Golden rays of setting sun shining on this Yellow-billed Babbler or White-headed Babbler (Turdoides affinis) turned it to a golden hue. Hungry for insects and lizards it was searching on this tree in a group. Like most babblers they are not migratory, and have a weak flight and is usually seen calling and foraging in groups. They are often mistaken for the Jungle Babbler (Turdoides striata).
That day I was shooting with X Canon EOS 7D fitted with Canon EF 300mm f/2.8 L IS USM + Canon EF 1.4x II Extender. As the light was fading I had to resort to ISO 1600 to get some acceptable shutter speed. These birds hop around a lot and constantly on the move foraging food. ISO 1600 provided me 250th of sec speed and f/4.0. The shutter speed was not good enough to freeze the fine feather details as the plumes of the feather were moving due to the breeze. This also gave the dreamy feel to that magic light.
The Yellow-billed Babbler lives in flocks of seven to ten or more. It is a noisy bird, and the presence of a flock may generally be known at some distance by the continual chattering, squeaking and chirping produced by its members. One member often perches high and acts as a sentinel while the remaining members of the flock forage on or close to the ground. They feeds mainly on insects, but also eat fruit, nectar and human food scrap. They do not fly long distances, they usually gain height by moving up a tree or tall shrub. Black Drongos, Rufous Treepies and Indian Palm Squirrels are often seen foraging near these babblers.
Lovely shot with nice lighting condition.
Evening light has given a special look to otherwise bland looking bird