Wings of Fire

Photographer

Baiju Patil

Category

New York Photography - Wildlife

Company

Submission Group

Professional

Year

2025

Country / Region:

India

In the heart of Dharur, Maharashtra, this daring drongo was captured in a moment of fearless hunting. As summer approaches, sugarcane fields are harvested, and the leftover dry leaves are set ablaze. The rising flames and smoke send insects scattering in all directions. In a display of incredible agility and courage, drongos dive straight into the fiery haze, weaving through sparks and smoke to snatch their prey mid-flight. Working in small groups, they turn the burning fields into a hunting ground, thriving where most creatures would never dare to venture