Lenstrails
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lenstrails

Nature & Wildlife enthusiast. Traveller. Observer. Photographer.
Tickell's blue flycatcher⁣ ⁣ An insectivore wi Tickell's blue flycatcher⁣ ⁣ An insectivore with amazing acrobatic feat, if observed closely you will find them in the act of catching prey in flight. ⁣ ⁣ Common and widely distributed in the subcontinent, it takes just a set of keen eyes while in a dry forest to spot them.⁣ ⁣ This bird along with a few others in our region get their name from a popular British Ornithologist, Col. Samuel Tickell who contributed immensely to this field.
Taiga flycatcher⁣ ⁣ This migratory flycatcher Taiga flycatcher⁣ ⁣ This migratory flycatcher is a confusing one till you manage a glimpse of the conspicuous orange-red throat coloration in males, like the one here.⁣ ⁣ A winter visitor down south, my first and only time I saw this one was at the timber yard of Dandeli, a popular destination for birders.
Rufous-gorgeted flycatcher⁣ ⁣ The distinctly c Rufous-gorgeted flycatcher⁣ ⁣ The distinctly colored patch on their throat stands out even in poorest of lighting conditions, for our eyes (& the camera) to capture. Strangely enough, I found this bird unshy and perching out in the open. ⁣ ⁣ Chopta, Uttarakhand⁣ April 2018
The nasal caller..⁣ ⁣ Nilgiri flycatcher’s c The nasal caller..⁣ ⁣ Nilgiri flycatcher’s call sounds more nasal than the calls of other birds in their family and size. This distinct feature alone helped us track this otherwise shy bird and photograph it.⁣ ⁣ What you see here are pictures of the same bird clicked at the same location just a few minutes apart, thanks to the varied habitat of Eravikulam National Park, Munnar, Kerala.
Shekaru, the photogenic rodent!⁣ ⁣ Witnessing Shekaru, the photogenic rodent!⁣ ⁣ Witnessing tree to tree long jumps of the arboreal Indian giant squirrel is as common as hearing their loud barking like calls, in the woods. ⁣ ⁣ These pretty looking large squirrels are critical for our forests - being largely herbivorous their seed dispersal plays a vital role in the ecosystem.⁣ ⁣ Commonly known as the Malabar giant squirrel, it is the State animal of Maharashtra and is referred to as “Shekaru” in Marathi.
A beautiful Morning! ⁣ ⁣ Frames like these are A beautiful Morning! ⁣ ⁣ Frames like these are mostly luck by chance. Right place at the right time is what helped me create this “once in a lifetime” kinda image.⁣ ⁣ Nature out there is always waiting to embrace us with arms wide open, any doubts!? 😊
Blue-throated blue flycatcher⁣ ⁣ This tiny lit Blue-throated blue flycatcher⁣ ⁣ This tiny little pretty bird is found mainly in thick forest areas and foliage, making it difficult to observe/photograph.⁣ ⁣ Both genders look ridiculously different - Males sport a Blue head and throat, orange breast and white belly, however females wear a brown head, orange breast and white belly. Swipe through to see how contrasting in colors both of these are..⁣ ⁣ All the featured images were made at Thattekad, a birders paradise down south of Western ghats in the State of Kerala.
Black-naped monarch in action!⁣ ⁣ This flycatc Black-naped monarch in action!⁣ ⁣ This flycatcher is so tiny that it often gets trapped in large spider webs. However, that doesn’t stop them from participating in the mixed party hunting. Wondering what that is? Visit my 7min blog - http://www.lenstrails.com/party-hunting-gone-wrong/ (link also in bio).⁣ ⁣ All the images shared here were made in the Western Ghats at Old Magazine House, a Jungle Lodges property at Ganeshgudi in North western Karnataka. A must visit place for all bird lovers.
Family time..⁣ ⁣ Often forming large matriarch Family time..⁣ ⁣ Often forming large matriarchal herds, elephants have a complex yet clearly defined social structure. Not just behavioral traits, we also share a commonality in brain power with them. ⁣ ⁣ I consider myself lucky to have had opportunities to witness and frame some of their priceless family moments in the wild.⁣ ⁣ Location: Bandipura, Karnataka⁣ 2012 - 2016
Chilly mornings with the Eastern Imperial Eagle..⁣ ⁣ Migrating to our subcontinent in winters, I have been lucky to encounter this majestic species during every single birding visit to Rajasthan. Their upright perch, big head and bill is a clear give away even from a distance - foggy mornings or otherwise.⁣ ⁣ Location: Tal Chappar, Rajasthan⁣ 2017 & 2018
Party hunting gone wrong..!⁣ Happy Weekend!! 😊 ⁣ This is an account of a spectacular natural history moment that I encountered in the Western Ghats. ⁣ ⁣ Enjoy this 7 mins read and let me know how you like it. ⁣ ⁣ http://www.lenstrails.com/party-hunting-gone-wrong/ (link in bio). #crestedhawkeagle #rackettaileddrongo #naturalhistory #birdsofinstagram #bloggersofinstagram #wildlifeblog #photostory #westernghats #partyhunting #mixedspecieshunt #thattekad #birdsofindia #lenstrails #lenstrails_stories #praveenashok #yourshotphotographer #natgeoyourshot
The Serpent Eagle⁣ ⁣ In our woodlands, Crested The Serpent Eagle⁣ ⁣ In our woodlands, Crested serpent eagle never disappoints a keen pair of eyes. Often perched and unmoved by the presence of us lesser mortals, this reptile eater stays focused on the hisses down under. ⁣ ⁣ Coming to diet, while snakes and lizards are preferred, an occasional bird or a small mammal prey isn’t unorthodox.
