When I was in India I managed to organise a trip to Sultanpur National Park, which is about 60 km from central Delhi. 60 km may not sound far, but I think it's reasonable to multiply distances by 2 in India to get a feel for how long it will take!
The Sultanpur National Park is only about 1.5 square km in size, but 250 species of bird have been recorded there. While the area is a natural wetland, water is now pumped into the park to help maintain the water levels. Given how close it is to Delhi, it's a remarkable place.
The Painted Stork (Mycteria leucocephala) is Asia's most abundant stork - although it is considered to be risk because its population is falling. Hunting, wetland drainage and pollution are all thought to play a role in this birds decline.
The Painted Stork is in the same broad group of storks as the Wood Stork and it feeds by swishing its open beak backwards and forwards though the water.
The Sultanpur National Park is only about 1.5 square km in size, but 250 species of bird have been recorded there. While the area is a natural wetland, water is now pumped into the park to help maintain the water levels. Given how close it is to Delhi, it's a remarkable place.
The Painted Stork (Mycteria leucocephala) is Asia's most abundant stork - although it is considered to be risk because its population is falling. Hunting, wetland drainage and pollution are all thought to play a role in this birds decline.
The Painted Stork is in the same broad group of storks as the Wood Stork and it feeds by swishing its open beak backwards and forwards though the water.
Many of the birds in these pictures are juvenile birds, lacking the bright plumage and beak. The slight haze in the images is a combination of early morning mist and (sadly) air pollution.
As ever, to link up with WBW click on the blue button below.
Storks rock!
ReplyDeleteYour photos are okay
*wink*
I can only imagine what it's like to travel in India.....scary! Congrats and looks like a fantastic place to bird. Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteWonderful photos..especially the one where the stork is flying in for a landing..Beautiful bird..
ReplyDeleteVery cool birds! Almost prehistoric looking!
ReplyDeleteThe adults are beautiful. This must have been a magical birding day. Great photos.
ReplyDeleteThat's just how I remember India Stewart. In my case it was Open-billed Storks and I didn't get to see the Painted Stork. India is still one of the best travel destinations, as well as a great birding spot.
ReplyDeleteGlad you had the opportunity for some birding while you were in India. Fabulous images!
ReplyDeleteWhat amazingly beautiful birds and your pictures look like they should be in the National Geographic. Sad that their population is declining, but they certainly aren't alone. I know that all of the Crane species are endangered except perhaps the Sandhill Crane that has made an amazing comeback over the last decade (then, because of their improved numbers, Wisconsin is permitting hunting of the Sandhill ... so I guess we just never learn). And yes, love a misty morning, but pollution we could all do without. India has signed the agreement to reduce pollution all over the world, so maybe, in due time, that will change. Glad you made it home safe and sound and especially glad you managed to get some birding in while you were there. Great post, Stewart.
ReplyDeleteAndrea @ From The Sol
loved to see this Painted stork. One I don´t think I have seen before. It is beautiful. Witch many storks are not. Nicely captured images :)
ReplyDeleteHello, Stewart. Awesome post on the Painted Stork. It must have been great to go birding in India. Wonderful photos. Enjoy your day and the week ahead!
ReplyDeleteJoli rassemblement ;-)
ReplyDeleteCéline & Philippe
I love that you share the amazing birds you meet on your travels with us. We get immature wood storks in Texas and Louisiana. I was glad to see a few adults.
ReplyDeleteI have a good friend that has visited India many times and told me about the birds...he's never taken a photo.
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting these fantastic shots, now I know more of the beauty of the area!
Outstanding photos so beautiful! I really like the 4rt from the last :-)
ReplyDeleteThe pictures of the groups of storks look like paintings -- maybe Oriental art? Just beautiful. Gorgeous stork, much prettier than our bald-headed wood storks. Thank you so much for hosting. and sharing your journies.
ReplyDeleteQuite a stork population, and great photos! It does have a painting feel to it.
ReplyDeleteThese are absolutely stunning, magnificent images that look like fine art. Fantastic work my friend~
ReplyDeleteThese are a beautiful stork. I hadn't heard of them until a few weeks ago and now here you are posting photos of them. Lucky you getting to see them!
ReplyDeleteHi Stewart, I finally linked here; thanks for hosting. Thanks for the beautiful photos of the Painted Stork and the area you saw them. Greetings Jo
ReplyDeleteHow wondderful to see these Storks and in good numbers. Thanks for hosting Stewart and have a great week
ReplyDeleteGreetings from India and Team Wild India. With variety of habitats India has some fantastic birds and birding locations. We at Wild India organise birding tours in India.. Visit us at www.wild-india.in to learn more. We will be happy to host you in India.
ReplyDeleteStewart, lots of potential baby deliverers here. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteHello Stewart, really great to read about the Painted Stork. I especially love those photos which show that gorgeous pink colour ... plus their reflections.
ReplyDeleteSorry for my lateness in linking. Cheers :D)
Great photos!
ReplyDeleteMarvelous images! Sorry to hear there is pollution around them though.
ReplyDeleteGood to hear there is a nature reserve so close to Delhi. Enjoyed the photos and thanks for the explanation of their lack of colour.
ReplyDeleteGreat photos Stewart!
ReplyDelete