Peregrine Falcon - Falco peregrinus
26th Jan, 2010: Roughly 250 kilometers on bumpy terrain with temperature ranging from 7 degrees Celsius to 34 degree Celsius and lots of dust. Am dead tired, my face it all chapped but it was the best Republic day celebration for me ever 
A large part of the day was spent searching for just 2 species McQueen’s Bustard and the Greater Hoopoe Lark. We did manage to spot 5 McQueen’s Bustards but all of them were very far off to get any decent pictures. Samat Khan our driver told us that the best time to see these birds is November or December when they have not been pursued so much by the tourist. Samat also knew where we are likely to find the Hoopoe Lark and took us to a featureless plain and started searching to the left. I noticed some movement to the right some distance away. A look through the binocs confirmed them as a pair Hoopoe Larks and we drove closer. They were a pleasure to photograph – almost posed for us.
Most people come to Lesser Rann of Kutch – Bajana Sanctuary to see the only existing population of Wlid Asses but somehow I did not feel very enthused with them – I did take a few pictures but nothing spectacular. Swati has got much better pictures of the Wild Asses.
During the afternoon safari we again got lucky and Swati spotted a Desert Fox and once again Samt very expertly positioned the Gypsy so that we could get at least smoe pictures of this beautiful but rarely seen mammal. The Indian Desert Fox, Vulpes vulpes pusilla, is a subspecies of the Red Fox. Next we had an interesting encounter with a Peregrine Falcon. It had a band in its leg but unfortunately none of the photographs show any details on the band.
Due to all this rambling around on the terrain our vehicle fell victim to a huge Acacia thorn. We had a spare tire but the jack wouldn’t jack-up as it was jammed due to accumulated dust and grime. Aasim made a brilliant suggestion “Pour some water on it” and yes that worked. By the time we fixed the spare the light had faded. We came back to the resort to find some local doing the dance and msic routine for some other guest. Swati took the opportunity to take some interesting pictures which she will post soon.
Tomorrow is the last day of our stay. The holiday was very hectic but I have not had so much fun in a long long time…..
Indian desert fox - Vulpes vulpes pusilla
Montagu’s Harrier - Circus pygargus
Montagu’s Harrier - Circus pygargus
Peregrine Falcon - Falco peregrinus
Peregrine Falcon - Falco peregrinus
Pallid Harrier - Circus macrourus
Greater Hoopoe Lark - Alaemon alaudipes
Greater Hoopoe Lark - Alaemon alaudipes
McQueen’s Bustard - Chlamydotis macqueeni
Wow!!!! What a great shot – Perfect timing.
Hi, I’m an admin for a group called Eagle and Hawk, and we’d love to have this added to the group!
Love the thick tail.
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Seen on your photo stream. ( ?² )
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Cute.
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Nice pose bird gave u. Super.
Great timing!
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Great close up shot!
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Wonderful shot.
Excellent composition and nice timing
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Great timing and lovely pose.
Lovely closeup and nice details.
grt timing.. grt capture !!
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Wonderful….
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Stunning catch my friend
…thats awesome
PLEASE, POST YOUR SUPREME PHOTO IN:
₪ NATURE SANCTUARY ₪ (Add 1 ~ Award 2)
Award other photos within the first 2 pages!
award winning shot !
superb moment…love it !
Hi, I’m an admin for a group called Natures Finest (Invited Images Only) CONTESTS OPEN !, and we’d love to have this added to the group!
Excellent composition , Great timing..!!
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Wow, wonderful close up with great lighting !!!
Looks like a statue….awesome take off shot.
NaturesFinest
This is really one of Natures Finest!!
Very nice! I saw this in NaturesFinest
This is really one of Natures Finest!!>
Hi, I’m an admin for a group called Commented "Good Composition", and we’d love to have this added to the group!
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Very nice composition! I saw this nice photo in:
Commented "Good Composition"
Great shot my friend….it is beyond words…..!!!!!
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superb capture with great action…
Very nice….
superb portrait…
beautiful! what a bird! amazing!
Love the light here!
Great Capture!! EXcellent !!!
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Beautiful shot!!
What a catch – nice shot!!
Superb shot – great detail – looks really brilliant in the original size!!
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Nice timing ….
Nice action shot …. but the main subject a li’l less illuminated ….
Great
Splendid action photo !
Very interesting animal !
Fine nature photo !
Show this pretty rapture very well !
Stunning falcon shot !
A difficult shot – very well done !
Great bird shot !
Must have been lovely to see !
Wonderful capture. Just at the right moment!
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Beautiful shot and great timing.
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Seen on us.mg2.mail.yahoo.com ( ?² )
very nice series!!! i loved all of them!!!
Superb !
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Nice take off!
Oh man Stunning capture
I think this may be an even rarer Prairie Falcon maybe?
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Very cool capture!
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Stunning action!
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Fantastic!
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Simply breath taking …… i have this great liking for birds of prey and this shot has only strengthened it ten times …thank you so much for sharing
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Magnificent shot
Very good shot, great position (Fox). Like the way fox pops from background!
Glenn
fantastic capture! great timing!
stunning
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excellent ‘grab shot’. one of the best on this site!
beautiful portrait of a beautiful bird
Great timing. Beautiful shot.
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One day I hope I will get a photo of one of these fairly near me. They are magnificent birds.
great shot
beautiful shot
excellent timing..wonderful
Superb shot great action well done.
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Stunning
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Happy New Year 2011.
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Beautiful shot!
I’d like to insert this your photo in a divulgative booklet I’m preparing for students (not commercial). I checked the lycense you expressed, can you allow me to insert your complete name, as citation in the booklet?
[http://www.flickr.com/photos/53715053@N04] Yes Eli Masse you may use this picture. Would it be possible for you to mail a PDF copy of the booklet when it is done? I would like to see
Thanks a lot Tarique. Yes of course. Better, if you tell me your address I can send you a copy of the booklet!
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