Zunka Bhakri......

Macro 50mm with extension tube

2011-11-24T05:01:00.000-08:00

Hemidactylus (House Gecko)

Happy Birthday

2011-11-05T12:54:00.000-07:00

Velneshwar

2011-11-01T23:25:00.000-07:00

Velneshwar is about 170 km from Ratnagiri, in Maharashtra, India. It's a sleepy, quiet village with a nice, clean and beautiful beach lined with coconut trees.

It is possible to swim there as the beach is free from rocks. There is an old Shivkalin Shiva temple near Velneshwar which is frequently visited by pilgrims; a haven for those in search of quiet mysticism in the ethereal presence of the master mystic - Lord Shiva.

This place is the root of the Gokhale, Gadgil, Govande, Savarkar,Velankar family and their deity. It is known that all Gokhale in the world originated from this place.

velneshwar bhati(fishermen's wharf)

velneshwar beach

Red-backed Sea-eagle also known as Brahmini Kite

Yellow Wagtail

Water is Life

Blue Rock Thrush

I am Starving, Who's on the Menu? (Red-backed Sea-eagle also known as Brahmini Kite)

Dont worry Baby Mommas here

She is my GirlFriend you bloke.., Keep away from Her (Green Bee Eater)

White-browed Bulbul

Black Kite

Jungle Prinia

Who am I?

Black Drongo with Yellow Jacket Wasp(Gandhilmashi)

Black Drongo with Yellow Jacket Wasp(Gandhilmashi)

Yeah 'Shit' hain Badi

Water is life

Wet Beauty - Rufus Treepie drying itself after a stream bath

Indian Robin

Purple Sunbird

Shikra - Ever vigilant Raptor

Kid having fun

Visit to Farm..

2011-10-17T05:43:00.000-07:00

Common Birds

2011-10-14T12:20:00.000-07:00

GreatIndianBustard Sanctuary Naanaj

2011-10-09T23:55:00.001-07:00

Kaas Plateau

2011-09-19T08:17:00.000-07:00

................................................MORE pics to come....

Bhigwan in Rains

2011-08-31T12:28:00.000-07:00

Been to bhigwan last sunday with varun, though it drizzled n rained most of time we had 30-40 mins of rain free time where managed to click few shots

Weekend Fun

2011-08-21T08:24:00.001-07:00

Visit to Farms

2011-08-14T13:20:00.000-07:00

rainy afternoon

2011-08-10T04:10:00.000-07:00

Sunny or Rainy; Eating never Stops :)

Baya's are Back

2011-07-18T09:23:00.001-07:00

Opportunistic Munia, Adamant Baya

Pair of Spotted Munias saw vacant nest of Baya weavers; like opportunistic they got into it, n with in few minutes Baya weaver arrived at her nest n shooed away illegal occupants.

Oriental WhiteEye

Ashy prinia loves literally to sit on Fence :)

Barn owl visits building on regular basis, pair of them issue is so far they prefer sitting on 6th/7th floor parapet; someday will get it on lower floors n get better shot

15 June Lunar Eclipse in rainy clouds n gusty winds

2011-06-16T11:45:00.000-07:00

Poor attempt to document Lunar Eclipse in rainy clouds n gusty winds as
clouds n drizzle played spoilsport last night though stayed up late n clicked few shots whenever had glimpse of moon; more than copper-red/orange one loved extreme bright one when it just started moving out of earths shadow Lunar eclipse, light coming from the Sun is refracted around the earth's sphere (horizons) onto the surface of the moon covered by the earth's shadow. The light is therefore scattered around the disc of the Earth towards the red end of the spectrum causing the Moon to glow a fiery copper red. perfect example of Rayleigh scatter.

