Indian Nightjar/Bandipur

[Praveen Siddannavar]

My first image of this species, missed it at Tadoba few years ago, then at my farm and finally made it again at Bandipur. We were returning back from the evening safari and had almost reached the exit gate opposite to the reception, when this nightjar suddenly flew & sat on the middle of the safari track. During this time our headlight were off. Fortunately I had noticed it and alerted our driver pradeep who stopped the jeep at a safe distance. Initially I tried to take some shots in the dark but was unsuccessful, I then requested pradeep to switch on the headlights for few seconds and managed this image at ISO1600.

Camera - Canon EOS 1D Mark IV, 500mm

Av 4
Tv 1/30
ISO 1600
Focal length 500mm
Handheld
Date and Time : 25th Dec'11 @ 6:25pm

[Mrudul Godbole]

Good sighting. I liked the eye contact. I photographed this bird in Bharatpur, but its eyes were closed and it was in a dense vegetation :(. Thanks for sharing.

[Sabyasachi Patra]

I have difficulty in identifying the various nightjars. During the daytime it becomes very difficult to spot them as they have excellent camouflage. Thanks for sharing.

Cheers,
Sabyasachi

[Dr. Kalpamoi Kakati]

Nice catch.Eye contact is good.Thanks for sharing.

[Roopak Gangadharan]

Nice Sighting.....the red eyes are unmistakable in the night

TFS
Roopak