Small Indian Pratincoles roosting

[Paramvir Singh]

Photographed these Small Indian pratincoles (Glareola lactea) at Nandur Madhyameshwar.
This is when I realised I need to save up, or take a loan for, a 600mm lens, or better, an 800mm one.

This photograph is shot with a Nikon 80-400 G at 400mm. I can extract crops but a lens would be better. Most birds I photographed here were beyond the scope of my lens, and they were too shy for me to slowly approach them. Maybe its because of extensive human activity in this area.

[Mrudul Godbole]

Good to see pratincoles roosting in such big numbers. I agree bird photography can be difficult with a smaller focal length lens, but sometimes even 600mm or 800mm lens will not be enough. Cropping will definitely ruin the details. You can try using a hide or a gunny bag and sitting at one place. Then there is a chance that slowly the birds start coming closer. At one place, I found that the birds were comfortable with the villagers going closer, but used to fly off when we approached. Dressing like a villager might also help :). Thanks for sharing.

[Paramvir Singh]

I did sit for about 45 minutes, but a steady stream of local fishermen kept the birds alert! I have to visit again early one morning to get better shots.

[Roopak Gangadharan]

nice scene...common problem with birds.

TFS
Roopak

[Sabyasachi Patra]

Good to see so many of them roosting. Bird photography often demands longer lenses. So it becomes tough.

As far as lenses and other equipment is concerned, I believe in the "Buy Once, Cry Once" philosophy. Lenses retain their value for a long long time unlike cameras. So buying a long telephoto lens, though costly, will be a one time pain but asset for the long run.
Cheers,
Sabyasachi