Black necked stork - male

[Kaustuv Chatterjee]

It was resting on its hocks and got up as we approached. This male made a fine sight in its habitat. These storks are fiercely territorial and live in pairs. The female has a yellow iris and the male has a black one. growing to a height of 5
ft and with their sword like bill, they are not be trifled with. Apparently the Mir Shikaris (old tribal Bihari bird hunters) had a ritual of passage for their bridegrooms. They had to catch a Loh Sarang (black necked stork) alive before they could marry. The practice was stopped after 1920 when a youth was killed in such an encounter.
Shot with the Nikon D 90, Nikkor 70-300mm VR, at 300mm, ISO 200, 1/800 - F/6.3

[Saktipada Panigrahi]

Nice image. Looks strikingly handsome even against such vast marshes - well composed. Thanks for sharing.SaktiWild

[Mrudul Godbole]

Nice display of habitat. Liked the composition. The lighting was difficult. Thanks for sharing the information.

[Roopak Gangadharan]

Lovely scene. Nice compo and write up...some intresting info. Tough lighting scene ....a slight positive EC might have brought out more details in the bird but that will overexpose the BG..

TFS
Roopak

[Sabyasachi Patra]

I agree that lighting is not favourable. Slight head turn and you would have got a better catchlight.

The information is interesting. With a long dagger like bill, a jab would pierce the body.