17th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
A Himalayan Monal is jumping over a rock

Male Monal is arguably the most colourful bird found in India. During my East Sikkim trip in India, got to see this beauty many a time but was not getting opportunity to capture it in some different action. Fortunately, got that chance on final day morning when suddenly this Monal appeared in the valley, opposite to where I was capturing some other bird. It was sheer splendour seeing this magnificent bird in the morning light. Got this shot while it was moving from one stone to another. The very first thought came into my mind after capturing this image: rainbow would look very similar if it could have jumped in fully glory!

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 05.2019
Date Uploaded: 11.2019
Photo Location: India
Camera: NIKON D810
Copyright: © Sumanta Basu