Caterpillars & Butterflies

Some pics of caterpillars and butterflies in their natural habitat.

 

Cheers!

Insects, Flowers & Fungi III

Updating the blog with some recent photos taken in between birding 'off-time'. :-) Close observation of mother nature unfold some very interesting and at times astonishing 'finds' which city slickers would not have the opportunity to see. The great outdoors - always something to discover!

Here are some of the pics.

Have a nice day! Cheers!

A Raptor on the lamp post - The Himalayan Buzzard (Buteo burmanicus)

It was another lucky break. This time it was in the evening. I had completed a full day of birding and was returning to the city. About a quarter way of the journey down hill I spotted a raptor perched on one of the many lamp posts that lined the roads side.

I stopped my car and got out as quietly as I could. But alas it already took notice of my presence and 'took-off'. I watched in disappointment. But all was not lost! It perched again 2 lamp posts away! As it's flight direction was uphill I reversed the car and proceeded uphill, again.   

As I neared the lamp post where it has perched I decided against alighting from the car but instead will 'shoot' from the car's window. A few 'shots' later it flew off it's perch again and went further uphill, this time 2 more lamp posts away! I had left my car's engine running in readiness of having to follow the bird. I immediately engaged the gear and slowly drove uphill. Keeping my distance it was again 'shooting' from the car's window. A few 'pops' later the bird decided it had posed long enough and flew to another perch also 2 lamp posts away! I followed but this time it decided to stay only momentarily on the third perch and dashed-off into the forest located just off the roadside. 

I went away happy with what I got in this interesting encounter. Here are some photos for sharing.

Cheers! Have a nice day!

P.S. Assistance would be most welcome and appreciated to ID this Raptor.

The Common Red Shank ( Tringa totanus ), 27 - 29 cm

This is the season for winter visitors and waders are no exception. One of these waders is the Common Red Shank. This specie could be seen together with other waders in coastal wetlands, lowland marshes and large rivers. The distinctive feature that has given this fine bird it's name are a pair of bight red legs, hence 'Red' Shank.

Here are a few photos for sharing.

Cheers!