Wednesday, April 26, 2023

Fauna- Mysore 2023

Fauna Mysore- April 9th 2023

On Sunday Morning my friend Vishwanath called and enquired how about Sunday are you free, I said Yes, then we will plan for a bird Photography  in Mysore, along with Sri Dinesh, we three left Bangalore by 9-30 am- reached Mysore by 1 pm had Lunch and we proceeded to Sri Shivakumar [95912-37007] Hide in Mysore.


Mysore area is described as an undulating table land, fertile and well watered by perennial rivers whose waters dammed by anicuts (check dams built across rivers of different sizes) enrich their banks by means of canals. Mysore area is situated in the angular area where the Eastern and Western Ghat ranges converge into the Nilgiri hills. Physio-graphically, the region in which the districts are situated may be classified as partly maidan (plains) and partly semi-malnad (hilly). Cultivated area includes rain fed, irrigated, plantations and hedges.

Mysore city is a home to many different species of flora and fauna such as squirrels, barrel headed millipede, rose ring parakeets, cormorants, Indian hanging parrots, kingfishers, spot billed ducks, resident ducks, painted storks, herons, spot billed pelicans, purple maroon, darter, frogs, horn bills, toads, flower pecker and many others. Mysore is also the city where the largest Indian bird aviary is located. This is situated close to the Karanji Lake and is a home for various bird species such as Indian horn bill, black swan and peacock. According to the tourists visiting Mysore, it is a home for many of those species which they could see only on Television and in newspapers and magazines. [source mysurulive.in]

Indian Grey Hornbill

The Indian gray hornbill (Ocyceros birostris) is a common hornbill  found on the Indian subcontinent. It is mostly arboreal and is commonly sighted in pairs. It has grey feathers all over the body with a light grey or dull white belly.   The horn is black or dark grey with a casque extending to the point of curvature of the horn. It is one of the few hornbill species found in urban areas in many cities where they are able to make use of large trees in avenues.





Black-Rumped Flameback

The black-rumped flameback (Dinopium benghalense), also known as the lesser golden-backed woodpecker or lesser goldenback, is a woodpecker found widely distributed in the Indian subcontinent. It is one of the few woodpeckers that are seen in urban areas. It has a characteristic rattling-whinnying call and an undulating flight. It is the only golden-backed woodpecker with a black throat and a black rump.


Red-Wattled Lapwing

The red-wattled lapwing (Vanellus indicus) is an Asian lapwing or large plover, a wader in the family Charadriidae. Like other lapwings they are ground birds that are incapable of perching. Their characteristic loud alarm calls are indicators of human or animal movements and the sounds have been variously rendered as did he do it or pity to do it leading to the colloquial name of "did-he-do-it" bird. Usually seen in pairs or small groups not far from water, they sometimes form large aggregations in the non-breeding season (winter). They nest in a ground scrape laying three to four camouflaged eggs. Adults near the nest fly around, diving at potential predators while calling noisily. The cryptically patterned chicks hatch and immediately follow their parents to feed, hiding by lying low on the ground or in the grass when threatened.




Common MYNA

The range of the common myna is increasing at such a rapid rate that in 2000 the IUCN Species Survival Commission declared it one of the world's most invasive species and one of only three birds listed among "100 of the World's Worst Invasive Species" that pose a threat to biodiversity, agriculture and human interests. In particular, the species poses a serious threat to the ecosystems of Australia, where it was named "The Most Important Pest/Problem" in 2008.


Javan MYNA

The Javan myna (Acridotheres javanicus), also known as the white-vented myna, is a species of myna. It is a member of the starling family. It is native to Bali and Java. It has been introduced to other Asian countries, and as far away as Puerto Rico.




Oriental Magpie-Robin

The Oriental magpie-robin (Copsychus saularis) is a small passerine bird that was formerly classed as a member of the thrush family Turdidae, but now considered an Old World flycatcher. They are distinctive black and white birds with a long tail that is held upright as they forage on the ground or perch conspicuously. Occurring across most of the Indian subcontinent and parts of Southeast Asia, they are common birds in urban gardens as well as forests. They are particularly well known for their songs and were once popular as cagebirds. The oriental magpie-robin is considered the national bird of Bangladesh.




