Purple Swamphen - Kole Wetlands of Kerala

[Dileep Anthikad]

This one is from my home ground.

Kole Wetlands of Thrissur, Kerala is declared as Ramsar site and it comes in central Asian - Indian flyway of migratory birds.

Around 170 species of birds are found here. I spend my mornings here while at home. Many birds visit this area in large flocks. Last year I spotted a flock of 1,200 Small Partincoles, 1,000 Glossy Ibis, around 400 Golden Plovers (species list goes on…).

Camera settings: f/5.6, 1/1600, ISO-400. Had to spend almost an hour in the mud to get this one into the paddy fields from the bund wall with disturbing backgrounds. I think at the end it's worth waiting.