entry smap 224: birds and water

let's face it folks, just because birds are beautiful doesn't mean every single one is a beauty contest aspirant. in my experience it seems some birds aren't really concerned with how they look at all. take for instance...

this Asian Openbill Anastomus oscitans clearly doesn't spend the day preening its feathers and the necklace it's wearing looks like it was found in the leftovers after a flea market. i know that most birds go to great lengths to find a suitable mate but i'm not so sure about openbills. then again maybe this particular individual is making a statement rejecting the norms that are expected of it or maybe it just doesn't care

apparently not all asian openbills share the same sentiment. this 4 -legged youth looks considerably more handsome when it conceals that homely gap in its beak. so there may yet be some hope for this forlorn species in the upcoming beauty contest

i took these photos in Parabwada, Vengurla, India with my Lumix FZ300. they are my property and it is not allowed to share them without my permission