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The variable wheatear (Oenanthe picata) is a bird of arid semi-desert areas with notable color morphs (variations) three distinct morphs:

1. White-crowned phase (in frame 1): Males have white crown and nape with white belly and black throat; females show earthy brown instead of black parts and buffish bellies.
2. White-bellied phase (Frame 2): Males have white bellies; females have grayish brown replacing black parts and buffish bellies.
3. Black-bellied phase (Frame 3): Males are mostly jet black with white rump and tail base; females have sooty black instead of black.

The variable wheatear (Oenanthe picata) is a bird of arid semi-desert areas with notable color morphs (variations) three distinct morphs:

1. White-crowned phase (in frame 1): Males have white crown and nape with white belly and black throat; females show earthy brown instead of black parts and buffish bellies.
2. White-bellied phase (Frame 2): Males have white bellies; females have grayish brown replacing black parts and buffish bellies.
3. Black-bellied phase (Frame 3): Males are mostly jet black with white rump and tail base; females have sooty black instead of black.

Male sandgrouse, including the chestnut-bellied sandgrouse (in frame), have specially adapted belly feathers capable of absorbing and retaining water, which they transport over long distances to provide drinking water for their chicks.

This unique adaptation allows the male to soak up water at distant waterholes and carry it back to the nestlings, ensuring their hydration in arid environments. Clicked in Tal Chappar in November 2024 ✨

Male sandgrouse, including the chestnut-bellied sandgrouse (in frame), have specially adapted belly feathers capable of absorbing and retaining water, which they transport over long distances to provide drinking water for their chicks.

This unique adaptation allows the male to soak up water at distant waterholes and carry it back to the nestlings, ensuring their hydration in arid environments. Clicked in Tal Chappar in November 2024 ✨

This was clicked in January 2025 at Gharana Wetlands in Jammu, India ✨

In frame you can see two wetland celebrities, The Bar-headed Goose and The Red-crested Pochard.

The Bar-headed geese are renowned for migrating over the Himalayas, including flying past Mount Everest at altitudes up to 30,000ft—higher than any other bird regularly reaches.

Their hemoglobin absorbs oxygen more efficiently than most birds, thanks to a specific amino acid mutation, allowing them to survive and fly in low-oxygen environments. This trait is so effective that researchers study bar-headed geese to better understand how to manage altitude sickness and respiratory conditions in humans. Julia York, a researcher who was involved in the study at UBC, says If we can understand how these processes work, we can more likely apply them to humans.

And the Red-crested Pochard is a striking diving duck, and can remain underwater for up to 30 seconds while foraging, which is longer than many other duck species. Its scientific name, Netta rufina, means ‘red-haired duck’ in Latin.

This was clicked in January 2025 at Gharana Wetlands in Jammu, India ✨

In frame you can see two wetland celebrities, The Bar-headed Goose and The Red-crested Pochard.

The Bar-headed geese are renowned for migrating over the Himalayas, including flying past Mount Everest at altitudes up to 30,000ft—higher than any other bird regularly reaches.

Their hemoglobin absorbs oxygen more efficiently than most birds, thanks to a specific amino acid mutation, allowing them to survive and fly in low-oxygen environments. This trait is so effective that researchers study bar-headed geese to better understand how to manage altitude sickness and respiratory conditions in humans. Julia York, a researcher who was involved in the study at UBC, says If we can understand how these processes work, we can more likely apply them to humans.

And the Red-crested Pochard is a striking diving duck, and can remain underwater for up to 30 seconds while foraging, which is longer than many other duck species. Its scientific name, Netta rufina, means ‘red-haired duck’ in Latin.

Pied Paddy Skimmer, @wwfindia #spotthespecies challenge

Pied Paddy Skimmer, @wwfindia #spotthespecies challenge

The Blue-cheeked Bee-eater is a spectacular bird. Senior Birders often use the term “passage migrant” along with it. It's one of those terms I understand separately, but needed more clarity on its specific context.

As a relatively new birder, I often need to understand the jargon better. So these beautiful predators are frequently seen in India as both a passage migrant and, more recently, a rare breeder. Its movements exemplify the critical importance of Indian habitats for migratory birds, making regions like Gujarat vital waypoints for birds traveling between Eurasia and Africa.

This picture was clicked in Chandu-Budhera Agricultural Wetland in August 2025.

The Blue-cheeked Bee-eater is a spectacular bird. Senior Birders often use the term “passage migrant” along with it. It's one of those terms I understand separately, but needed more clarity on its specific context.

As a relatively new birder, I often need to understand the jargon better. So these beautiful predators are frequently seen in India as both a passage migrant and, more recently, a rare breeder. Its movements exemplify the critical importance of Indian habitats for migratory birds, making regions like Gujarat vital waypoints for birds traveling between Eurasia and Africa.

This picture was clicked in Chandu-Budhera Agricultural Wetland in August 2025.

#sundayslowdown Snippets from today with the Barefoot Birders, Birds and Butterflies. Normal lives made magically relaxing by nature ✨

#sundayslowdown Snippets from today with the Barefoot Birders, Birds and Butterflies. Normal lives made magically relaxing by nature ✨

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