Eurasian Kingfisher

Eurasian Kingfisher

This small Kingfisher , also known as the Common Kingfisher or River Kingfisher is widely distributed across Eurasia and North Africa. This sparrow sized  bird has the typical short-tailed, large-headed kingfisher profile; it has blue upperparts, orange underparts and a long bill. It feeds mainly on fish, caught by diving, and has special visual adaptions to enable it to see prey under water. The glossy white eggs are laid in a nest at the end of a burrow in a riverbank. ( Ref Wikipidia )

Photographed at the Keoladeo National Park in Bharatpur. January 2014

To see more of my photographs, please visit my website Pravine Chester's Photo Portfolio

PARAKEETS IN BHARATPUR

A visitor to the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary cannot miss  the large number of parakeets that are visible . The most common of these is the Ring-Necked Parakeet ( also called the rose-ringed parakeet) which is a noisy and highly visible bird in India.Extremely popular for their ability to mimic human speech, these birds are often  seen as pets - which is really sad . It is always a joy to see animals and birds in the wild  rather than in captivity.

Resting amongst the leaves

This one was very curious of me and my camera !

Should I ?

Am I Thirsty !

Who goes there ?

Bharatpur, Dec 2010

CAPTIVE BIRDS OF PREY AT PRAGUE CASTLE

As a visitor to the Prague Castle, when you enter the main complex and turn left towards the sprawling gardens you could come across an unusual sight  of majestic birds of prey perched on posts . A closer look will show the legs of all the birds tied to posts . These birds belong to the falconry that exists at the castle.

One of the captive Eagles

Hawks/Falcons waiting for their chance of flight

With quick twists of its neck, this owl was a keen observer of all the tourists

 A Falcon with its head Gear - does look pitiable !

The falconry at the castle organises special shows of these birds in flight and also the opportunity to have these powerful birds perch on your gloved hand.

However it is sad to see these mighty birds in captivity, their freedom taken away from them.