Red Vented Bulbul

The red-vented bulbul (Pycnonotus cafer) is a member of the bulbul family of passerines. It is a resident breeder across the Indian subcontinent, including Sri Lanka extending east to Burma and parts of Bhutan and Nepal. It has been introduced in many other parts of the world and has established itself in New Zealand, Argentina, Tonga and Fiji, as well as parts of Samoa, Australia, USA and Cook Islands. It is included in the list of the world's 100 worst invasive alien species.


GREY Francolin

The grey francolin (Ortygornis pondicerianus), also known as "manu moa"[citation needed] or "chicken bird", is a species of francolin found in the plains and drier parts of the Indian subcontinent and Iran. This species was formerly also called the grey partridge, not to be confused with the European grey partridge. They are mainly ground-living birds and are found in open cultivated lands as well as scrub forest and their local name of teetar is based on their calls, a loud and repeated "Ka-tee-tar...tee-tar" which is produced by one or more birds. 


The term tee-tar can also refer to other partridges and quails. During the breeding season calling males attract challengers, and decoys were used to trap these birds especially for fighting.




Ruddy Mongoose

The ruddy mongoose (Urva smithii) is a mongoose species native to hill forests in India and Sri Lanka


PeaFowl

Peafowl is a common name for three bird species in the genera Pavo and Afropavo within the tribe Pavonini of the family Phasianidae, the pheasants and their allies. Male peafowl are referred to as peacocks, and female peafowl are referred to as peahens, although peafowl of either sex are often referred to colloquially as "peacocks."

The two Asiatic species are the blue or Indian peafowl originally of the Indian subcontinent, and the green peafowl of Southeast Asia; the one African species is the Congo peafowl, native only to the Congo Basin. Male peafowl are known for their piercing calls and their extravagant plumage. The latter is especially prominent in the Asiatic species, which have an eye-spotted "tail" or "train" of covert feathers, which they display as part of a courtship ritual.


The functions of the elaborate iridescent colouration and large "train" of peacocks have been the subject of extensive scientific debate. Charles Darwin suggested that they served to attract females, and the showy features of the males had evolved by sexual selection. More recently, Amotz Zahavi proposed in his handicap theory that these features acted as honest signals of the males' fitness, since less-fit males would be disadvantaged by the difficulty of surviving with such large and conspicuous structures.




The Indian peacock has iridescent blue and green plumage, mostly metallic blue and green, but the green peacock has green and bronze body feathers. In both species, females are a little smaller than males in terms of weight and wingspan, but males are significantly longer due to the "tail", also known as a "train". The peacock train consists not of tail quill feathers, but highly elongated upper tail coverts. These feathers are marked with eyespots, best seen when a peacock fans his tail. Both sexes of all species have a crest atop the head. The Indian peahen has a mixture of dull grey, brown, and green in her plumage. The female also displays her plumage to ward off female competition or signal danger to her young.



Green peafowl differ from Indian peafowl in that the male has green and gold plumage and black wings with a sheen of blue. Unlike Indian peafowl, the green peahen is similar to the male, but has shorter upper tail coverts, a more coppery neck, and overall less iridescence.

The Congo peacock male does not display his covert feathers, but uses his actual tail feathers during courtship displays. These feathers are much shorter than those of the Indian and green species, and the ocelli are much less pronounced. Females of the Indian and African species are dull grey and/or brown.


Chicks of both sexes in all the species are cryptically coloured. They vary between yellow and tawny, usually with patches of darker brown or light tan and "dirty white" ivory.

Mature peahens have been recorded as suddenly growing typically male peacock plumage and making male calls. While initially gynandromorphism was suspected, researchers have suggested that changes in mature birds are due to a lack of estrogen from old or damaged ovaries, and that male plumage and calls are the default unless hormonally suppressed.



