Photographer's Gallery
DR. SANTOSH MAHALIK
As a senior pediatric and neonatal surgeon, my professional life has been dedicated to the delicate art and science of healing young lives
Yet, beyond the operating theatre, my heart finds its true rhythm in the vibrant world of birds and wildlife photography—a lifelong passion that has seamlessly intertwined with my commitment to medicine and travel. Driven by curiosity and an explorer's spirit, I have journeyed to every corner of India, braving forests, mountains, wetlands, and hidden sanctuaries in pursuit of rare avian species. Over the years, my camera has captured more than 900 bird species—a record that stands as both a personal milestone and a testament to India's remarkable biodiversity. Wildlife photography, to me, offers a powerful parallel to pediatric surgery: each moment demands patience, empathy, and an unwavering attention to detail. Through my lens, I aim to reveal the mesmerizing beauty, behavior, and ecological significance of our winged companions, inspiring a deeper respect for nature and conservation.
Summit Serenade – Chukar of Ladakh
Perched on a lichen-clad rock in Ladakh’s highlands, a Chukar Partridge calls for its mate, its red bill and bold stripes vivid against the muted alpine tones. In this fleeting moment, its song turns the silent valleys into a living, echoing landscape.
Shot on Nikon Z9, Nikon 500mm f 5_6 PF ED VR Lens with Nikon TC-14E III AF-S, 700mm, f8, ISO 1800, SS 1/800s
Shot on Nikon Z9, Nikon 500mm f 5_6 PF ED VR Lens with Nikon TC-14E III AF-S, 700mm, f8, ISO 1800, SS 1/800s
His Majesty: The Ghost of the Himalayas
Perched on a rugged Ladakh ridge, the elusive Eurasian Lynx reveals itself — a rare glimpse of the Himalayas’ phantom predator. With piercing eyes scanning the barren expanse, it embodies the raw power and solitary grace of Ladakh’s untamed wilderness.
Shot on Nikon Z9, Nikon 500mm f 5_6 PF ED VR Lens with Nikon TC-14E III AF-S, 700mm, f8, ISO 1800, SS 1/800s
Shot on Nikon Z9, Nikon 500mm f 5_6 PF ED VR Lens with Nikon TC-14E III AF-S, 700mm, f8, ISO 1800, SS 1/800s
Edge of the Water, Edge of Survival: Skimmer of the Mahanadi
Gliding just above the river’s surface, an Indian Skimmer cuts through the water with its long lower bill in search of fish. Once widespread but now Endangered, this graceful bird finds refuge on Odisha’s protected sandbars, where conservation efforts fight to secure its future.
Shot on Nikon Z9 with Nikon 500mm f 5_6 PF ED VR Lens 750mm (DX), f5_6, ISO 5600, SS 1/1250s, EC – 0_3
Shot on Nikon Z9 with Nikon 500mm f 5_6 PF ED VR Lens 750mm (DX), f5_6, ISO 5600, SS 1/1250s, EC – 0_3
Never-Ending Errand of a Mother: Coal Tit of Sinthan Top
Amid the soft green glow of Sinthan Top’s high-altitude forests, a mother Coal Tit clings to a slender branch, a beakful of insects ready for her hidden chicks. Her raised crest and focused gaze reflect a moment of pure devotion and agility in the wild Kashmir Himalaya.
Shot on Nikon Z9 with Nikon 500mm f 5_6 PF ED VR Lens 750mm (DX), f5_6, ISO 1100, SS 1/1000s, EC + 0_3
Shot on Nikon Z9 with Nikon 500mm f 5_6 PF ED VR Lens 750mm (DX), f5_6, ISO 1100, SS 1/1000s, EC + 0_3
Leap into the Mangalajodi Morning
On a misty winter morning in Mangalajodi’s wetlands, a Comb Duck ascends, droplets trailing behind, while its mate stays in the emerald wetland below. This fleeting moment reflects a thriving Chilika backwater, reborn through community-led conservation that turned a poachers’ village into a haven for migratory birds.
Shot on Nikon D850 with Nikon 500mm f 5_6 PF ED VR Lens 500mm, f7_1, ISO 1100, SS 1/1600s, EC +0_7
Shot on Nikon D850 with Nikon 500mm f 5_6 PF ED VR Lens 500mm, f7_1, ISO 1100, SS 1/1600s, EC +0_7
Hope on the horizon: The glorious march begins
As the first light of dawn breaks over the horizon, a tiny Olive Ridley hatchling begins its life’s most perilous journey — from nest to ocean. The golden rays of the rising sun illuminate its path, transforming the wet sand into a glowing trail of hope and resilience.
Shot on Nikon Z6 III with Nikon Z 24-120 f4 lens, 120mm, f10, ISO 500, SS 1/800s, EC + 0_3
Shot on Nikon Z6 III with Nikon Z 24-120 f4 lens, 120mm, f10, ISO 500, SS 1/800s, EC + 0_3
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