Sunderbans diary Jul-19

[Vipin Sharma]

Just back from swamp of sunder bans , what a trip to conclude.
Changeable Hawk-Eagle DARK MORPH is one of the most common raptor in Sunderbans. They come with two different morph. The pale and the dark morph. During nesting a mix morph can happen and is not a rare sight to see a nest with mix morph. The result is 50% chance of either morph. The dark morph can be told by mainly dark plumage variation but can also appear very dark brown such as in this picture here. This one here is an adult. Perch well for us to view and photograph.
Canon 5D M IV , Canon 500mm f/4 + 1.4 converter , ISO-1600 , EC +1/3 , Hand held , f/8 , 1/640.

[Mrudul Godbole]

The dark plumage makes it look so enigmatic. Loved the side profile look. Have never visited Sunderbans in the monsoon season, how were the sightings? Thanks for sharing.

[Vipin Sharma]

The dark plumage makes it look so enigmatic. Loved the side profile look. Have never visited Sunderbans in the monsoon season, how were the sightings? Thanks for sharing.

Indeed dark plumage make this bird more mesmerizing , we also came across the normal pale morph as well.
Sighting was good for us , saw two tigers swimming across the island.

[Saktipada Panigrahi]

Nice sighting. The dark colouration of CHE is rare in Indian Sundarbans. Lovely image. Thanks for sharing. SaktiWild

[Sabyasachi Patra]

Great to see this one. Yet to see a dark morph there. Great to hear that you sighted tigers as well. Thanks for sharing.

Cheers,
Sabyasachi

[Sandipan Ghosh]

Magnificent bird of prey...excellent