Observing bird migration in the UAE is one of the prime birdwatchter´s target. But also the resident species are targets in their own rights. This is true for sure for one of the most colorful birds in UAE, the Indian Roller, Coracias benghalensis, which used to be called the “Blue Jay”. Some people have even described the Indian Roller as a very colorful woodpecker. This species is a member of the roller family of birds. They are found mainly in the Indian Subcontinent, but also in Arabia. A special feature of the Indian Roller is the aerobatic displays of the male during the breeding season. In the Emirates they are very commonly seen in open grassland irrigated in the middle of the desert but also in urban parks and gardens.
Indian Roller are usually seen perched on prominent bare trees or wires or – in that case – water irrigating sticks. Often they fly down to the ground to capture their prey. Although they often sit conspicuously, they watch for a safety distance. This photographed bird seemed to love a particular stick, but flew away when I was walking around on a farm in eastern UAE. In flight the bird showed the full range of beautiful colors in its feathers over green grass. Pictures I could not miss. Other successful shootings you can see under: http://www.bird-lens.com/photos-2/indian-roller-coracias-benghalensis-in-the-emirates/.