National Chambal Sanctuary, UP

Protected area around possibly the most pristine river system in the plains of India, the Chambal. Is home to some critically endangered species such as the Gharial, Indian Skimmer and the Gangetic Dolphin.

12 unique species photographed here

Indian Thick-knee

Thick-knee,

Pied Kingfisher (leucomelanura ♀)

Kingfisher,

Temminck's Stint

Stint,

Bar-headed Goose

It's awe-inspiring to consider that this pair probably made it to Central India after an epic flight over the Himalayas. They'll stay here a few more weeks before heading back to their summer grounds in the steppes.

Goose,It's awe-inspiring to consider that this pair probably made it to Central India after an epic flight over the Himalayas. They'll stay here a few more weeks before heading back to their summer grounds in the steppes.

River Lapwing

Lapwing,

Small Pratincole

There was a beautiful sunset happening behind me, but I missed nothing, because this Small Pratincole let me get so close to it that I could see the sunset reflected in its eye.

Pratincole,There was a beautiful sunset happening behind me, but I missed nothing, because this Small Pratincole let me get so close to it that I could see the sunset reflected in its eye.

Indian Scops Owl

Owl,

Common Spoonbill (Breeding pair)

This pair of Eurasian Spoonbills are either slipping into our out of the breeding plumage, as you can tell from the colouration on the neck and on the bill.

Spoonbill,This pair of Eurasian Spoonbills are either slipping into our out of the breeding plumage, as you can tell from the colouration on the neck and on the bill.

Indian Skimmer (Mating pair)

After a lot of flirting and cavorting this pair of Indian Skimmers settled down for the business end of their courtship.

Skimmer,After a lot of flirting and cavorting this pair of Indian Skimmers settled down for the business end of their courtship.

Indian Skimmer (in flight)

Skimmer,

Long-legged Buzzard

A Long-legged Buzzard surveying its options for the next hunt from the river bank.

Buzzard,A Long-legged Buzzard surveying its options for the next hunt from the river bank.

Ruddy Shelduck (in flight)

Shelduck,

Indian Grey Hornbill

Hornbill,

Indian Skimmer (Pair)

My first sighting of this species. The preservation of the Chambal ecosystem may be key to their survival.

Skimmer,My first sighting of this species. The preservation of the Chambal ecosystem may be key to their survival.