INDIAN POND Heron

The Indian pond heron or paddybird (Ardeola grayii) is a small heron. It is of Old World origins, breeding in southern Iran and east to the Indian subcontinent, Burma, and Sri Lanka. They are widespread and common but can be easily missed when they stalk prey at the edge of small water-bodies or even when they roost close to human habitations.


They are distinctive when they take off, with bright white wings flashing in contrast to the cryptic streaked olive and brown colours of the body. Their camouflage is so excellent that they can be approached closely before they take to flight, a behaviour which has resulted in folk names and beliefs that the birds are short-sighted or blind.



Chipmunks

Chipmunks are small, striped rodents of the family Sciuridae. Chipmunks are found in North America, with the exception of the Siberian chipmunk which is found primarily in Asia.


The northern palm squirrel (Funambulus pennantii), also called the five-striped palm squirrel, is a species of rodent in the family Sciuridae. Some authorities recognize two subspecies, F. p. pennantii and F. p. argentescens. It is a semi-arboreal species found in tropical and subtropical dry deciduous forests and many other rural and urban habitats. It is a common species with a wide range and the International Union for Conservation of Nature has rated its conservation status as being of "least concern".




Green Bee Eater

The Asian green bee-eater (Merops orientalis), also known as little green bee-eater, and green bee-eater in Sri Lanka, is a near passerine bird in the bee-eater family. It is resident but prone to seasonal movements and is found widely distributed across Asia from coastal southern Iran east through the Indian subcontinent to Vietnam. Populations in Africa and the Arabian Peninsula that were formerly assigned to this species (under the name Green Bee-eater) are now considered distinct species. They are mainly insect eaters and they are found in grassland, thin scrub and forest often quite far from water. Several regional plumage variations are known and several subspecies have been named. 


Jungle Babbler

The jungle babbler (Argya striata) is a member of the family Leiothrichidae found in the Indian subcontinent. Jungle babblers are gregarious birds that forage in small groups of six to ten birds, a habit that has given them the popular name of "Seven Sisters" in urban Northern India, and Saath bhai (seven brothers) in Bengali, with cognates in other regional languages which also mean "seven brothers".



The jungle babbler is a common resident breeding bird in most parts of the Indian subcontinent and is often seen in gardens within large cities as well as in forested areas. In the past, the orange-billed babbler, Turdoides rufescens, of Sri Lanka was considered to be a subspecies of jungle babbler, but has now been elevated to a species.




Spotted Dove

The spotted dove (Spilopelia chinensis) is a small and somewhat long-tailed pigeon that is a common resident breeding bird across its native range on the Indian subcontinent and in Southeast Asia. The species has been introduced to many parts of the world and feral populations have become established.

This species was formerly included in the genus Streptopelia with other turtle-doves, but studies suggest that they differ from typical members of that genus. This dove is long tailed buff brown with a white-spotted black collar patch on the back and sides of the neck. The tail tips are white and the wing coverts have light buff spots.

There are considerable plumage variations across populations within its wide range. The species is found in light forests and gardens as well as in urban areas. They fly from the ground with an explosive flutter and will sometimes glide down to a perch. It is also called the mountain dove, pearl-necked dove, lace-necked dove, and spotted turtle-dove. 



Text Source : Wikipedia

Sunday, April 23, 2023

Safari in Kabini 2023

Safari in Kabini, Karnataka: An Adventure of a Lifetime

After a Gap of three to four year not venturing to Forest for Wildlife Photography, Finally decided to go out to Kabini in the month of April 2023 along with my close friend Vishwanath fellow Wildlife photographer and Dr. Shrikanth Hegde and Dr. Parameshwar From Shimoga both by professional Doctors and a very good Wildlife Photographers,

Myself and Vishwanath Left Bangalore by 7-00 am on 2nd April 2023 and both Doctors from Shimoga joined together at HD Kote by 1 pm, we had booked rooms with Sri Naveen of NATWIN and he arranged the stay, safari etc

Kabini, a small town in the Indian state of Karnataka, is known worldwide for its beautiful landscapes and abundant wildlife. The Kabini Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the most popular wildlife destinations in India and is home to a vast number of rare and endangered species. One of the best ways to experience the beauty and wonder of this natural wonderland is to take a safari tour.

