Brown Fish Owl - one more rarity in Haryana

While walking along the largish canal near Gohana town, a big owl flying to and fro in the eucalyptus trees, feeling uncomfortable with me in his territory, eventually got settled in his perch across the canal. It was April 2007. This was not an uncommon owl till early 80s in suitable habitat in my countryside, always along the various branches of Western Yamuna Canal and Drain Number 8. I had seen this owl species nesting in Bhindwas Lake also. But in the last 20 years or so, this is the only sighting; perhaps in the entire Delhi region.

Tawny Eagle - extinct in the Delhi region and Haryana

This is the Tawny Eagle which I had photographed in January 2007 in the Thar Desert, Jaisalmer. This resident eagle, was not uncommon in the Delhi/Haryana region till 70s, but today, it is extinct in these parts of the country.

Countryside this morning (25 Oct 09)

Indian Roller's population is declining due to habitat loss and massive use of chemicals in the farming sector. Nice to see this one perched on electric wire.

This Rufous-tailed Shrike, was sitting next to the Indian Roller and when I was going to click, it emitted this tiny bomb. Sure, not out of fear of man.

White-tailed Lapwing, probably a pair, is a wintering migrant to my countryside.

Olive-backed Pipit, though could identify with certainty as it was perched high on the wire.

Two spiders in my house. Caught one in my camera. Don't know its name, though.