5 Spectacular Sites To Capture Migratory Birds On Camera

We have evolved thousands of years yet haven’t been able to satiate our fascination with flying. Birds are intriguing, colourful and elusive, and to capture these imperial creatures through photographs is a delightful thing.

Channel in your zeal and energy for photography and capture birds in their natural magnificence. Let your perception speak as you take pictures of these rare, iridescent and remarkable feathered-friends.

Pangot, Uttarakhand

A stunning shot of a Grey-winged Blackbird taken at Pangot

Situated near Nainital in Uttarakhand at a height of 6,510 feet, Pangot is home to as many as 580 different bird species. A bird-watcher’s paradise, this picturesque spot is perfect for photography.

The birds which are commonly sighted in this scenic small Himalayan village are Lammergeier, Himalayan Griffon, Grey-Winged Blackbird, Slaty-Backed Forktail, and Rufous-Bellied Niltava to mention a few. As you look at the colourful birds perched atop trees in this magical landscape, you can click away to glory with melodious sounds of birds as your background music.

The mesmerizing environment will reflect on your photography and will leave you amazed, as you see the outcome of the pictures. For some truly exceptional views, trek to Cheena peak, the highest peak in Nainital where you also have a chance to capture a glimpse of the gorgeous Blue-winged Minla.’

Nobody carries of blue and yellow together like the Rufous-Bellied Niltava here seen at Pangot

Bhigwan, Maharashtra

Regal redefined by the flamboyance of Flamingos in Bhigwan

With as many as 75 migratory birds and 126 local birds, Bhigwan is a literal bird-watching haven. Only 2 hours from Pune, situated in the state of Maharashtra, it is here you will find inspiration for your photography. Some of the most common migratory birds that you can spot here are Flamingos, Spoonbill, Red Naped Ibis, River Tern and Great Cormorant.

The flock of flamingos waltzing by will give you a welcome respite from the city views you’re used to. Capture some cool snaps of the stunningly pink flamingos being reflected on the still waters. The contrast with the green around you will make for a picture perfect scenery.

The Great Cormorant pictured in Bhigwan. It has ‘Great’ in its name for a reason

If you’re hoping to get close-ups of the beauteous Flamingos, go on a boat ride to the backwaters of the Ujani Dam. So, get ready to click some truly magical pictures!

Mangalajodi, Odisha

Northern Pintail taking off at Mangalajodi, truly a sight to behold

Just 75 km from Bhubaneswar situated in the state of Odisha, lies the stunning ecotourism hotspot, Mangalajodi on the banks of the famous Chilika lake. A visit to Mangalajodi is only complete with a visit to this lake as it hosts an astounding 160 species birds. It is also a Wildlife Conservation Centre!

Mangalajodi offers excellent bird-watching opportunity every winter, as it welcomes as many as 1,50,000 birds, like the Black-Tailed Godwit, Northern Pintail, Red-crested Pochard, Purple Swamphen and Asian Openbill to name a few.

The ‘vibrant’ and ‘subtle’ Purple Swamphen at Mangalajodi

So, go ahead and immortalize the famous Red-crested Pochard through your wonderful shots on your early morning Chilika Lake boat safari as you cut through the rising mist.

Dandeli, Karnataka

The Great Indian Hornbill flaunting its long and down-curved bill at Dandeli

With Dandeli being home to around 200 species of birds, you already know how prolific and exceptional your pictures are going to be.

Some of the most frequently found birds here are, the Great Pied Hornbill, Yellow-Footed Pigeon, Crimson-backed Sunbird, Adjutant Stork, Black Crested Baza and Peafowls, Malabar Grey Hornbill and the Malabar Pied Hornbill.

Beautiful things come in tiny packages best said for the Crimson-backed Sunbird at Dandeli

Dandeli nurses 4 out of the 9 species of hornbills in the world, allowing you to click as many candid photographs of these fascinating birds, as you might want.

Chopta, Uttarakhand

A European Goldfinch posing gracefully at Chopta

Situated at an elevation of around 9000 feet and located in Uttarakhand, Chopta is an exceptional trekking destination in India. What makes it even better is the presence of birds such as the Snow Partridge, European Goldfinch, Golden Bush-Robin, Fire-Fronted Serin, and Yellow-Rumped Honeyguide.

Himalayan Monal as seen in Chopta. Voted as India’s most beautiful bird

The best time to visit Chopta is from March to September. It is also one of your best bets to spot the Himalayan Monal, which is voted as the most beautiful bird in India.

If you’re someone who loves expressing yourself artistically by capturing ornate birds’ life on camera, then these nature hotspots are a dream come true for you. So get ready to fall in love with these intriguing creatures as you take what nature has to offer. Mould it into your own distinct artistic vision through your photographs along with NEXA as your inspiring partner.

But before that, have a look at this ode to the free bird and get inspired.