Indian stone-curlew

Hampi, Karnataka

When we were almost done for birding, while returning I asked Pampayya sir if we can see Indian thick knee. He drove us to a roadside dry area and looked for it from the car itself. He was so confident to get the bird but only challenging part was its camouflage. When he saw it I was damn excited and tried to find it by my own but in vain. Then he pointed with the laser and showed us.

Ohhh boy it was such a delightful experience to be a witness. Its big yellow eyes were constantly looking at us. As we approach it ran away and noticed us from far. It was a very calm and composed big size bird and Up to certain distance they allow. Pampayya sir showed us the eggs and we watched it from far and taken picture zooming our lense. We knew we should not leave any human smells nearby its eggs. We did not take much time there and returned back to the car and see the activities.

After few minutes it again arrived to brood. And we notice the male one was roaming around. Perhaps guarding his partner. I really love its walk or run with its long leg. And its eyes killed me almost. I wish it be safe and hatch new born soon.