Although they are not classified as migratory birds, because they are native to south of Himalayan region and spread well into south as well as south east Asia, still in my neighbourhood lake painted storks will be visiting only in winters. Most common, still most beautiful of the storks, painted storks have been recently added to near threatened list because of there decreasing population. Their total number is estimated around 25 thousand. This year to my pleasant surprise, the number of painted stork visiting this lake in eastern Delhi has dramatically increased. Earlier there used to be hardly a couple. But this season, when they arrived in mid of October, I spotted five of them (See: We are Back). And then suddenly... few days later I was thrilled to see a flock of almost thirty. H...
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Painted storks have been my favourite bird for last few seasons. Big, bright, colourful and adorable. Equally fascinating is there flight. Have always wanted to catch them in their flight. More so when the number is more. Storks fly high, so only time to capture them is when they join the group or are taking off for a new place due to some disturbance. Got some opportunity this time. Was quite fascinating. Isn't it! Have a look!! ...
Read MoreThough November has approached, but still day temperatures are unusually high forcing these two male lions at the GIR national park in Gujarat to be in shade for the most part of the day, so that they can conserve their energy for a kill in the night. Watching a lion in wild is a treat and sighting two of them together is a double bonus. So sharing my festival bonus with my readers! ...
Read MoreWhen it comes to big cats, undoubtedly they sway all the enthusiasm of tourists in their favour. Thats the reason that although forests themselves hold inherent beauty with all important fascinating wild life other than the cats, but when one goes to a sanctuary there is a single point motive of seeing a big cat in wild. If you don't see a big cat in a safari than you will hang your head in disappointment at the end. In this respect, we were fortunate enough to get a good sighting of an adult lioness within first half hour of our safari in GIR national park of Gujarat, only home to Asiatic lions in the world. This lioness was alone and perhaps looking for her cubs (thats what our guide Aasif said). But she remained around our vehicle for more than ten minutes, giving us an eyeful. Have ...
Read MoreMigratory birds are treat to be shot (through camera of course). They are here, in many parts of the peninsular India. This is the most awaited time to visit the bird sanctuaries around. Painted storks are big and beautiful. Its also delightful to see that how amazingly easy they catch there prey- fish indeed. This is a series of images on how a painted stork catches a fish and then turns it horizontal by tossing it up, so that it can easily swallow it down its longed neck. Watch the full slide show till the end- ...
Read MoreNo sight can be more captivating and fascinating then watching the King in its territory. Well here is a queen although... but by no means lesser in beauty and pride. Watching a lioness in wild at just an arm's length or may be less, with nothing in between except hard breath of both man and animal, is perhaps an experience of a lifetime. GIR in Gujarat gives you that in an open jeep safari. Here is one of those alluring images of a lioness- third that we encountered in two safaris last week. ...
Read MoreKausani is all famous for its Himalayan View- a panorama of the Nanda Devi range from Chaukhamba peak to Panchachuli. I am somehow fond of this place and have done many posts about it. But I have always loved these himalayan cities for their flowers too. So bright, blooming. They make such a beautiful contrast with dust & noise free atmosphere, blue sky and white mountains. Range of flowers too is so wide, which we normally don't find in the plains. A look at few of them, which I could find around me every time while we stayed at TRH, Kausani. What a wonderful stay it was! ...
Read MoreIt was heartening to see the couple of painted storks back in the lake. It was bit pleasantly surprising also, because winters this year seem to be arriving bit late as its already mid-October and maximum temperature is still hovering around 35o celsius. So sight of migratory birds in the lake (Sanjay Lake, East Delhi), where we have our daily morning walk, was heart warming. Second surprise was the number- a couple of painted storks have been regular visitors to this lake every winter for last many years. But this time I was pleasantly shocked to see five of them— highest number I have seen so far in this lake. But unfortunately, I was not carrying the camera that day. Next day, when I was fully armoured with my lenses, I could find only two. But still it was a satisfying day with the ca
Read MoreSikandara in Agra is home to one of the greatest kings ever to rule this country- Jalaluddin Muhammad Akbar. He was buried here and his tomb is among one of the greatest structures of the era (See: Here lies a great king). One may say that this tomb misses the grandeur of the another tomb Agra is famous for- The Taj, but Sikandara is what Akbar always wished for- peace and tranquility. What lies the another beauty here is that as soon as you turn your back towards the main mausoleum, you will immediately move to another world. With so many deer galloping around you will feel as if you are in a black-buck sanctuary, so oblivious they are to the tourists coming there, in a testimony to the great man, who rests here. Its an altogether different experience, which makes you to spend more and
Read MoreHow one feels while looking down deep! Is it a feeling of fear... or of being high up then others! Does it make you any humble or too realistic about life! Does it make you feel in thin air! Or it gives you a new meaning to life... A collection of images clicked at various times to reflect upon feeling of 'Looking Down' and my interpretation to them... Just because, I like these photos. Hope you too (See them all)! Looking down at your means to gain height! (Male Airport, Maldives) Looking down at speed you gain to move ahead! (Somewhere in Indian Ocean, Maldives) Looking down at lines nature creates! (Pacific Ocean, Eastern Japanese coast) Looking down at lines we move on! (Singapore) Looking down at jungles we love! (Ranthambore, Rajasthan) Looking down at Jungles we crea
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