Asian Openbill

 The Asian Openbill or Asian Openbill Stork (Anastomus oscitans) is a large wading bird in the stork family Ciconiidae. This distinctive stork is found mainly in and around the Indian subcontinent. It is mainly greyish white with glossy black wings and tail and the adults have the beak with a narrow gap formed by the arched upper mandible and recurved lower mandible. Young birds are born without a gap in the bill and this structure is thought to be an adaptation that aids in handling their main prey of snails. Although mostly resident within their range, they make long distance movements in response to weather and food availability.

- Wikipedia

Generally these birds are seen in flocks around the water bodies. These are huge birds. 

On my way to my factory site in Gondia, i got hold of a lone Stork sitting besides a small temporary water body near the road.

Luckily, i was not driving and saw this beautiful birdie, stop the car a bit far away from the Asian Openbill.

They are shy, so started clicking from a distance first before getting closer, as i wanted to make sure, i have some good snaps before coming to its notice.

 Oh, and guess what?? My first click of these amazing bird, and i got it in its TRADEMARK position. One leg up. The position we have always remembered of these big birds since our childhood.

 Getting nearer slowly and trying hard not to be spotted, i got some more clear shots. With this very small adventure of mine playing hide and seek, i realized, how much effort it takes for our soldiers to get closer to our enemies, who are constantly watching for them with weapons in hands. SALUTE.  

 Oops...... Spotted.... One wrong step and it alerted the birdie... Shit.. I wanted to get close for some better shots.... 

 And it started flying off in scare... But i got an opportunity to get this shot of the amazing White Stork taking off. I LOVE THIS SHOT OF MINE.. and this moment i thanked the almighty power for my THAT WRONG STEP... I learned here practically - JO BHI HOTA HAI ACHE KE LIYE HI HOTA HAI..

 And its going away, for a new place to find its prey............Alone..........

 Gliding........................................................

 Looks awesome when they fly...............

 These birds looks awesome in their natural habitat... For that matter every bird do.....

 But sadly, we are working very hard and dedicated to destroy the natural habitat of the animals and birds for our homes. We are shrinking their numbers and exploding our population, for our luxury things we are destroying our mother nature. 

 This pic reminds me that, like us, even they have the right to live, eat, fly freely, without human intervention..
Always remember, they came first.. They have atleast equal right, if not better.

And it flown away, in search of a place where there is friendly human environment, and not with people who destroy them to show their FALSE power before Nature.........

See you again next time buddy...............