Kumar Natarajan's Wildlife Photo Gallery

Two of my favourites

2011-03-08T16:10:00.003Z

The Sedge warbler and Long tailed tit are a delight to watch. Two of my favourites from my collection.

Sedge Warbler

Long Tailed Tit

The Litte fellow

2011-03-04T14:42:00.001Z

Little Grebe - Hunter Wetlands Australia

Sigma 150mm F2.8+2x -A 300mm Telephoto combination

2011-03-03T15:18:00.004Z

This combination really works - a 300mm f5.6 telephoto combination. There is no degradation of image quality and AF speed. One of my favourite shot of this bird. ThIS image was shot in Rajasthan India.

Black Kite

Sigma 150mm F2.8 Macro

2011-03-03T14:56:00.005Z

The Sigma 150mm Macro F2.8 DG HSM -This lens is a delight to use. Though it is a macro lens, its is blisteringly fast and sharp as a razor.Some of the images made with this lens

Bull Finch

Chaffinch Male

Speed & Balance

2011-03-03T14:42:00.002Z

Though these are considered as 'Bad'out of focus shots, I intentionally shot the Chaffinch and Bull finch pre-focussing the lens on the tree and and shooting continuous bursts at slow shutter speed to portray the speed and balance displayed by these birds. You can get come very interesting effects. Try it out

Bull finch

Reed Warblers at Avon Salisbury

2011-02-28T13:13:00.002Z

These birds are a delight to watch. Will post more images in the coming weeks

Hunter Welands Australia

2011-02-13T15:44:00.009Z

Have been birding at the Hunter wetlands near Newcastle over the past two week ends. The weather has been awful cloudy and rain filled. However, the trips were quite fruitful. Happen to nail a few good shots.

Masked Lapwing

Little Egret

Superb Fairy Wren

Litte Egret

Pregrine Falcon Flight

2010-08-12T14:55:00.002+01:00

HCT Andover - One of my favourite bird flight shots .

Redtailed Hawk

2010-08-07T19:11:00.002+01:00

One of my favourite shots of this bird which i I captured in Canada Toronto

Nature at its best

2010-08-07T11:04:00.002+01:00

This shot was taken in he Avon , saw this little fellow perched on a branch singing to its hearts' content.

Red Kite

2010-08-07T09:35:00.001+01:00

Had seen Red Kites during my strolls in the Avon before. Had the goodfortune to get upclose to this one ,which was unmidful of my presence

Peregrine Falcon

2010-07-28T15:46:00.005+01:00

Have been out of action for quite sometime. Started shooting again. Have uploaded few of my pictures taken at Bempton Cliffs . Was lucky to take a few shots when the bird when popped its head from the bush. Will upload more pics in te comming weeks from my shoots in Canada, Uk, Europe, India and Australia.

Wildlife as Art

2009-04-30T00:58:00.003+01:00

This image of the Robin in song was shot at Avon Reserve in Salisbury.Added a little spotlight effect and and a little noise to give a painting look

African Forest Owl

One of my Favourite Owl Portaits

2009-04-27T01:07:00.001+01:00

The African forest owl one of my favourites in the HCT. He landed himself on this fence post with the afternoon sun shining on his body and game me a nice portrait which i have been waiting for for a long time.

The Kingy

2009-04-23T03:26:00.002+01:00

I had seen Kingfishers during my visits to Exeter and Dorking on trains. Had always wanted to capture a decent image. After two unfruitful attempts in the past 2 months i finally got him basking in the sun on the outcrop of a tree stump in the Avon reserve.

House Sparrow

2009-04-22T03:39:00.001+01:00

Saw this bid perched on a branch of a tree while retuning from a fruitless seatch for the kingfisher today/ Gave me an opportunity for a portrait shot

The Perfect Pose

2009-04-20T04:50:00.002+01:00

This Pheasant gave me a perfect pose for an image which is suited for the drawing room wall.

Fill flash

2009-04-19T00:52:00.004+01:00

I had always wanted to try out a fill flash for a long time. This Blue Tit offered a chance. It stayed there long enough for me to set-up the flash and take a couple of shots.