Crested hawk-eagle’s beautiful crest, sharp talo Crested hawk-eagle’s beautiful crest, sharp talons, acute vision and varied colors makes this raptor an unmistakable crowned jewel of our forests.⁣ ******* ⁣ Hi All, it feels great to be back in action! ⁣ ⁣ I am attempting a different post format (text content & length), do share your feedback. 🙏🏻😊
The uniqueness of this Bronzy brown..⁣ ⁣ Featu The uniqueness of this Bronzy brown..⁣ ⁣ Featuring the Bronze-winged Jacana @lenstrails ⁣ That’s the color of this bird’s wings. Jacanas are uniquely structured, their wing bones as well as tail feathers are distinct, which makes them terrific warriors in territorial combat.⁣ ⁣ But there is a warmer side which is distinct too. In the event of a grave threat, Jacanas carry their young under their wings. I haven’t been lucky to witness the act but an internet search on this one is worth your time.⁣ ⁣ The third distinct feature is actually a behavioural trait. Female Bronze-winged Jacanas resort to polyandry for better chances of procreation and continuity of the species. Not a very common act amongst birds that I know of.⁣ ⁣ As always, nature never seizes to surprise us, isn’t it? ⁣ ⁣ For nature & wildlife photos stories, visit link: http://www.lenstrails.com/ (link in bio)⁣ ⁣ ⁣ #bestbirdsofinstagram #nuts_about_birds #wildlifeplanet #birding #birdstagram #yourbestbirds #birdfreaks #birdwatching #birdlovers ⁣ #ngtdailyshot #yourshotphotographer #indianwildlifeofficial ⁣ #natgeowild #bbcearth #lenstrails #praveenashok #lenstrails_stories #jacana #bronzewingedjacana #birdhabitat #birdfeatures #birdbehavior #mangaljodi #bharatpurbirdsanctuary #birdsofindia
The widespread moorhen..⁣ ⁣ Featuring the Comm The widespread moorhen..⁣ ⁣ Featuring the Common Moorhen @lenstrails .⁣ ⁣ This bird blesses us with adding a beautiful contrast to the frame. Common and generally casual of our presence, it is an evident resident and a keen eye has opportunity to observe them all round the year.⁣ ⁣ You will find them generally intolerant of other species of birds and loud enough to irritate the intruder when threatened. Highly territorial, it is not uncommon to find the same bird in the same place next time around.⁣ ⁣ Place: Bharatpur, Rajasthan⁣ ⁣ For nature & wildlife photos stories, visit link: http://www.lenstrails.com/ (link in bio)⁣ ⁣ ⁣ #bestbirdsofinstagram #nuts_about_birds #wildlifeplanet #birding #birdstagram #yourbestbirds #birdfreaks #birdwatching #birdlovers ⁣ #ngtdailyshot #yourshotphotographer #indianwildlifeofficial ⁣ #natgeowild #bbcearth #lenstrails #praveenashok #lenstrails_stories #coomonmoorhen #moorhen #waterbirds #bharatpur #keoladeonationalpark #birdhabitat
Careless Coot..⁣ ⁣ Featuring the Eurasian Coot Careless Coot..⁣ ⁣ Featuring the Eurasian Coot @lenstrails . ⁣ Often coming across as a lazy, reluctant to fly and unshy bird, the Coot is ridiculously common across the subcontinent. It is so common that most of us would have given it a pass even before noticing it.⁣ ⁣ The better side of the Coots come to life when they show-off their head bobs (first image) or make short dives from a little jump (last image). Dissimilar to what they seem, these fellas are loud and can get pretty aggressive if prompted.⁣ ⁣ Place: Bharatpur, Rajasthan⁣ February 2017⁣ ⁣ For nature & wildlife photos stories, visit link: http://www.lenstrails.com/ (link in bio)⁣ ⁣ ⁣ #bestbirdsofinstagram #nuts_about_birds #wildlifeplanet #birding #birdstagram #yourbestbirds #birdfreaks #birdwatching #birdlovers ⁣ #ngtdailyshot #yourshotphotographer #indianwildlifeofficial ⁣ #natgeowild #bbcearth #lenstrails #praveenashok #lenstrails_stories #commoncoot #eurasiancoot #bharatpur #keoladeonationalpark #habitat #birdbehavior
