Some birding mornings go exactly how you imagine them.
And some feel completely silent.
This was one of those slower mornings.
We were out birding at a wetland, but after almost two hours, I had clicked barely around ten photos, and those too were mostly of very common birds like Red-whiskered Bulbuls and Red-vented Bulbuls. Nothing unusual, nothing exciting. At that point, I was honestly just thinking about packing up and leaving.
And that’s when nature decided to surprise me.
I suddenly noticed a bird fly in and perch on a tree nearby. It wasn’t close enough for me to properly see details or colours, so my first thought was simple:
“It’s probably some kite.”
Still, I started walking towards it slowly.
And then it called.
The moment I heard the sound, I froze. It was a call I had never heard before.
I immediately pulled out the Merlin Bird ID app to identify it, and within seconds the name appeared on my screen:
Indian Grey Hornbill.
I was instantly over the moon.
Very quietly, I moved closer and realised it was perched comfortably on a tree. But there was one problem its back was facing me. No matter where I stood, I just couldn’t get a proper view of its face.
So the only option was to wait.
And wait I did.
For almost half an hour, I stood there hoping it would just turn slightly. Finally, after what felt like forever, it moved just enough for me to capture its face.
That was my moment.
I quickly got a few shots, and honestly, I was happy. Not because they were perfect, but because I had earned them through patience.
Of course, I still hope for another sighting someday where the hornbill fully faces me in good light. But even this encounter felt special enough to completely change the day.
What started as a slow and disappointing outing suddenly became a memorable one.
About the Indian Grey Hornbill
The Indian Grey Hornbill is known for its long curved bill and distinctive calls, which are often easier to notice before spotting the bird itself. Unlike the larger and more dramatic hornbill species, this one blends surprisingly well into trees despite its size.
In Goa, sightings of the Indian Grey Hornbill can be considered uncommon during certain months, while at other times they can feel quite rare, making every encounter exciting for birders.
This sighting reminded me of one important thing about birding:
You never really know when nature decides to reward your patience.
A quiet day can suddenly become unforgettable in just one moment.
If you enjoy bird photography, you can also follow me on Instagram for more moments from the field.
See you in the next one.
Happy birding. 🐦📸