Here is another shot with fill flash This time a Great Spotted wood pecker. I had used the Flsh extender on my SB600

Nature's Colour at its Best

2009-04-18T00:06:00.006+01:00

I am amazed by the beauty of this bird. The Mandarin duck. I was not able to control myself form clicking image and image of this bird. Have taken almost 20 shots.

What a Display

2009-04-17T23:53:00.003+01:00

I was trying to get adjust my tripod to get a low level shot of this pheasant. All of a sudden it gave a very load call which in fact scared me and made me press the trigger by accident. When i viewed the image - I was amazed by the display of this bird.

Image of the Month - Strong contender

2009-04-16T20:58:00.003+01:00

This gold finch was there on the feeder for quite a while . I was waiting for it to perch on a nearby bush/tree to get an environmental shot. He game me an opportunity after 45 mins of wait. A strong contender for the image of the month slot.

Image of the month

2009-04-15T21:26:00.001+01:00

This little fellow landed on the feeder as I was packing up for good from Arundel. I grabbed my camera, leaned against the window of the hide and took a hurried shot.The light was just enough to get a decent image. "Image of the month" so far from my first 1Gb card. Have 3 more cards to download. Let me see if there are anymore contenders?

Holiday at WWT - Arundel

2009-04-13T22:28:00.003+01:00

Spent Four fantastic days birding at wild Fowl and Wetland Trust Arundel. Yest to download all of my images. Couldn’t wait to post. Shot of the Siskin taken at WWT. Bear with me a couple of days - i will upload all of my pics.

Great Spotted woodpecker - WWT Arundel

More Images - Raptors

2009-04-07T19:48:00.003+01:00

Kestrel - This wild kestrel swooped down , grabbed a piece of meat and took off. I aimed and fired a seeries of shots about 5 or 6. Three of them was nag on taget. This bird is delight to watch when it is o flight

2. Little Owl : A wonderful bird. Gave me a nice pose for a portrait

3. RedKite in Flight - Most graceful in flight. Took this shot as the bird took off from the wooden stump. Was not aable to get him on full frame. Nevertheles, i was happy that my flight shot techeneques which i was practicing was getting better.

4. The American Bald Eagle in Flight -I would like to call him "King of the Skies". One should see this bird in flight to appreciate my compliment.

Raptor Fever - HCT Andover

2009-04-06T22:35:00.004+01:00

Have always been fascinated by Raptors. Had been seeing buzzards flying around during my walks in the Avon. Decided to pay a visit to my favourite spot - The Hawk Conservancy Trust in Andover. Missed my 10:26 a.m. train ad missed out on the fist lower ground flying demonstration. I spent the rest of the day with these wonderful creatures of the sky,. I am yet to download two of my cards and will upload more images in during the week - bear with me.

1. Redkite wild in flight

2. Kestrel wild in flight

3. Grey Heron near Regs Meadow

4. Yellow Hammer - Have seen this bird but did not get a phto opportunity

Harnam - Salisbury

2009-04-03T21:04:00.007+01:00

It was a brillinat afternoon, the sun wa shining. Took a casual walk towards Harnam. Haven't seena little Grebe in this area.Took a couple of hurried shots. Hoping to return this week end for a close up

From My Latest Images

Avon Valley Reserve- Salisbury - Sunday Afternoon Walk

2009-03-22T20:34:00.013Z

It was Sunday afternoon and time for my usual afternoon walk. The sun was shining brilliantly - ideal setting for a shoot. I was on my usual traiL along the Avon valley path and was greeted by the usual dog walkers in the area and exchanged some pleasantries. A mute swan passed by. I have taken many pictures of the swan earlier. Couldn’t resist a shot this specimen. The sun went behind the clouds, and light levels diminished. Kept along the path for over 15 mins hoping the sun would appear again. Reached my usual waiting spot up the river and settled down to enjoy the good weather. The sun came out and was shining. During my hour and half of stay managed some decent shots of the coot, a Great Spotted woodpecker and my favorite bird The Robin. It was 4:30 p.m. and time to leave. Removed my camera from the tripod, packed up my kit and started retracing my steps back home

