Many humans may not realise it, but birds have an attitude.

They land on a tree as though they have been invited to inaugurate it. They perch on my balcony railing as though it belongs to them. They turn their heads at precisely the right angle, fluff their feathers, give you a look and then, just when you raise your camera, fly away.

Some have dignity.
Some have curiosity.
Some have aggression.

And some simply itrate hain.

It is difficult to explain itrana. It is not quite showing off. It is more sophisticated than that. It is the art of making sure everyone notices you while pretending that you couldn’t care less whether they do.

Some birds seem to have perfected it. They don’t give you the ordinary bird pose. They give you the profile. One bright eye. A feather falling perfectly into place. And an expression that seems to say, Yes, I know you are looking at me?

Some birds seem to understand the camera. They know where the light is, where to sit and, most importantly, when to leave. There is usually something going on, a glance, a gesture, a little mischief, that makes the bird feel less like a subject and more like a personality. Some birds are completely unhurried, entirely self-assured, and absolutely certain everyone else will adjust. 

And I am left wondering whether I was photographing a bird, or trying to get a portrait of a very choosy celebrity.

Photos and text by Prerna Jain.