Eagle Brahminy Kite

Brahminy Kite

Picture of the day. More by him here.

Comment by Pandiyan.

A tough shot

Shaky boat, low light, unpredictable flight patterns, Arun and Nila distracting me as they tried to get good shots. Difficult set up for catching a bird in flight. I shot almost 20 shots are so. Except for group shots this was the only one passable.

This was in one of those mangrove inlets in Langkawi where the boatmen tempt kites and eagles with fish as a kind of special show for the tourists. As soon as they hear the boat, scores of them swarm the place and it was total pandemonium. If you are there for the first time, it all moves so fast. Some fish thrown in the water and the boat moves away. All these birds swoop down and it is all over in minutes.

I understand there are some animal interest groups calling for a ban. But this is such a lucrative practice it is going to be difficult for that. It would need some serious education, wider perspective and creative options.

This is a Brahminy Kite. The next photo is much more detailed if you want a proper look. But that bird is sitting idle with a bored look as you can expect them to be in an aviary.