Nice Indian Food Pictures photos

Black Kite (Milvus migrans)

Image by Umang Dutt
Explored at # 473 on Sept 17 2008

1/2500s, f:6.3, ISO:800 300mm
Wish there was a little more light that day :)

The Black Kite (Milvus migrans) is a medium-sized bird of prey in the family Accipitridae which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards, and harriers.
European and central Asian birds (subspecies M. m. milvus and M. m. lineatus respectively) are migratory, moving to the tropics in winter, but races in warmer regions such as the Indian M. m. govinda (Pariah Kite) or the Australasian M. m. affinis (Fork-tailed Kite), are resident.

In the northern winter, it is therefore common to have a resident race and a distinguishable migrant form present together in these hotter areas.

In the United Kingdom, the Black Kite occurs only as a wanderer on migration. These birds are usually of the nominate race, but in November 2006 a juvenile of the eastern lineatus, not previously recorded in western Europe, was found in Lincolnshire.

Black Kites will take small live prey as well as fish, household refuse and carrion. They are attracted to fires and smoke where they seek escaping insect prey. They are well adapted to living in cities and are found even in densely populated areas. Large numbers may be seen soaring in thermals over cities. In some places they will readily swoop to take to food offered by humans, their habit of swooping to pick up dead rodents from roads often leads to them being hit by vehicles. They are also a major nuisance at some airports where they are considered important birdstrike hazards.

The Black Kite can be distinguished from the Red Kite by its slightly smaller size, less forked tail and generally dark plumage without any rufous.

The Black Kite nests in forest trees, often close to other kites. In winter, many kites will roost together.

Mayhem at the drop off

Image by Mr eNil
A typical scene including, centre right, one of the most inquisitive fish we know - the Six-bar Wrasse.
Every time we wanted to take a photo of a scene or a particular fish these wrasses would swim in front of the lens - BUT - try and get one to pose for its own picture and you would be onto a loser ! ! ! - they just want to be everyone else's picture - Grrrrrrr !

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Diwali

Image by pixieclipx
This was danced on, as seen in the next picture, during a lunchtime
celebration of Diwali, India's Festival of Lights. Taken in the lunchroom
at a Silicon Valley software corporation. Indian food and sweets was also
served. Very nice company.