[robimahanta]

Ever since I saw a friend’s stunning photos of the great hornbill from Valparai last year, I couldn’t stop thinking about capturing them myself. So, when I got a short break last month, I packed my camera gear and headed to Valparai—a place I’ve visited many times but never for this purpose. This trip was all about the hornbills.

The great hornbill, also known as the "forest guardian," is one of the most iconic birds of the Western Ghats, and Valparai is one of the best places to spot them. Known for their striking appearance—vivid yellow and black casque atop their large beaks and bold black and white plumage.

They are often seen in pairs or small groups, soaring gracefully across the canopy or perched high on branches. Their deep, resonating calls can be heard from far away, guiding photographers and bird enthusiasts to their location.

Every sighting felt magical, watching these giant birds take flight or perch gracefully was unforgettable.

All images shot on a Canon mirrorless with 600mm, few with the phone.

Starting with some in flight images of a female









A juvenile in flight



Some male bird flight images







Couple flying together





With a lovely flowering tree backdrop





Few portraits in good light







Some more flight shots







Flying over tea plantations





Near waterfalls





Trying out some silhouettes









A lovely clean perch

[robimahanta]

Other birds and the Lion tailed macaques

Hill mynahs



Symmetry



Minivet in flight



Asian Fairy bluebird (looks like the Yamaha colors)







Crested Eagle



Malabar Barbets







Rufous Bellied Eagle



Some LTM's







Volunteer near the makeshift canopy bridge for the LTM's



Niligiri Langur



Beautiful landscapes





Waiting in the rain for the hornbills



My trusted ride for the trip





That's all for all. Cheers!

[graaja]

Moving thread from Assembly Line to Travelogue section.

Thanks a lot for sharing this wonderful Photologue Robi. Awesome captures of the hornbills and other birds. I will add this to my wishlist now.

[dave7377]

Excellent Photographs sir.

Are these

Malabar Parakeets

or Malabar Barbet. From the beak, looks like barbet.

Will it be possible for you to share locations where we can find hornbill in Valparai, and some birding guides, if possible.
It has been on my long time bucket list.

Thanks & Regards

[robimahanta]

Originally Posted by dave7377

Excellent Photographs sir.

Are these or Malabar Barbet. From the beak, looks like barbet.

Will it be possible for you to share locations where we can find hornbill in Valparai, and some birding guides, if possible.
It has been on my long time bucket list.

Thanks & Regards

Thanks. Sorry I made a typo..they are indeed Barbets.

[Chillout]

Lovely captures, the hornbills continue to blow me away with their majestic looks especially in flight and your pictures do complete justice to them. Have been twice to Valparai, but haven't been able to sight them. The picture of the languars are also so good. Have to appreciate those makeshift bridges by the forest guards and thoughtful signs to slow down

[majumon]

Brilliant capture and it is indeed amazing to see these birds, they are also there in Dandeli. Had been to Valparai but could only sight the LTM never knew of so much variety of birds. How early did you start to capture the different birds? Thoroughly enjoyed watching your picture story.

[souvikjana83]

I once saw a Hornbill in Wai, Maharashtra when coming back towards Pune.



I was so surprised as I have never seen one in Maharashtra. I clicked it using my phone camera which was not very high end. Nonetheless worth a shot.

[Samurai]

Originally Posted by robimahanta

Ever since I saw a friend’s stunning photos of the great hornbill from Valparai last year, I couldn’t stop thinking about capturing them myself. So, when I got a short break last month, I packed my camera gear and headed to Valparai—a place I’ve visited many times but never for this purpose. This trip was all about the hornbills.

Great photolog... I am too lazy to go to them, I expect them to come to me.

They are really loud, I jumped out of bed when I heard first.

[vrprabhu]

Originally Posted by souvikjana83

I once saw a Hornbill in Wai, Maharashtra when coming back towards Pune.

I was so surprised as I have never seen one in Maharashtra

If you're lucky, you can spot several in Pune University campus.

From what I have heard, Ratnagiri has several spots where they nest.

[wheeledwanderer]

Amazing capture, my words make no justice for the elegant photography skills you have. Which camera did you use? Can you share the spec?

[robimahanta]

Originally Posted by wheeledwanderer

Amazing capture, my words make no justice for the elegant photography skills you have. Which camera did you use? Can you share the spec?

Thanks. These were shot with a Canon R5.

[Mumbaiker]

Awesome Photologue. Superb inflight images ! thanks for sharing.

[Lloyd]

Originally Posted by robimahanta

Ever since I saw a friend’s stunning photos of the great hornbill from Valparai last year, I couldn’t stop thinking about capturing them myself. So, when I got a short break last month, I packed my camera gear and headed to Valparai—a place I’ve visited many times but never for this purpose. This trip was all about the hornbills.

Awesome pictures, Robi. Thanks for sharing. Will there be local guides taking us to the hornbill spots? Is there any specific room stay/resort nearby which will be easier to spot the birds? Can you please share some details? Thanks.

My insta profile:
https://www.instagram.com/awesome_bioworld/

[robimahanta]

Originally Posted by Lloyd

Awesome pictures, Robi. Thanks for sharing. Will there be local guides taking us to the hornbill spots? Is there any specific room stay/resort nearby which will be easier to spot the birds? Can you please share some details? Thanks.

My insta profile:
https://www.instagram.com/awesome_bioworld/

Thanks. I stayed in the Anally estate and the locals there helped. Not sure about guides as such. Also this is a very seasonal thing, only during the months of September and October where you can spot them in large numbers