Great Spotted woodpecker

Robin

More Images with Sigma 500mm

2009-03-01T23:07:00.008Z

Test drivng Sigma 500mm f4.5

2009-02-15T23:06:00.005Z

Robin Hand Held

Long Tailed tit - Hand held Coot Hand held

Great Tit - Hand Held

Great Tit - Hand Held

Test Driving the Nikon D300

2009-01-18T21:05:00.003Z

My Latest images

2008-12-08T23:07:00.001Z

More images from WWT Washington

2008-09-01T20:07:00.001+01:00

Birds of Prey more images

2008-08-28T02:31:00.004+01:00

Wonderful Day with the Birds of Prey

2008-08-05T22:09:00.013+01:00

The Hawk Conservancy Trust is a well known tourist attraction in the Uk. This trust is involved in rehabilitation, conservation or birds of prey. The centre at Andover, houses a variety of species from allover the world like the Striated Caracara, African Fishing Eagle, Twamy Eagle, Peregrine Falcon, Harris Hawks, Brahminy kites, Red Kite, variety of Owls and last but not the least the Magnificent Bald Eagle. The park is spread over 22 acers of land and has two dedicated Flying grounds and a wild flower meadow. The Park is open to the public every day from 10.30am - 5.30pm. A typical day at The Hawk Conservancy Trust runs like this: Displays start with the Vulture Restaurant at 11.30. The Noon and 3.30 flying displays are held in the Lower Flying Grounds while the 2.00 Valley of the Eagles display takes place in Reg's Meadow . At the end of the day, there's a wild Red Kite and Heron feed at the hides. Additional activities include duck races and Raptor Safari tractor & trailer rides. A must visit place for all bird lovers to see these Magnificent Raptors at close quarters.

Visit the Image Gallery : Hawk Conservancy Trust , Andover Uk

Harnam Meddows

2008-07-27T01:34:00.005+01:00

It was Friday evening and time for my usual walk through the Harnam Meddows. I saw quite a few Black headed Gulls flying past in the afternoon towards the cathedral an was hoping that i can get some decent shots. Walked through the waterlne and entered the went up to the river. Did not find the gulls. Waite for about half hour and hen decided to take a walk up to the old mill hotel. No luck. Still wanted to see the gulls ad traced my step back to the back of the river. Spotted three of them buy the river and slowly settled down with my camera fixed on my tripod. The gulls played and splashed in the water - manage some good shots, It was a god evening and returned home after 3 hrs

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Harnam Meddows - Black Headed Gull

2008-07-27T01:25:00.001+01:00

A visit to paradise of the winged visitors

2008-07-16T00:37:00.002+01:00

Wildfowl & Wetland Trust - Washington Newcastle Uk - July 11th -14th 2008

This is one of the most exciting birding trips i have ever had outside India. This place is a real paradse for not only birders but also for one who loves nature. Would love to pay visit again.

Click here to see the Image gallery : http://picasaweb.google.com/kumar.natarajan/WildfowlWetlandTrustWashingtonNewcastle

Click here to read my Trip Diary : http://wildlifetripreports.blogspot.com/

Shot of the Day

2008-07-11T00:28:00.001+01:00

After giving me some decent shots, the bird did not stop and wanted to show off. It came out of the foliage onto the open branch. It seemed as though the bird was saying to me' Not satisfied with my earlier poses? Here is my final stance before i go and attend to my work.

I am extremely satisfied with today's shoot. Indeed by favourite bird is turing out to be ''The bird of the Month'

Forgot to mention this. Saw a domesticated Lama. Did not know they were also reared along with the sheeps' in this country.

I am off tomorrow to visit the two bird sanctuaries in-and around Newcastle. Hoping to see more of these beauties.

More Poses

2008-07-11T00:14:00.001+01:00

Want to take pictures of me. Goahead

Long Tailed Tit

2008-07-10T23:26:00.001+01:00

Salisbury gained a new look after two days of gloomy weather - Rain, wind and cloud. The sun came out at 2:00p.m today and was shining briliantly. The rain had washed the haze out of the atmosphere and the sky was blue. Came back from office , grabbed my camera and took my usual trail hoping to get some good shots. After 15-20 min on the trail I could hear my favourite bird 'The Long Tailed Tit'. There were a colony of them playing in the bushes. I waited in anticipation that one of them will come out in the open. Here he ca me.

