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Indian Roller


Indian Roller
Photo Information
Copyright: Ram Thakur (ramthakur) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3300 W: 167 N: 9937] (32246)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2007-08-04
Categories: Birds
Camera: Nikon D200, Sigma 70-300 4-5.6 APO DG MACRO, 58mm UV
Exposure: f/5.0, 1/1000 seconds
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2007-08-05 8:34
Viewed: 757
Points: 22
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
Friends, I was away to Rajasthan in the past three days in connection with a function dedicated to the memory of late Mr. Jack Gibson – a famous mountaineer, educationist and an ardent bird lover. The function was held at Mayo College Ajmer – a well known boarding school set up in 1875, where I worked for 12 years as an English teacher. The school campus spread over an area of 300 acres is a haven for all sorts of birds, so though the function kept me busy, I still stole a few moments on the morning of 4th August to shoot a few pictures of birds, bugs and butterflies.
Today I am posting the picture of an Indian Roller. It is a hand held shot and not really to my satisfaction.

About the Bird

The Indian Roller (Coracias benghalensis), was formerly and locally known as the Blue Jay. It is a member of the roller family of birds that breeds in tropical southern Asia from Iraq to Thailand. It is not migratory, but undertakes some seasonal movements.
The Indian Roller is a stocky bird, the size of a Jackdaw at 30-34cm. It has a warm brown back, lilac breast and face, and blue crown, wings, tail and belly. Sexes are similar, but the juvenile is a drabber version of the adult. The Southeast Asian race has a green back and purple underparts, and is sometimes considered a separate species.
Indian Roller is striking in its strong direct flight, with the brilliant blues of the wings contrasting with the brown back.
This is a common bird of warm open country with some trees. These rollers often perch prominently on trees, posts or overhead wires, like giant shrikes, whilst watching for the large insects, lizards and frogs that they eat. They will follow tractors for disturbed invertebrates and dash into the smoke of a forest fire on a similar mission. They are fearless and will dive and roll at humans and other intruders.
The display of this bird is a lapwing-like display, with the twists and turns that give this species its English name. It nests in a lined hole in a tree or building, and lays about 3-5 eggs.
The call of Indian Roller is a harsh crow-like chack sound. Also makes a variety of other sounds including a metallic boink. Especially vociferous during the breeding season.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_Roller
TFL and regards.
haraprasan, cicindela, gannu, ridvan, Argus, parthasarathi, eqshannon, jcoowanitwong, dew77 has marked this note useful
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Discussions
ThreadThread Starter Messages Updated
To uleko: Thanksramthakur 1 08-05 18:48
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Critiques [Translate]

  • Great 
  • jaycee Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2493 W: 11 N: 6885] (21912)
  • [2007-08-05 9:20]

Hi Ram,

Looks like you are learning that retirement can be a very busy time! Although this is not up to your standards it is a nicely composed picture of the beeeater with his pretty colors. The pose is wonderful.

Jane

  •      
  • gannu Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1169 W: 4 N: 3262] (14691)
  • [2007-08-05 9:42]

Sir, It seems that you took this shot much higher. Keeping the distance very nice shot. I dont know what made you to think about the quality of the shot. I was just wondering where you have been in the last 2-3days. Take care Sir.Ganesh (Happy Friendship Day) D:: Later

  • Great 
  • ridvan Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 555 W: 0 N: 1134] (5196)
  • [2007-08-05 10:08]

selam ram, excellent shot and very good composition of this lovely bird nice pov and bg with splendid colours. Well done my friend !
Regards ridvan

  • Great 
  • uleko Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3012 W: 162 N: 1012] (2959)
  • [2007-08-05 10:48]
  • [+]

Hello Ram,
This lovely bird is familiar! I think you'll come up with much superior shots of this one in the future but this still shows its beauty very well. Fine colour and pretty sharp details and I like your composition.
I wonder how Delhi is coping with the monsoon rains! We hear a lot about the flooding here.
TFS and best wishes, ULla

  • Great 
  • Argus Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3840 W: 190 N: 11430] (35227)
  • [2007-08-05 11:47]

Hello Ram,
The colours, pose, composition and BG are the merits of this Indian Roller shot, Ram.
In addition, it is always nice to a bird shot from you.
TFS and best wishes, Ivan

Simple but it shows the details.

Ram;
Hand held is about all I do. I think faster than a tripod:-) Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. Your picture is normally at a halfway point but you make up for that completely in your notes. And I agree that it appears you are working harder in your retirement, than when you did while in employ of others....I think there are many of us who look forward to your thoughts and pictures. You have a story to tell and you taught me as well. So that makes you my official TN Guru!

Namasté
Bob

Hi Ram,
Beautiful and colorful Indian Roller. Nice shot against blue sky. POV and composition are great.
JC

Hi Mr. Ram,
How innocent this bird is. It doesn't knows where it is sitting. A very good capture with nice details but not to the quality you originally own. But in my view the composition, POV and colors are excellent. Informative notes too. I hope you trip to Rajasthan was good. Thanks a lot for sharing.

Sincerely
HP

Hello Ram!
It was long time since I commented your pictures for the last time :)
Now I am again in Lodz so it is time to see what photographed my Friend from India ;>
Very colourful species, similar in shape and colouration to some European birds.
I like contrast between species and the sky. Thanks also for educational note.
Best greetings and TFS,
Radomir

Nice photo of the blue background. Very good composition, sharpness and nice colours.
Best wishes,
Achim

  • Great 
  • dew77 Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 4774 W: 294 N: 4020] (13209)
  • [2007-08-06 12:42]

Hello Ram,
Beautiful capture of this colourful bird.POV,details,simple BG and pose of bird are excellent.
TFS..:-)

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