Hyderabad Birdwatcher Wins Big For Snap Of Black Drongo Harassing Mottled Wood Owl

In a stunning victory for avian enthusiasts worldwide, Hari K Patibanda, a dedicated birdwatcher hailing from Hyderabad, has soared to the top of the ranks in an esteemed international photography competition. His captivating snapshot, immortalizing a rare encounter in the avian realm¡ªa black drongo engaging in a spirited altercation with a mottled wood owl¡ªhas clinched the coveted title of the best Wildlife photograph by the 35AWARDS jury.

Hari K Patibanda| The Hindu

Patibanda's remarkable achievement comes on the heels of an arduous selection process, where his photograph emerged triumphant from a pool of over 1.15 lakh submissions from photographers spanning the globe.

Following meticulous scrutiny by a 50-member jury across three rounds of voting, Patibanda's image, initially shortlisted among the top 100 entries, ultimately claimed the prestigious accolade.

Captured amidst the picturesque environs of Vikarabad, Patibanda's photograph captures a gripping moment of avian drama, as a diminutive black drongo boldly confronts a mottled wood owl, even in mid-air.

Hari K Patibanda| The Hindu

Shedding light on the behavior of the feisty drongo, Patibanda remarked, "Black Drongoes are known as 'Police birds' or 'Kotwal birds' as they are quite aggressive and don't hesitate to take on birds many times their size."

The 47-year-old IT professional-turned-bird photographer, who entered nine compelling images into the competition, expressed gratitude to the avian enthusiast group Hyderabad Birding Pals for their unwavering support and encouragement throughout his journey.

Reflecting on his passion for birding, Patibanda shared, "For me, birding for the last five years has been a real stress-buster."

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Patibanda's winning shot offers a rare glimpse into the dynamic interplay between two avian species, with the mottled wood owl, an elusive nocturnal dweller of the region, finding itself at the center of the action.

Lexica| Representational Image

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"The Mottled Wood Owl is an elusive denizen of these areas. It is a nocturnal arboreal bird, which means it lives in trees and is mostly active at night," Patibanda elucidated.

As accolades pour in for his extraordinary feat, Patibanda's photograph stands as a testament to the captivating beauty and intrigue of the natural world, inviting viewers to marvel at the intricate tapestry of life that unfolds within our midst.

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