Rescued Indian Pitta

2011-05-28T11:07:00.001-07:00

An hour ago while taking night walk in building compound, noticed a stray dog puppy rushing to a tree in parking corner, so investigated what was rush for this puppy; there saw a bird on ground, after going close was amazed to see Indian Pitta, looks like it had fallen from tree in sleep and this puppy was dying to eat it; shooed away dog, my wife agreed to protect it from dog as well vehicles coming to parking lot. Got a small carboard box, with my wifes help got this beauty into it, put few rice grains inside box n kept it on balcony dark corner; spoke to Pinakin of Trekdi who has given his friend PranavPandit(09623176740) who could help take this bird tomorrow to wilderness if it still stays inside cardboard box.

Koel, Crow Pheasant

2011-05-26T07:57:00.000-07:00

IPL4 - Pune Warriors Fan

2011-05-13T13:06:00.000-07:00

Thailand(Bangkok Pattaya)

2011-05-07T01:09:00.000-07:00

............

On trail of Tiger @ Tadoba-Kolsa

2011-05-01T00:18:00.000-07:00

Location, Accommodation and Food
Stayed at Tiger Motel Resort in Moharli area of Tadoba-Kolsa-Andhari National Park, The accommodation and food were very average, though hotel has plenty of unused green land but overall not properly managed n built. Even as a Maharashtrian I would honestly advice people to stay away from this state as far as tourism goes; you rarely get any value for money even after paying through your nose, general attitude is pathetic even in service/hospitality industry.
We stayed there for 3N/4D, 4 safaris we took enabled us to see the whole park, not just the areas most likely to produce a tiger sighting. It also gave plenty of time for bird watching and looking for the less spectacular but equally interesting mammals. Also having same guide and driver meant we were able to build a rapport. By the end of the 4th safari we had become friends.

Sightings All safaris started in an open jeep, though wanted to do one tiger viewing from elephant back but that has to wait for next Tiger safari. Tiger remained elusive for most of safaris, we heard many langoor as well sambar,spotted dear calls but failed to get any sighting of tiger as well tigress with 3 month old 3 cubs. On final safari when we had almost finished our safari n started back for main gate, lady luck smiled on us and we had a chance to see a full grown tiger for good 7-10 mins sitting on mud road(salt-lick) at just 10 feet's distance. Apart from tiger we had many prominent sightings
Leopard - Had a chance to see male leopard tying to kill monkeys on a nearby tree to waterhole as well saw it crossing park road as kill attempt failed.
Sloth Bear - Bear at waterhole and then crossing the road
Wild Dogs/Dhol - Pack of 7-8 dhols Deer - Spotted, Sambar, Barashinga, Barking Nilgai, Gaur, Mongoose, Hare. My bird count was over 60+ species! The highlight was the tiger spotting above!

Tiger Safari : A Typical Day We had a 04:45 alarm call!! quickly got dressed, everyone made sure they have ample drinking water with them, Met for a cup of tea and headed to the park ready for 06:00 entrance. We would then drive for around 4 hours before returning to camp for breakfast, this about 10 minutes. After lunch at 13:00; Afternoon safari started at 14:30 and lasted until dusk/18.30. We had 4 safaris in a row but each one different and hugely enjoyed. For those staying a shorter time it was more a case of 'tiger fever'. We were able to relax more. Weather Summer Heat! Temperatures around 40C but overall best time to spott tiger due to scarcity of water in jungle so good chances to see this majestic animal around active water holes!!!

Conclusion Overall yet another exciting visit to our National Parks, even if you dont get to see tiger or any other predator just enjoy jungle, smell of flowers-trees, noisy cicadas, chirping of birds, quietness and frustration with explosion of excitement after any sighting is worth every trip.
Nature never disappoints for sure.

