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christy bharath

@contentbirder

Birdwatcher I Writer https://teapawt.org/t.co/1BjB17AJfh

 Chennai, India
christybharath.substack.com/
Joined June 2012
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  • Followers6.2K
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Photo by christy bharath (@contentbirder)Photo by christy bharath (@contentbirder)Photo by christy bharath (@contentbirder)Photo by christy bharath (@contentbirder)Photo by christy bharath (@contentbirder)Photo by christy bharath (@contentbirder)Photo by christy bharath (@contentbirder)Photo by christy bharath (@contentbirder)Photo by christy bharath (@contentbirder)Photo by christy bharath (@contentbirder)
It took 7 years for me to photograph these 25 sleeping owls. All you need to spare is 25 seconds. #spottedowlets #birds #IndiAves #Chennai
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Hey folks, I wasn't fired by Elon Musk, and I don't care which jet-flying tech bro owns Twitter. They all seem like sanctimonious clout chasers. However, so do we. Also, I'm here to share my love for #birds. So, please watch this spotted owlet be angrily cute for 10 seconds.
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In 2020, I decided to tweet a bird photo daily, 5 times a week. I've since been surprised by how many of you loved #birds. But lately, it feels like a chore as I tweet, even when I have nothing to say. So, I'll return whenever I do. Until then, here's a spotted owlet for you.
A spotted owlet, my soul bird, staring a hole into my heart - photographed in Chennai.

ALT A spotted owlet, my soul bird, staring a hole into my heart - photographed in Chennai.

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If it weren't for an impromptu trip to #Kodaikanal, a gorgeous hill station in south India, a decade ago - my life may have turned out very differently. I don't think I'd have even become a birdwatcher. So, thank you for everything, dear Kodai. For this rosefinch too. #birds
A common rosefinch in an uncommonly beautiful part of the world - photographed in Kodaikanal

ALT A common rosefinch in an uncommonly beautiful part of the world - photographed in Kodaikanal

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Guided birdwatching tours are very bittersweet. While it's easy to photograph new #birds and learn about their habitats, I feel like I'm in the backseat of my own journey. It's why I prefer going solo. Plus, nothing beats unexpectedly seeing a flame-throated bulbul. #Kodaikanal
A flame-throated bulbul in the hills of South India - shot in Kodaikanal

ALT A flame-throated bulbul in the hills of South India - shot in Kodaikanal

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The hills of south India come alive with the silent screams of city folk looking for a break from urban life. Whenever I go there, the Indian white-eye is one of the first #birds that visit me. They're like stress balls that come alive when I need to depressurize. #Kodaikanal
An Indian white-eye in the hills of south India - shot in Kodaikanal

ALT An Indian white-eye in the hills of south India - shot in Kodaikanal

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The plum-headed parakeet continues to be one of the most trafficked parakeets in India. Even though they officially safeguarded by the Wildlife Protection Act, black market traders continue to trap these #birds and sell them to the most heartless bidders. #BirdsOfKerala #Kerala
A plum-headed parakeet (male) in a meditative mood on a misty morning - shot in Kerala.

ALT A plum-headed parakeet (male) in a meditative mood on a misty morning - shot in Kerala.

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It's 8:00 AM. An Indian eagle-owl suddenly takes off. Love carpet-bombs my heart as tiny explosions erupt inside my chest - each louder than the last. But then, the owl turns mid-air and lands nearby. It's 8:01 AM. Love declares my heart a no-fire area. #birds #owls #Chennai
Yesterday's encounter with a rock eagle owl - shot in Chennai.

ALT Yesterday's encounter with a rock eagle owl - shot in Chennai.

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In India, black kites were once known as pariah kites. "Pariah" is a casteist slur meaning "untouchable" or "outcast." Even today, some still use their former name. While untouchability has been abolished by law, it remains woven into the mindset. #birds #Chennai #BirdsOfChennai
Two Black Kites perched outside a garbage dump, unconcerned about the politics of colour - shot in Chennai.

ALT Two Black Kites perched outside a garbage dump, unconcerned about the politics of colour - shot in Chennai.

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I had to fight with my parents for years to pursue a writing career. In the process, I dropped out of 2 colleges, cut ties with the family business, and left home. Becoming a birdwatcher was easier. Once upon a time, I saw an Indian roller. The rest is my story. #birds #Chennai
An Indian roller becoming one with the blue sky - shot in Chennai.

ALT An Indian roller becoming one with the blue sky - shot in Chennai.

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It's 7:30 AM. I wipe the sweat off my brow and tip-toe, ungracefully, like Elmer Fudd. I'm getting ready to shoot. But instead of hunting an anthropomorphic rabbit, I'm looking to photograph a sleepy spotted owlet. It's 7:32 AM. "What's up, doc?" #birds #BirdsofChennai #Chennai
A spotted owlet not pleased about being disturbed on a lazy Sunday morning - shot in Chennai.

ALT A spotted owlet not pleased about being disturbed on a lazy Sunday morning - shot in Chennai.

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Last morning, I ran into an Indian paradise flycatcher. It has been 3 months since I saw one. But it has felt like 3 years. That's how much these #birds spellbind me. So, despite this moment lasting barely 3 seconds, it felt like 3 decades. #Chennai #BirdsOfChennai
An Indian paradise flycatcher visiting me after 3 long months, during a weekend hike - shot in Chennai

ALT An Indian paradise flycatcher visiting me after 3 long months, during a weekend hike - shot in Chennai

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Sick of people's trivial reasons for picking the most livable city? Let's start judging cities by how they treat migrants. It includes displaced humans hoping for a better life and migratory #birds like blue-tailed bee-eaters looking for a warmer winter. #BirdsOfChennai #Chennai
Blue-tailed bee-eaters sitting on a thorny branch - shot in Chennai.

ALT Blue-tailed bee-eaters sitting on a thorny branch - shot in Chennai.

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In 2021, I had to pick between working out and birdwatching on weekdays. Since I had gained a lot of weight, I chose fitness. But in 2022, having lost 17 kgs, I decided it's ok to wake up and reprioritize. This week, it led me to a rock-eagle owl. #birds #BirdsOfChennai #Chennai
A half-sleepy, half-annoyed eagle owl bored with my presence, as it rightfully should be - shot in Chennai

ALT A half-sleepy, half-annoyed eagle owl bored with my presence, as it rightfully should be - shot in Chennai

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I'm a 1%er by default because, as a birdwatcher, I belong to a very small percentage of the world's population. I hope the number doesn't go up. I'm not a "the more, the merrier" type of birdwatcher. Give me 100% more sun-kissed hoopoes, instead. #birds #Chennai #BirdsOfChennai
Image from christy bharath (@contentbirder)
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The common kestrel is one of my favourite #birds because their valor is uncommon. This small raptor doesn't take crap from intruders, even eagles thrice their size. Do they always win? Perhaps not. But to stand up and fight is already a victory of sorts. #Chennai #BirdsofChennai
A common kestrel rests after a heavy breakfast of field mice - shot in Chennai.

ALT A common kestrel rests after a heavy breakfast of field mice - shot in Chennai.

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