This is one of the widely spread species of Bird which can be found in Indian subcontinent, this bird is a State bird of Uttar Pradesh also. This is the tallest flying bird in the world standing at a height of 180 Centimeters, size of adult Sarus Crane is between 140 to 160 cm. The overall color is gray and dirty white, the upper neck and head is bright red in color. The bare red skin of the adults head and neck is brighter in breeding season. In my village there are nearly 6 pairs that i have count in different locations, these are the birds of wetland areas the natural habitat for this bird is diminishing fast as many farmers are seizing and turning the open uncultivated land into farms. Sarus Crane is an omnivorous bird, they feed on marshes, berries, seeds, roots, insects, frogs etc.
According to a survey in Bareilly done by forest department revealed that the state bird of Uttar Pradesh faces increasing threats from insecticides and chemical fertilizers present in most of the area`s water bodies in Bareilly. The population of Sarus has increased from 143 to 158 including 14 chicks in the past one year in Bareilly area. These images are taken in Bareilly District of Uttar Pradesh, with a 200mm lens it is very difficult to capture the images of these birds as they maintain the safe distance from humans and other predators. I have taken these images nearly 15 Km away from my home and at that moment i do not have my proper photographing kit with me what i have is 55-200mm lens attached with my camera, when i saw them i decided to take images but i have to go very slowly near them because i do not want myself to be noticed. Moving slowly nearer and nearer i finally get these images.
This was my second chance when i say this bird so close, it looks so beautiful i cant explain, from that moment i decided to take my photographing equipment with me where ever i go. While photographing these birds i can hear the hissing sound they make i think that want to say "Hey do not come close to us" and finally after taking a long flight they make a loud far-reaching trumpeting sound which was very loud and clear, and they begin their flight to the unknown journey.
At that moment i was an amateur photographer and i do not have much knowledge of rules and regulations to be followed while photographing wild animals, but after working constantly in different locations and conditions reading books and lots of PDF files on photography attending seminars and workshops you become perfect and gain knowledge of how to behave in wilderness and you start giving respect to wild animals.