Photos
Leopard As decided over dinner previous night, we left as early as possible for morning safari on 2nd day, after entry at main gate, we had not driven even couple of hours we saw one of NationalGeographic vehicle on main road, it seems an Leopard had just crossed road and gone to nearby bamboo thicket. Just few mts away NatGeos other 2 vehicles with camera crew and other with audio technica microphone and DAT recorder was parked few mts away form a waterhole. They signalled us they can get leopard low pitch growls; so though of giving it a try and wait along with them. Afterall leopard sightings are becoming rare n rare now a days in jungles. There was a group of monkeys at waterhole, one of monkey from top of a tree was giving Leopard calls; but still as they were sure of it sitting behind bamboos they were enjoying themselves. All of a sudden monkeys ran for their life and we saw this leopard chasing one of monkey but it seems monkeys were quick this morning n Leopard failed to hunt any of it. Leopard sure was frustrated; it sat at waterhole for a moment and then decided to move to other potential area. It was an adult male, such an beautiful and graceful animal.

Sloath Bear After lunch n small break we left for first days afternoon safari; after entry at main gate we drove inside park; we had crossed 3-4 kms and saw two other safari jeeps looking at left side, seems they spotted a Sloath Bear at waterhole few mts away, we too stopped n tried to spot it, after few mins there was some movement at waterhole n we were excited to have seen a black patch; after having water n its short splash in water sloath bear decided to cross road n dash off to other side of forest.All the jeeps moved in one direction so not to scare off bear n make possible viewing for every one to see this nocturanl creature cross road in broad day light. Bear took 2-3 mins, it crossed road and disappeared in bamboo thickets.

Wild Dogs/Dhol First days afternoon safari we waited at a waterhole for 1.30hrs expecting an Tigress n its 3 cubs; but Tigress didnt came to water till 6pm, as park closes at 6.30pm n we were 20-30 mins drive from main gate we decided to leave n try during next days safari. We had crossed almost half distance n in a thicket one of Wild Dog aka Dhol was spotted, all we could see was its tail n some body part, so though we were still half distance away we thought of giving it a try, in 2-3 mins pack of dogs came out as they wanted to cross road n move to other side. Beautiful sighting of this pack with 6-7 dogs, observing them seems like they had strict protocols or hierarchy; Alfa male appeared first then may be second in command male/female, juveniles followed n in end again one of grownup male/female. # Pack of Wild Dogs is considered as most ferocious hunters; big pack can bring down even full grown tiger if any confrontation happens, generally tigers avoid Dhols packs We had luck with them for 5 mins; watched them n then left for Main gate n made it just in time around 6.28pm.

Tiger Only tiger spotted during this trip; at an amazing close distance, not more than 10 feet's away from vehicle. Had this sighting out of sheer luck, it was spotted around 6.10pm when we were speeding to reach main gate before 6.30pm. Best part was got to experience tigers salt lick as well soil lick for mineral contents. Some of mammals do it during summer, that too not very frequently so we not were lucky to only sight this majestic beauty but see its soil licking from a close distnance for few minutes. Post soil lick, it urinated on trees,bushes to demarkate its territory and walked towards an alarm giving spotted dear in thickets.

Sambar stag Sambar stag took its own sweet time to cross road, it was alert atsame time curiously looking at our vehicle. May be it was saying 'Welcome to our Home, enjoy it responsibly' Sambar Family

Indian Gaur Dont Mess with us, our horns are polished sharpened this morning itself; Indian Gaur looking at us visitors so carelessly Wild Boar
Spotted deer making it to waterhole before Tigress n its cubs arrive
National Geographic team waiting at waterhole for Tigress and her 3 cubs, meanwhile herd of spotted deer cross road behind them

Eagle quenching its Thirst as well taking Bath

Changeable Hawk Eagles Nest

Common Hawk Cuckoo Oriental Honey Buzzard Grey Jungle Fowl with its Chicks Black Shouldered Kite Brown headed Fishing Eagle White eye Buzzard Common flameback Woodpecker Female golden oriole kept coming back to window; she took reflection in glass pane as other oriole n was extremly vocal with it. Mongoose firmly belives in leaving no stone unturned with food search Spotted Owlet Indian Roller with Spider Crow Phesant first photo 2 coucals fighting it out at sunrise Kingfisher Rufous Treepie Montagues Harrier chasing juvenile lapwing in second pic Park Tuskers enjoying dust spray to keep off summer heat Black Ibis Purple Heron Monkeying Around ID pls (serpent eagle?) Eurasian Openbill Crested Serpant Eagle