Poser..⁣ ⁣ Featuring the Grey-headed swamphen Poser..⁣ ⁣ Featuring the Grey-headed swamphen @lenstrails ⁣. Owing to the color, this species was aptly called the Purple swamphen. Elevated to a full species few years ago, is now called the Grey-headed swamphen. Grey? Duh, I am sure even the fella will be upset with this 😊 ⁣ One of the most common water birds you would notice across our subcontinent, this bird is a gift to the birders and photographer birders alike. Unshy and casual of our presence, the opportunities to observe and photograph them are limitless. ⁣ ⁣ Their courtship behavior is elaborate and a sight to watch. Loud chuckles by the male, bowing to the female indicates the beginning of the act. While I missed getting a shot of that, the second image was made soon after.⁣ ⁣ Place: Mangaljodi, Odisha⁣ December 2017⁣ ⁣ For nature & wildlife photos stories, visit link: http://www.lenstrails.com/ (link in bio)⁣ ⁣ ⁣ #bestbirdsofinstagram #nuts_about_birds #wildlifeplanet #birding #birdstagram #yourbestbirds #birdfreaks #birdwatching #birdlovers ⁣ #ngtdailyshot #yourshotphotographer #indianwildlifeofficial ⁣ #natgeowild #bbcearth #lenstrails #praveenashok #lenstrails_stories #purpleswamphen #greyheadedswamphen #mangaljodi #chilkalake #waterbirds #habitat #birdportrait #frameworthy #birdbehavior #birdcourtship
‘Lifeline’.. Some pictures are best left unspe ‘Lifeline’.. Some pictures are best left unspelt.. . For nature & wildlife photos stories, visit link: http://www.lenstrails.com/ (link in bio)
The wait..⁣ ⁣ Featuring the Purple Heron @lens The wait..⁣ ⁣ Featuring the Purple Heron @lenstrails . ⁣ As lengthy as it can get, the neck I mean, was the first impression of this large bird. Their characteristic retracted neck at stance is a tool to fool you, me and of course the prey. But when they attempt a hunt, the neck can get long, really long (first image).⁣ ⁣ The beauty of places like Mangaljodi is it allows us to watch the entire hunting episode in great detail. The first and last images here are of the same sequence but from varying distances. It depicts how patient the heron was and we weren’t. After a long wait, we gave up and started to row away, when we found out that he finally did succeed in the hunt. It was as if he posed for us to show-off his priced catch (third image).⁣ ⁣ Place: Mangaljodi, Odisha ⁣ December, 2017⁣ ⁣ For nature & wildlife photos stories, visit link: http://www.lenstrails.com/ (link in bio)⁣ ⁣ ⁣ #bestbirdsofinstagram #nuts_about_birds #wildlifeplanet #birding #birdstagram #yourbestbirds #birdfreaks #birdwatching #birdlovers ⁣ #ngtdailyshot #yourshotphotographer #indianwildlifeofficial ⁣ #natgeowild #bbcearth #lenstrails #praveenashok #lenstrails_stories #purpleheron #heron #mangaljodi #chilka #odishabirds #habitat #birdbehavior
Fear of the mist..⁣ ⁣ Featuring the Big Cat @l Fear of the mist..⁣ ⁣ Featuring the Big Cat @lenstrails .⁣ ⁣ Not until it was couple of hours into the safari did we have the slightest hint of what was in store for us, that chilly morning. ⁣ ⁣ Fog turned to mist as Sun started to takeover. Our hope was turning to desperation, why not, it was our last chance to see ‘a’ big cat till we returned again - which was at least a few months away.. ⁣ ⁣ And when we were just about to sign off, there he appeared, ‘a sub-adult’ our naturalist whispered. Looked like our presence was not only a surprise but also unwelcome. A look through the lens barrel and he was gone - My first and last Tiger of 2020.⁣ ⁣ Place: Kabini, Karnataka ⁣ December, 2020⁣ ⁣ For nature & wildlife photos stories, visit link: http://www.lenstrails.com/ (link in bio) . #wildlifephotography #earthcapture #forest #naturephotography #wildlife #wildlifesafari #wildlife_inspired #mammalsofinstagram #wildlifeindia #ngtdailyshot #yourshotphotographer #indianwildlifeofficial #wildlifeplanet #natgeowild #bbcearth #lenstrails #praveenashok #lenstrails_stories
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  • Life’s Calling (Stories)
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