A Greater Painted Snipe in fliight over a lake
A very beautiful resident bird prized by the photographers due to its beautiful plumage. The one here is a male, but the female is even far more colorful and beautiful. I sighted 2 males and a 3rd one which I could not determine the sex. We were exploring a new area and these birds just flew right from under our feet scaring us for a few moments. They circled around and landed at some distance away.
Outside of its breeding season it is quite hard to spot. Also, the bird times its presence to align with the sowing reason and the post harvest season when the fields are wet and muddy both the times. The bird has a preference to the wet areas where we find them pretty much.
I suspect the male was watching the chicks and hence was trying to distract us by flying away so quickly and openly. It was also flying at eye level height instead of the usual close to ground mode. The males in the species watch the chicks while the polyandrous females leave after the eggs are laid.
Thanks in advance for all your lovely feedback and views. Much appreciated.
A Greater Painted Snipe in fliight over a lake
A very beautiful resident bird prized by the photographers due to its beautiful plumage. The one here is a male, but the female is even far more colorful and beautiful. I sighted 2 males and a 3rd one which I could not determine the sex. We were exploring a new area and these birds just flew right from under our feet scaring us for a few moments. They circled around and landed at some distance away.
Outside of its breeding season it is quite hard to spot. Also, the bird times its presence to align with the sowing reason and the post harvest season when the fields are wet and muddy both the times. The bird has a preference to the wet areas where we find them pretty much.
I suspect the male was watching the chicks and hence was trying to distract us by flying away so quickly and openly. It was also flying at eye level height instead of the usual close to ground mode. The males in the species watch the chicks while the polyandrous females leave after the eggs are laid.
Thanks in advance for all your lovely feedback and views. Much appreciated.