtship of Golden Orioles is very dear to me. I saw four of them on the day Shri Narendra Modi first took oath as Prime Minister. It felt like a sign of a golden period returning, a story that was later published in Air India's magazine.
An Indian Grey Hornbill male flies to its nest to deliver food. The female remains sealed inside the cavity for over two months to raise the chicks. The male is truly one of the most devoted husbands in the avian world.
Many have heard that the Asian Koel lays its eggs in a crow's nest, but few have seen the result. Here, a crow foster parent is feeding a demanding Koel chick. I witness and document this fascinating behaviour in Delhi every year.
A pair of White-throated Kingfishers during their courtship. The male spreads his brilliant blue wings to lure the female. These beautiful birds are a joy to watch and are often seen in our backyards, hunting for small reptiles and insects.
It has become rare to see House Sparrows in a big city like Delhi, which is why it was declared our State Bird. I captured this pair mating at a resort in Dehradun, a reminder of a bird that was once a common sight in all our homes.
About Avian World: Beyond the Peacock
I capture behaviour that most people walk past without noticing. Take the Asian Koel; while many know they use crows as foster parents, actually witnessing that feeding interaction in a local Delhi park is quite different. It is these small, daily dramas—the Hawk-Eagle dominating a waterhole or a Hornbill playing the devoted provider—that form the core of my documentation.
My approach to bird photography goes beyond getting a sharp image. I focus on 'behavioural documentation'—the why and how of what these birds do.
Documenting Behaviour
Whether it is a Changeable Hawk-Eagle cooling off in the heat at Nagzhira or White-throated Kingfishers in a courtship dance, my goal is to capture a story. I look for the moments that reveal animal intelligence and instinct. For instance, the Indian Grey Hornbill’s nesting process is one of the most fascinating examples of devotion I have witnessed; it is a lesson in nature that I often share in my educational talks.
Nature in the City
You do not always need to travel to a national park to see wild behaviour. In Delhi, I have spent years documenting the decline of the House Sparrow and the complex social dynamics of birds in our urban pockets. I try to highlight these stories because they are disappearing. When we document the sparrow or the Koel in our own backyard, we are not just taking photos; we are preserving a record of our changing environment.
My Methodology
My work is grounded in patience and field observation. I do not use bait to lure birds, as this alters their natural actions. Instead, I wait, observe, and document. This results in photographs that are truthful and, more importantly, educational. If you are looking for content that bridges natural history with cultural anecdotes for a publication, or if you want a session that moves beyond standard wildlife facts, I am here to help you tell those stories.
Vinod Goel
I spent decades in public service, but my heart was always in the jungle. Now, I use my camera to bridge the gap between our rich Indian culture and the wild truths of nature, teaching others to see the stories hidden in plain sight.
Explore more wildlife and nature stories
What specific bird behaviour or nature topic are you looking for?
More from Wildlife Writing & Public Speaking by Vinod Goel
More services by Vinod Goel