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A common hawk-cuckoo at Theosophical Society. Photo: Rama Neelamegam
It is vocal through the day, and its three-note call enunciates the term “brain fever”. The bird is in its breeding season and residents of IIT-M campus report being woken up to this phrase in the dead of the night Birder Rama Neelamegam lets on about a mid-click blooper from 2017. Executed at the woods of the Theosophical Society, the photographic click was a half measure a half bird, actually. It left a common hawk-cuckoo’s barred tail to the imagination. The bird was at close quarters, and a neophyte with the camera then, Rama could not make the most of the moment. The image was clicked at the speed of greased lightning, but the other hand failed to rotate the focus-ring just that wee bit, to get the complete bird. ....
A male Cotton Pygmy Goose at Nemam lake. Photo: Rama Neelamegam
Though a resident, this pint-sized bird remains largely elusive in Chennai’s urban waterbodies. State of India’s Birds 2020 report has raised concerns over its declining numbers Amidst work-from-home, many now organise their soirees around the telly and root for their IPL team, with diehard supporters wearing face paint and twirling a real white cricket ball. So, here are two ready images from these unusual times to get a grasp of the Cotton Pygmy Goose’s dimensions. Hold that cricket ball in the paw to feel this bird’s weight. Expect the bird to be a couple of grams lighter. Hold that 10.1-inch WFH tablet to picture the bird’s length from bill to retrices. Expect the bird to be a couple of millimetres shorter. ....
Dive in with the Pochards Updated: Updated: March 18, 2021 11:51 IST During the migratory season, Common Pochard and Red-crested Pochard occurrences in South India are scattered. However, these deep-diving ducks can be found if one knew where to look for them Share Article A male Common Pochard. Photo: Rama Neelamegam | Photo Credit: Rama Neelamegam During the migratory season, Common Pochard and Red-crested Pochard occurrences in South India are scattered. However, these deep-diving ducks can be found if one knew where to look for them To the neighbour, a celebrity is just a presence across the fence unless the latter has a fortification around them. ....
Vagrant at estuary near ECR Updated: Updated: January 03, 2021 06:59 IST For a couple of weeks, eBirders from Chennai have been heading to Yedaiyanthittu Estuary to study an unexpected visitor a Grey-tailed Tattler. Previous data about this bird points to Pulicat lake Share Article The vagrant Grey-tailed Tattler at Yedaiyanthittu Estuary. Photo: Rama Neelamegam
For a couple of weeks, eBirders from Chennai have been heading to Yedaiyanthittu Estuary to study an unexpected visitor a Grey-tailed Tattler. Previous data about this bird points to Pulicat lake Everyone hates a prating tattler. Even two tattlers do not expend any love between them. The lone and striking exception is when tattlers are togged in feathers, wear a tail with a cinder-grey shade to it and keep bobbing it. ....
Visiting frigatebirds Updated: Updated: December 15, 2020 17:22 IST Following recent records of frigatebird sightings in Chennai, an analysis of why these birds bring a mixture of joy and agony to birders Share Article A Lesser Frigatebird near Thalassery, Kerala, in July 1996. Photo: C. Sashikumar
Following recent records of frigatebird sightings in Chennai, an analysis of why these birds bring a mixture of joy and agony to birders It is easier for a frigatebird with a 7.5-feet wingspan to go through the eye of a needle than for it to be identified straightaway unless you answer to the name of David James. Accounts abound of how this Australia-based pelagic-birds expert has puzzled out the identity of many windblown frigatebirds recorded in India. ....