Oriental White-eye
It was our third visit to Gir
National Park. We started our morning safari at 6 o’clock. While entering into
park we discuss with our guide that we are interested in lion but more in
birds. While passing through the track near a water-stream we saw flock of Oriental
White-eyes and they were bathing…! It was early morning but atmosphere was
pretty warm on that day. Oriental White-eyes settled in the water and took a
cool shower, after a hasty dip, quickly shook itself dry of the excess water
and flew away or sat at the water’s edge. Some others were take their place to
quench thirst or take a quick dip. They were all very excited to be around the
water and were waiting for own turn to take the plunge. Very soon more of them
joined for morning bath and we were happy to freeze them in the act. It was
amazing to see these birds thoroughly enjoying their bath. We enjoyed until we
realized that we were stopping by the water stream for almost 30 minutes. Then
we quickly record the moment and decided to go further in search of lion.
Oriental White-eye is identified
by the distinctive white eye-ring and overall yellowish upperparts. This bird
is small (about 8–9 cm long) with yellowish olive upper parts, a white eye
ring, yellow throat and vent. These white-eyes are sociable, forming flocks
which only separate on the approach of the breeding season. Oriental white-eye
will also eat nectar and fruits of various kinds. This little cute bird looks
too pretty in morning light. We never saw them in this much number especially
bathing altogether. They were continuously chirping, bathing and drinking water
one by one, systematically preforming all actions so swiftly…! Whenever we
recall the trip the whole scene just come up in our mind.
22nd March 2015
Gir National Park, Gujarat, India
Nikon D7100
AF-S Nikkor 300mm F/4D IF-ED + AF-S Teleconverter TC-14E
f/5.6, 1/400, ISO -
2500
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