A barbet and a window of opportunity
They say a window of opportunity seldom presents itself twice. Yet, this White-cheeked Barbet seemed to be sitting on one
Mission (Peak) Accomplished – A Trek Report
A Fourth of July trek report from Mission Peak, California. Warning: Birds inside.
In Rainbows – The Mindanao Gum Tree
Meet the only eucalyptus species native to the northern hemisphere, the Mindanao Gum Tree or Rainbow Eucalyptus, so known for the vibrant colored patterns left by its peeling bark
Food for thought
Is a kingfisher’s hard-earned meal tastier than something that came by easy? That’s some food for thought
Chuffed by a chough
The first time I came upon ‘chough’ I thought it was a dictionary entry for an act of expectoration by one with a North Indian surname. It would be a few years before I got the hang of what it was really – a kind of crow
Seven monsoon Instagrams to set the mood
It’s that time of the year when I ache to be anywhere but in an office, feeling the tug of the breeze on my face, the burst of impatient rain. To be drenched in the news of the sea that the monsoon brings ashore. So much for dreaming. I’m still here. Clacking away on a keyboard, conjuring up visions. So share my pain. With monsoon Instagrams.
Words of a feather – what birds would say if they could talk
What would birds say if they could talk as humans do? Enjoy these candid moments from the avian world – words of a feather. And don’t forget to share the buzz!
Will a goose by any other name…
The goose was headed for the bar, as it were. Or, at least that’s how some understood it. Never take a bird’s name too literally – and other wisdom from interacting with non-birders.
Why did the caterpillar cross the road?
Why did the caterpillar cross the road? Apparently, to get to the other side. In a tearing hurry.
On The Wing: Meet the Grey Plover
You have probably seen the Grey Plover on a sandy beach in Kerala and not paid it any attention. Up close, its grace and beauty are alluring
A Little Egret’s moment of reflection
Looking at the reflection of a Little Egret in Kabini revealed clues to its future marital eligibility
S.P.R.E.A.D of the Common Kestrel
It is indeed a majestic sight, and you can’t but stand there with your jaw hanging open, watching this glorious common kestrel (falco tinnunculus) hover overhead. You obviously can’t afford to gape at this site if you are a tiny rodent, or a small bird, or the garden lizard, because…
Raptor Friday: A meeting with a Lesser Kestrel
A birding trip to Koonthakulam, Tamil Nadu, revealed a rare sighting of Lesser Kestrels, seasonal migrants that pass through India en route to Africa
Americana – a birding diary from the United States
On the rarest of rare occasions, your boring desk job can get really interesting. If it takes you on short trips to lands unseen. July 2012 was one such, for it took me the United States and kept me there for four months. I was mostly busy with work but the weekends were left to me. So what does a bored birder do on weekends? That one’s a sitter.
Meluha Moment – In which I blink my third eyelid ;)
The nictitating membrane protects a bird’s eye from dryness and injury. You might call it a Meluha moment, this blinking of the third eye. Take a look and be amazed.