River Tern

Pond Heron

Darter

ID pls

Mahua trees at sunset

Lovely seting Sun

Lovely winding road inside Park

Other
Playful Squirrels

Water Lily

Honeycomb

Rock Agama

DragonFly

MTDC Kolsa lake RestHouse

Video

On trail of Tiger @ Bandhavgarh

2011-04-23T20:31:00.000-07:00

Bandhavgarh Tiger National Park

Tiger remained elusive for this safari; out of 4 park safaris got to saw 2 yr old cubs from close distance but only for 2 mins as they were sighted around 6.20pm, as park closes on 6.45pm all vehicles were returning to entry gates for out time stamp; suddenly one of jeep sighted this 2 cubs n since there was only 5 mins possible to stay at this spot, 12 odd jeep tourists wanted close view/Dardhan of them it was an frenzy; though it was getting dark almost every jeep had their share of 1-3 mins watching tiger.

Other than that as far as Tiger goes this was an disappointing trip but like wisely said jungle never disappoints you, every visit it throws some new species as well gives chance to experience new events. We had luck to experience an Male Sambar stag crossing mud road; when it decided to cross road all it took was 3-4 sec for it to cover over 100 ft distance in 2 jumps n when it landed on other side of road we could feel ground shaken. Then had a chance to experience amazing swiftness of Rat snake.

more later.....

Visited : Maghdi(2) and Khatuni(3) zones
Stayed at : Tigers Trail, comfortable accommodation in lap of nature

Pond at Tiger Trail resort

Khatuni Zone

Monique Monkey

8 Singha spotted dear crossing road

Sambar Male stag

Only sighted tigers 2 year old ones(other is not clicked) though one is not supposed to use Flash lights in Forests; all I had was 2 minutes n it was 6.20pm n was dark; so i had no choice but use flash n click few shots.

Common rose in action

Roufous TreePie

Dragonflies in action

Indian robin checking out Ant nest for food as well Mud for its nest

WhiteEye

Spider

Palas flower

Babblers

White bellied Drongo

Black headed golden Oriole enjoying Mahua nectar

Parakeets enjoying Mahua nectar

Crow Phesant

Juvenile Shikra

Magpie Robin

Spotted Dove

Honey Buzzard

Indian Roller

Black shouldered Kite

Grey Hornbill

Spottd dear calf seperated from its herd

Cobra/Rat Snake?

Prinia enjoying Nectar

Wooly necked Stork

Adjutant Stork

Rose ringed Parakeet

tickles blue flycatcher

paradise flycatcher

indian nightjar, camouflaged superbly on fallen dry tree trunk

Yellow footed green pigeon

great cuckoo shrike

long billed vulture

grey hornbill

white eye buzzard flies off

white eye buzzard alert after our presence

Mongoose made sure there were no vehicles on road, dashed off to cross it.

indian roller with wasp

Oriental Honey Buzzard quenching its thirst before sunset

peacock taking its own time to cross park road

changeable hawk eagle flies off

fresh tiger pug-mark in zone 2

alexandrine parakeets

egyptian vulture

long billed vulture on top of mahua tree

Tourist waiting patiently in 10s of Jeeps at zone3 water hole, just for an glimpse of Indian Tiger

all set for trip

2010 Bandhavgarh Trip

Birding at Bhigwan II

2011-03-27T23:12:00.001-07:00

Been to Bhigwan in Feb this year; due to good rains everywhere very few migratory birds were seen in feb; so wasn't very keen on visiting it but after speaking to local expert Marutikaka who promised to take to a colony of Painted storks, thought of giving it a shot, trip was tiring due to scorching sun but was worth it.

Nest colony of many birds like Painted Stork, Grey Heron, Cormorant, Night Heron, Pond Heron, BlackHeaded White Ibis; mostly from security point of view.

