Karivelloor: Dr Khaleel Chovva, noted birder and former head of the Department of Environmental Sciences at Kannur University, is elated to have captured the first-ever photograph of a black heron (Karibundi) spotted in Karivelloor Kuniyan. The bird, a rare visitor from Africa, marks its first recorded appearance in India.

The bird was initially spotted a few days ago by birder Abhilash at the Karivelloor Kuniyan wetlands. Since then, Dr Khaleel had been patiently waiting to photograph the elusive visitor. Despite spending an entire day in vain, his perseverance paid off when he returned on Sunday evening, although without much expectation. Suddenly, the bird appeared before him and Khaleel kept clicking nonstop, capturing several images of the heron in different postures.

Known for its distinctive hunting style, the black heron preys by spreading its wings wide to form a canopy over the water, creating a shadow that lures small fish seeking shade. With a swift motion, it then snatches its prey from beneath the darkened surface. Only a male black heron has been sighted at the Kuniyan wetlands so far.