Robin

2008-07-10T00:39:00.004+01:00

Robin - Robin Erithacus rubecula

The red breast makes identification easy but it can be told even in silhouette , by its plump shape, upright stance and habit of making abrupt movements. These birds sing throughout the year because they will occupy thier own territory during the winter.In order to defend their winter territories, the females have to sing and display just like males do.

Indeed a delight to watch.

Coot

2008-07-08T21:27:00.003+01:00

The sun came out for a brief period and was shining on this bird. The rich black colour contrasted by the white beak and red eyes was a absolute delight to watch.
Cropped this image to to get a portrait.

Have some travelling to do during the week.Work related off-course!. Carrying my camera along. Let's see if i can spot any more of these beauties .

Long-tailed Tit

2008-07-08T21:02:00.002+01:00

All of you would have seen and enjoyed the image featured under the caption "Image of the Month" I had little difficulty in identifying this bird since it was juvenile. Thanks to Pete for his help in identification - It is the "Long-tailed Tit" - Aegithalos caudatus(Scientific Name)

It is an absolute delight to watch these birds as they are mostly in groups swinging through the trees in tight noisy groups. Their appearance is like a tiny, fluffy ball with a great long black and white tail. Seen common during winters in woods and gardens.

These birds have a peculiar behaviour- They use their call to keep the flock together if one bird gets separated from the rest of the flock, the others will double-back to 'rescue' it.

Longing to get a photograph of the adult.

Image of the Month

Wood Pigeon

2008-07-08T18:55:00.006+01:00

Thanks to ARVE for his comments. I did not upload

this image yesterday. Here it comes

Mute Swan

2008-07-08T01:55:00.002+01:00

The light was fading fast, A black rain cloud was fast covering the sky
.The sun light was a glowing yellow. I was sitting by the riverside and reviewing my not so very good shoot. This bird was happily wading across the water at its leisure. The light just enough to get a fairly decent shot.

Wood Pegion

2008-07-08T01:21:00.005+01:00

Had always wanted to take flight shots of birds.Having gone out shooting on a day which was far from ideal for such shots. Happen to see two wood pegions perch near me. All of a sudden they started to fly attacking/playing with each other on flight. I raised my camera and managed to get somewhat ok images.
I have taken a few other shots of these birds earlier all perched on a branch.

Black Bird

2008-07-08T00:49:00.004+01:00

It was one of those typical English weather days - cloudy , showers on-and-off. Not suited for photography. The light was very poor and there was a slight drizzle. I still went on my usual walk - along the reviver side. Managed a couple of shots of the Black bird . My 80-400mm lens was struggling to get a focus under low light.

Why forget the old days- switched to manual focus and managed a few shots.

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Pheasant

2008-07-06T03:09:00.001+01:00

Magpie

2008-07-06T03:00:00.001+01:00

Coot

2008-07-06T02:33:00.004+01:00

Green Finch

2008-07-06T02:19:00.002+01:00

Feral Pigeon/Rock Dove

2008-07-05T20:05:00.003+01:00

Mute Swan

2008-07-05T19:58:00.001+01:00

House Sparrow

2008-07-05T19:40:00.002+01:00

Black Bird

2008-07-05T19:29:00.003+01:00

This is one of the most common birds you find during summer in Britain. The male is all-black with his bright yellow bill and the female is distinctively dark brown(Photo 4) all over with only obscure streaking on the breast.

A beautiful bird to watch and restless most of the time. Got this shot while sitting on the bench near Hoggs Head Pub- Salisbury. The bird came and perched on the edge of the bench i was sitting .Had to manuver my camera slowly not to disturb him.

Black Headed Gull

2008-07-05T19:19:00.002+01:00

Collard Dove

2008-07-05T19:10:00.003+01:00

Collared Doves are much smaller than the pigeons, with a longer, narrower tail and pinky-buff plumage. They are easily told from Turtle Doves by their plain upperparts and neat black line around the back neck.

These shots were taken near the ground behind the Salisbury Cathedral. It was a cloudy evening when I saw a couple of these birds perched on a branch. While i was attemping a low lisht shot the clound cover cleared and the bird was brilliantly lit- Typical English weather.

The bird is most graceful in flight. Yet to get a good flight shot.

Mallard - Gallery 1

2008-07-05T18:35:00.004+01:00