We Also Blog, Write & Shoot!
While on the last leg of our road trip in Odisha, an impulse took us to the Bird Sanctuary at the Mangalajodi Wetlands, on the northern edge of Chilika Lake. In a span of 2.5 hours we spotted 30 species in multiple numbers of these beautiful winged creatures as we glided across on our flat bottomed wooden boat.
During our staycation in the hills at a nature retreat surrounded by a mixed forest around Shimla in Himachal Pradesh, the verdant and sylvan surroundings were home to many different species of birds. And here, I was blessed to sight these beautiful creatures time and again in their various moods; about 35 different species of birds out of which 25 I managed to capture through my lens, a mere 300 mm. Here I share some of my birding encounters and experiences with pictures.
The tale of our jeep safaris and sightings at Nagarhole National Park (Tiger Reserve) in Karnataka, South India. My impressions of the imperial beast were only from William Blake’s The Tyger, Maneaters of Kumaon, Life of Pi and Nat Geo Wild inspite of having visited many sanctuaries earlier! Did the much anticipated encounter with the regal predator happen?
A 2 week road trip took us through 2000 year old Buddhist caves in Dambulla, the 5th century AD Sigiriya Lion Rock Fortress, our tryst with wildlife at Udawalawe and Bundala, whale and dolphin watching at Mirissa, a stint at stilt fishing (a dying tradition), getting close to sea turtles at a conservatory and more.
Jaisalmer – Beyond the Golden Fort, Havelis and Sand Dunes. We spotted the Great Indian Bustard, amongst the heaviest flying birds, the number having dwindled to 300, critically endangered now, amongst clumps of sewan grass and ker trees. The ‘Godawan’ is the state bird of Rajasthan, endemic to India. Also viewed vultures, eagles, chinkara, coursers, wheatears…
Sasan Gir near Junagadh in Gujarat (India) is home to the Asiatic Lions found only here in its natural habitat. Gir National Park is a declared sanctuary since 1965. Gir offers both the Gir Jungle Trail in the core forest area and the Devalia Park Safari which is more like an open zoo.
Adrift Couple 