Chhari Dhand Wetland Reserve Part IV : Water Birds (Part I)

   Chhari Dhand is a seasonal marshy wetland in Banni grasslands (see the intro post explaining about Banni and Chhari Dhand here) on the southern edge of the Great Rann of Kutch. The seasonal lake is home to a large number of birds in winter, including numerous water birds.(See previous posts on the Great White Pelicans and the Common Cranes)

An Eurasian Spoonbill and a Black-winged Stilt at Chhari Dhand

lit by golden light of sunrise 

Gear: Nikon D7200 with AF-S Nikkor 200 - 500mm F/5.6E ED VR

Exif: 500mm, f/5.6, 1/1000 sec, ISO 320

DoP: Nov 22

Loc: Chhari Dhand, Kutch, Gujarat, India

   Did you know that the Eurasian Spoonbill and Black-winged Stilt are called as the 'Gajpaon' and 'Chamcha' in Hindi, which transliterates into Yard-Leg and Spoon respectively.

An adult Eurasian Coot apparently squawking with joy 

  

Gear: Nikon D7200 with AF-S Nikkor 200 - 500mm F/5.6E ED VR

Exif: 500mm, f/5.6, 1/640 sec, ISO 320

DoP: Nov 22

Loc: Chhari Dhand, Kutch, Gujarat, India

A Juvenile Eurasian Coot giving meditative looks

Gear: Nikon D7200 with AF-S Nikkor 200 - 500mm F/5.6E ED VR

Exif: 500mm, f/5.6, 1/640 sec, ISO 450

DoP: Nov 22

Loc: Chhari Dhand, Kutch, Gujarat, India

Cattle Egret over cattle (a Banni Buffalo calf) in Chhari Dhand

Gear: Nikon D7200 with AF-S Nikkor 200 - 500mm F/5.6E ED VR

Exif: 500mm, f/5.6, 1/2000 sec, ISO 500

DoP: Nov 22

Loc: Chhari Dhand, Kutch, Gujarat, India

   

Chhari Dhand Wetland Reserve Part III : Common Crane

   The number of Common Cranes which are found during their wintering in the Banni Grasslands in general and Chhari Dhand in particular is absolutely astounding. They are found grazing the grasslands like any herd of cattle.

   The  Common Cranes which winter in the Banni Grasslands adjoining the Rann and other parts of Western and Central India belong to the Western Siberia and migrate via Afghanistan and Pakistan.

A juvenile and an adult Common Crane foraging the grasslands of Banni

Gear: Nikon D7200 with AF-S Nikkor 200 - 500mm F/5.6E ED VR

Exif: 440mm, f/5.6, 1/1600 sec, ISO 1100

DoP: Nov 22

Loc: Chhari Dhand, Kutch, Gujarat, India

Common Cranes flying and grazing at Chhari Dhand

Gear: Nikon D7200 with AF-S Nikkor 200 - 500mm F/5.6E ED VR

Exif: 480mm, f/5.6, 1/1600 sec, ISO 450

DoP: Nov 22

Loc: Chhari Dhand, Kutch, Gujarat, India

A couple of Common Cranes at Chhari Dhand

Gear: Nikon D7200 with AF-S Nikkor 200 - 500mm F/5.6E ED VR

Exif: 500mm, f/5.6, 1/1600 sec, ISO 640

DoP: Nov 22

Loc: Chhari Dhand, Kutch, Gujarat, India

A sedge of Common Cranes

Gear: Nikon D7200 with AF-S Nikkor 200 - 500mm F/5.6E ED VR

Exif: 500mm, f/5.6, 1/1600 sec, ISO 280

DoP: Nov 22

Loc: Chhari Dhand, Kutch, Gujarat, India

Chhari Dhand Wetland Reserve Part II : Pelicans

   Chhari Dhand in the winter season is home to a great multitude of birds.

   But the most amazing unbelievable numbers are of the Great White Pelicans and the Common Crane.

Kutch is the only breeding location in India of the Great White Pelicans, a rather big flying bird.

Great White Pelicans in the golden light of sunrise

Gear: Nikon D7200 with AF-S Nikkor 200 - 500mm F/5.6E ED VR

Exif: 500mm, f/5.6, 1/1000 sec, ISO 320

DoP: Nov 22

Loc: Chhari Dhand, Kutch, Gujarat, India

Head On: Great White Pelicans in Chhari Dhand

Gear: Nikon D7200 with AF-S Nikkor 200 - 500mm F/5.6E ED VR

Exif: 500mm, f/5.6, 1/1000 sec, ISO 200

DoP: Nov 22

Loc: Chhari Dhand, Kutch, Gujarat, India

Count if you can: a mega squad of Great White Pelicans

Gear: Nikon D7200 with AF-S Nikkor 200 - 500mm F/5.6E ED VR

Exif: 200mm, f/5.6, 1/1250 sec, ISO 125

DoP: Nov 22

Loc: Chhari Dhand, Kutch, Gujarat, India