A safari in Kabini is an adventure of a lifetime. 

The Kabini Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of around 55 square miles and is home to a vast range of wildlife species including elephants, tigers, leopards, crocodiles, and over 250 species of birds. Taking a safari gives you the opportunity to experience the beauty of this natural wonderland, seeing wildlife up close, and capturing stunning photographs.

There are two to three types of safaris available in Kabini - jeep safari and boat safari and State Government Forest dept BUS Safari

Jeep Safari: [ only JLR ]

The jeep safari takes you deep into the forest, giving you a chance to see animals such as elephants, deer, wild boar, jackals, and foxes. The jeeps have experienced drivers who know the forest well, and they will take you to the best spots to see the wildlife. The safari lasts for around 2-3 hours and is best done in the early morning or late afternoon.

Boat Safari: [ only JLR ]

The boat safari is a unique experience that takes you through the backwaters of the Kabini River. You get to see a different side of the sanctuary and are likely to spot animals such as crocodiles, otters, and a variety of birds. The boat ride lasts for around an hour and is available in the morning and evening.

Both options offer a unique and exciting adventure for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Regardless of which safari you choose, make sure to bring your camera and binoculars to capture the stunning views and experiences.

When planning a safari in Kabini, make sure to book in advance as the sanctuary is often crowded, especially during the peak season. Additionally, follow all the rules and regulations to ensure the safety of yourself and the wildlife.

In conclusion, a safari in Kabini, Karnataka, is an experience of a lifetime. The beauty of the wildlife sanctuary, its various flora and fauna, and the opportunity to see the animals up close is an unforgettable experience. Whether you choose a jeep safari or a boat safari, you will surely soak in the beauty of the place and have an adventure-filled trip.

March and April seem to be the best months to visit Kabini to spot the big cats

Safari Ticket Bookings- [State govt owned Forest Dept]

U can book your tickets through the forest office near Dammankatte gate near Antarsanthe village or through online web 

https://tickets.nagaraholetigerreserve.com/safariDetails/3/Kakanakote%20(Kabini) 

The forest dept safari timings are 6:00 - 8:30 in the morning and 3:30-6:00 in the evening during the week days. on the weekend there will be two safaris 3 to 4-30 and 4-30 to 6pm costs about 350 per safari- Camera Charges above 200mm lens per trip 1000rs tooo heavy

For the evening safari, you need to buy tickets at 10:00 in the morning and for the morning safari, tickets are issued at 4:00 pm. Seats are limited 40+ as there are now 3-4 mini buses.

Ticket prices are 500 per head if you go through the forest dept buses. The entire ticketing process is a pain.

As it was weekend we started from evening safari on 2nd  April 2023, we had booked both safaris together, first safari started at sharp 3:30 p.m. and came to an end at sharp 6 p.m. 

After few minutes of entry into forest, we had a some sightings of Wildboar, peacocks and State Bird Indian Roller, fag end of first safari of 3 to 430pm  we spotted a tigress taking a dip in the water. All of us couldn't believe our luck for spotting such a magnificent animal  into the tour, it was such a wonderful trip where me and friends enjoyed it thoroughly. We even went for the safari in the morning and it was a great pleasure to spot the tigers on the way

Along with the tigress we also spotted a leopard, hundreds of spotted deer, Indian giant squirrel, sambars, many langurs, 3 peacocks - 2 of them opened their feathers and danced, birds, bison, wild pigs. The road is dusty. We had a nice chance of Mating of Indian Roller- 



























Overall a good safari tour.

Thanks to

Sri C. Harshavardhan, Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF), Nagarahole Tiger Reserve
and  JLR Staff

Sri Indresh, Joint Secy, Forest Dept, MS Building, Bangalore
Sri Siddaraju, RFO, Damanakatte 
Sri Naveen, NATWIN, Mysore


For further details contact

Deputy Conservator of Forests & Director
Nagarahole Tiger Reserve, Forest Campus,
Old BM Road, Hunsur – 571105.
Ph: 08222-252041
Email – dirnagarahole@aranya.gov.in