Capturing the Splendid Common Hawk Cuckoo in Bhondsi Nature Park
If you’re passionate about bird photography, you’ll know there’s something utterly compelling about documenting unique species in their pristine habitat. The allure intensifies when the scenario involves the vibrant, rainy landscape of the Indian monsoon. In this post, I’m excited to share my exhilarating pursuit of photographing an elusive bird species, the Common Hawk Cuckoo, at Bhondsi Nature Park in Gurgaon. This journey to perfection was made possible by my dependable gear, a dynamic duo, the Canon EOS 90D camera and the Sigma 150-600mm Contemporary lens.
Monsoon Magic at Bhondsi Nature Park, Gurgaon
In the periphery of the bustling city of Gurgaon, hidden away from the everyday hustle, lies a sanctuary for nature and bird photographers — Bhondsi Nature Park. This verdant oasis comes alive during the monsoon season, as the trees and shrubs drape themselves in a vibrant shade of green, and the air hums with the symphony of countless birds. This picturesque setting offers the perfect stage to capture the beauty of our star performer, the mesmerizing Common Hawk Cuckoo.
The Indian monsoon is a celebration of life at Bhondsi Nature Park. The rain breathes new life into the region, resulting in an influx of diverse bird species. However, the real show-stealer of the season is the Common Hawk Cuckoo, affectionately dubbed the “Brainfever bird.” Its distinctive presence and elusive nature make it a highly sought-after subject for wildlife photographers.
The Enigmatic Common Hawk Cuckoo
The Common Hawk Cuckoo (Hierococcyx varius) is a fascinating bird, known for its hawk-like appearance and a distinct, repetitive three-note call that often sounds like “brain-fever,” leading to its popular nickname. This bird is as elusive as it is captivating. Its apt camouflage blends seamlessly into the foliage, making it a challenging but rewarding subject to capture.
Navigating through Bhondsi Nature Park, the characteristic ‘brain-fever’ call of the cuckoo echoed through the trees. It was a melodious beacon guiding me towards my subject. As I pursued the sound, I was reminded of the significance of the right equipment in wildlife photography. Without the proper tools, capturing the elusive Common Hawk Cuckoo would have been next to impossible.
Equipped for Excellence – Canon EOS 90D and Sigma 150-600mm Contemporary Lens
Photographing birds, particularly elusive ones like the Common Hawk Cuckoo, requires not just patience and skill but also a powerful camera and lens combination. For this task, I had equipped myself with the formidable pair – the Canon EOS 90D and Sigma 150-600mm Contemporary lens.
The Canon EOS 90D is a robust piece of machinery, boasting an impressive 32.5 Megapixel APS-C sensor that guarantees crisp, high-quality images with stunning detail. One of its most remarkable features is its swift and accurate autofocus capability, making it a reliable tool for photographing quick-moving subjects like birds. This DSLR’s weather-sealed design is a bonus, especially in the unpredictable weather conditions that the Indian monsoon is known for.
Pairing the EOS 90D with the Sigma 150-600mm Contemporary lens was a strategic choice. This lens offers the necessary zoom range, allowing photographers to maintain a respectful distance from their subjects while still being able to capture high-quality images. It also features an Optical Stabilizer function, vital in capturing sharp images even at slower shutter speeds, which was crucial for documenting the Common Hawk Cuckoo in all its glory.
The Moment of Triumph
With the monsoon shower drizzling down, I ventured into the wet trails of Bhondsi Nature Park. Guided by the Common Hawk Cuckoo’s calls, I finally spotted it perched majestically on a remote tree branch. With the Canon EOS 90D’s superior autofocus system, I zeroed in on the bird swiftly. The Sigma 150-600mm lens, with its generous zoom, allowed me to frame the bird perfectly amidst the rain-laden greenery.
The result was nothing short of stunning – a striking image of the Common Hawk Cuckoo, its plumage slick from the rain, against the backdrop of the lush monsoon landscape. The beauty of the bird, combined with the captivating monsoon landscape, resulted in an image that was a celebration of the vibrancy of nature.
My experience of capturing the Common Hawk Cuckoo at Bhondsi Nature Park during the monsoon season was undoubtedly a thrilling one. My dependable gear, the Canon EOS 90D and Sigma 150-600mm Contemporary lens, played a crucial role in this successful endeavor. They were the perfect tools for the task, illustrating the convergence of the right subject, at the right place, with the right equipment.
Remember, while having top-notch gear is beneficial, a good photographer is defined more by their skill and their ability to utilize their equipment to its full potential. Whether you’re an experienced bird photographer or just starting out, I hope that this post inspires you to venture into the great outdoors and capture the incredible beauty that nature has to offer.
Let’s continue exploring, continue photographing, and most importantly, continue learning. Because every shot teaches us something new, and every image tells a story. Here’s to capturing more such stories!
