subroto mukerji Loc: New Delhi, INDIA

I'm not sure whether the Green Pigeon is a rare bird or not, but it sure is a rara avis as far as I'm concerned: this is the first time in my life that I've actually seen one, let aside photographing one ...
I believe there are many sub-species of Green Pigeon, varying with the region and terrain. Apparently, it is found in many parts of India and Sri Lanka, and some places in south-east Asia. Its call is very different from that of the common rock pigeon, and it doesn't seem to nest in buildings at all, preferring building a very untidy nest, laying two eggs and raising the young within a matter of five to six weeks. I've heard them calling in mango groves in my youth, but their plumage offers such excellent camouflage that spotting one would have been a miracle of sorts.
This time, as if to make up for all the past disappointments, it decided to cooperate and pose for my camera, albeit at a distance of about 45 yards. These shots were taken with a Nikon Coolpix P510 at full optical zoom (180mm = 1,000 mm) to full digital zoom (360 mm = 2,000 mm). Drastic cropping in some photos means upto 5,000 mm. Photo quality is so - so, but I am grateful even for these ...I hope you enjoy them.

It was early morning, and a chilly breeze had sprung up...


He looks back anxiously at his mate, she's prone to colds !


In the event, he needn't have worried: she'd donned her Chinchilla !

Happyclicker Loc: West Mids, UK

Looks good against the pure blue sky......nice composed shots but have you applied some sharpening?

subroto mukerji Loc: New Delhi, INDIA

Thank you ! And yes, sharpening tools are there to be used ! But it all boils down to the quality of the original ... no amount of sharpening will make a blurred picture sharp unless one descends to the molecular level of photo manipulation -- and I don't think that is possible at this point of time.

Happyclicker Loc: West Mids, UK

I didn't mean to slate the images it's that I'm new to DSLR's and what you can achieve in post manipulation so was just curious as to whether you had a play with the images. Wish I was half as good at taking such images.....

subroto mukerji Loc: New Delhi, INDIA

Just for your information, the Nikon Coolpix P510 is NOT a dslr -- it is a point-and-shoot camera on steroids ! If I were to use a dslr to get such images, I'd first need to get myself a super-tele-zoom lens that might cost around $20,000, if not more -- and weigh several kilograms ! I would need to mount the whole rig on a heavy and very stable tripod, not get away with handholding the little Coolpix, as I always do.
I'm glad you enjoyed the images...I did what i could with the originals, using Nikon's ViewNX2 and Photoshop for PP (post processing).

cosmo54 Loc: Easton, PA but will travel for photos

I love them just the way they are. Very unusual bird. Thank you for sharing

subroto mukerji Loc: New Delhi, INDIA

You're most welcome ! Thank you for looking in ...

angler Loc: StHelens England

Excellent shots Subroto.

BigAl Loc: Lincs UK

Smashing shots, laugh,like the idea of camera on steroids

gregoryd45 Loc: Fakahatchee Strand

very nice, subroto mukerji, beautiful colors

Photog8 Loc: Morriston, FL

Nice capture. I love my p510...for the money it does a bang up job.

carlysue Loc: Columbus

This pigeon is certainly brighter in color than ours that hang out locally. I like your shots, composed well and the perch and flowers surrounding the birds enhance their colors.

Erv Loc: Medina Ohio

Wow!!! Very nice!! You did a great job in every way. Thanks for sharing this beautiful bird. I get to see so many beautiful things from around the world here!! Thank you!
Erv

subroto mukerji Loc: New Delhi, INDIA

Hi Angler ! Thanks :D

subroto mukerji Loc: New Delhi, INDIA

Thanks for looking, Bigal :D