Painted Stork gurding its nest.

Grey egret on guard

Marsh Harriers hovering to find unattended nests

Painted stork chicks

Grey Heron guarding its Nest

Juvenile cormorant

Painted stork n Night heron

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gull with fish

Watch carefully, what Gull is looking at? (checkout above 3 pics for clue :|)

Suns too harsh, n some pollution

Brownheaded Gull soares for Fishing

Gargany

Glossy Ibis

Juvenile openbill

Brahminy Kite guarding its nest

Lower bottom Tern has a Fish and top one is trying to chase it to steal it

Spoonbill

Shots at Sunrise

Previous(Feb) Birding at Bhigwan

Lohgad

2011-03-14T10:30:00.000-07:00

pavna dam seen from lohgad

Taj, Gateway

2011-02-26T12:55:00.001-08:00

Night Trail @ Tamhini

2011-02-20T01:02:00.001-08:00

Sailor

DayMoth

Over a week old Pugmark of Leopard

Jerdons nightjar hit by an vehicle

Wolf spider

ID pls?

Do not disturb - work in Progress

Shadow of Moth roosting on leaf

Birding @ Bhigwan

2011-02-11T01:23:00.000-08:00

Wanted to visit Bhigwan since last 2 years; was able to visit this well known Bharatpur of SothIndia this time. Reached bhigwan around 6am; booked an auto for rest of the day (till 3pm). As soon as got in auto n started moving towards kumbhargaon, was surprised to see many white ibis encircling nearby Neem trees, as well there were few crow pheasants still in slumber n at such close distances so that if wished I could have picked 1 or two of them.

Reason I find it strange; much of households near bhigwan railway station burn coal to keep houses warm as well earthen cooking stoves. Due to which entire area was engulfed in smoke which was difficult for visibility but those Ibis had no issues with such polluted area. They were happy encircling trees where they might have roosted that night.

Auto driver was extremely cool n never once showed unnecessary hurry to leave. Best part was this lady who not only took me in her boat to show only 3 flamingos at diksal that day but understood how to approach birds so they do not get disturbed as well she knew what was against light photography.

As this was weekday; I was only birder in kumbhargaon n there were only 2 more at diksal. Had luck with few birds at close distance n managed to click few good shots;
IMHO if one needs to enjoy birding as well get some good shots, Solo or very small group is the key. It not only gives one plenty of time to stay in any location as well birds too do not care much for an individuals movements in its vicinity.

Overall very nice place, though as per regular visitors hardly any birds this year. Also Bhigwan being on Pune-Solapur highway; no dearth of ST buses, its not exaggerarion to say almost a bus every 15 minutes.

Sharing photos from this wonderful trip ; nJoy.

# lens af sensor isnt working hence almost all are clicked in manual mode. lens to go for servicing

Where art thou Mr boatman? Am getting late for my appointment

Ek khayee machli our Ek bhooka; bahoot nainsafi hain bhai

In deep thought
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Have you seen Boatman? I need a ride to go across lake

Northern Shoveler

Ooi maa, cant flirt with 3, i am outta here

Marsh Harrier

Who moved my snack? mwaa mwaa

Hamari maange poori karo

Purple Heron

Great Reef Egret

Common Tern

Great Egret

Some strecthing before snacking begins?

Rudy Shellduck

Glossy Ibis

Purple Heron

Purple Swaphen/Moorhen

Shikra was chased by 2 crows; they made sure it fled.

Mother Coot n chicks

Whoa finalyy some yummy snack

Booted Eagle?

This blackwinged stilt has fault in both of its legs?

Coot on PurpleMoorhens favorite Spot

I am hungry too, would you care to share some

Tragedy

Typical Coot fights to show Supremacy

Purple swamphen didnt liked Coot in its favorite spot, it came charging n made sure to Shoo away Coot. Off my Spot

Grey heron n wolly necked stork; dived to same spot for Fish; heron landed few secs earlier n had mouthfull of Fish, all stork could do was
show frustration