Usher

More of Usher

The lost Usher

Since the past four odd months, 6 in the morning I get a nature call. Not mine but a street dog's, who almost owns the apartment I stay in. After the last guy in the apartment enters, the building gate is usually latched. And since I am the only one who stays in the ground floor, I have no option but to adhere to the growling wake up calls from the dog, whom I would name, 'Usher'. He sure has lots of stories to tell us.

But for now, I need to get back to work.

Kes, Bird of Prey

Continuing one of my childhood past times - bird watching (more or less the kites/eagles/hawks/vultures). Feel nostalgic. Back then, a heavy Russian binoculars borrowed from my cousin was all that I had. Now it is a Canon 350D.

The Brahminy Kite (Haliastur Indus) is a familiar bird of prey and is often mistaken to American national bird - Bald Eagle. In India it is considered as the contemporary representation of the mythical Garuda.

Vital statistics :
Medium (43-51cm), wings long broad rounded; tail short and rounded when fanned. Head, neck, breast white; rest of body bright chestnut; primaries tipped black; feet yellow.

Call : Described as a thin mewing scream kweeaa or kyeeer usually while soaring.

In flight : Long but broadly angled wings. Slow deep flapping.

World distribution : India through China to the Philippines and Australia.

Breeding : During mating season (November-December), Brahminy Kites perform aerial acrobatics. They mate on or near the nest. Keep an eye on the sky towards the end of the year.

They are very tolerant of humans. For more images, click here.