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Stealing from the darkness! ⁣
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(Full screen view recommended)⁣
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#birding_tuesday featuring the Crested hawk-eagle @lenstrails . ⁣
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Not a particularly unlucky afternoon safari it seemed considering this was monsoon season. But the sun didn’t appear to be in the best form, weak and struggling to cut through the overcasting clouds.⁣
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After eagerly combing through the allotted safari zone for a good few hours, when we were just about to call it a day we saw something. Something, too good to be true - a Crested hawk-eagle perched at eye level and hardly few feet away. ⁣
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As the darkness had already started to overpower dusk, we could barely see little more than a faint figure. I grabbed the camera viewfinder only to be startled - Where is the head!? I whisper-screamed. Slowly, as my camera’s auto focus system started to take control, I noticed that the large raptor was actually busy head down, tracking prey assumably. I was given a few seconds, of which I managed about 10-15 clicks. However, of the lot just this one image is a keeper.⁣
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As I write this, I am goose-bumped even today. Not sure if I would ever get a chance to observe a fully grown crested hawk-eagle this up-close and personal.⁣
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Place: Kabini, Karnataka, India⁣
Date: July 2018⁣
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For other nature and wildlife stories, visit lenstrails.com
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#bestbirdsofinstagram #nuts_about_birds #wildlifeplanet #birding #birdstagram #yourbestbirds #birdfreaks #birdwatching #birdlovers
#ngtdailyshot #yourshotphotographer #indianwildlifeofficial  #natgeowild #bbcearth #lenstrails #praveenashok #lenstrails_stories #nifhive #natureinfocus #nif #crestedhawkeagle #dramaticlighting #wildlifeblogger #kabini #wildkarnataka

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Hope!⁣
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#nature_monday @lenstrails . ⁣
There was something about this droplet that intrigued me. Upon closer look my eyes clarified - it was not the droplet, but what was trying to hold it, that was drawing my attention.⁣
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It appeared as if these two tiny little blades of grass were trying their best to not let the droplet drop. And every time the drop slipped, they would catch the next drop of rain with the same hope. This drama continued and demanded a picture.⁣
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Though nothing extraordinary, I was glued to this scene, not sure why. Perhaps it was the romance with the green vine snake few moments ago, that had left me in trance. And everything around started to appear vivid and dramatic.⁣
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As I think of it today, I still wonder what was actually orchestrating that surreal scene. Was it the rains? Or the hallucinating me? Nevertheless, I am glad to have made this image, through which I would relive that scene and the complimenting mood forever.⁣
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PS: It has been just a couple of months and I am missing the western ghats already.⁣
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Place: Amboli, Maharashtra, India⁣
Date: August 2019⁣
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For other nature and wildlife stories, visit lenstrails.com
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#naturelover #naturegram #naturephotography #naturelove #naturebrilliance
#ngtdailyshot #yourshotphotographer
#natgeo #bbcearth #lenstrails #praveenashok #lenstrails_stories #monsoonmagic #westernghats
#amboli #wildlifeblogger #nif #natureinfocus #dailyposts

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Oops moment..⁣
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#mammal_thursday featuring the Indian Fox @lenstrails . ⁣
Several rounds since 4PM, in the deciduous patch around Goshala didn’t yield results. We were looking for the Indian Spotted Creeper (bird) which is found in this region of Tal Chappar. Despite narrowing down on the prosopis tree where we had the best chance of seeing it, luck didn’t favour us.⁣
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Disappointed after making rounds for a good two hours, we started from this place when @raptors_paradise - Anand Prasad ji (birding guide, come homestay owner) floored the 4x4’s gas pedal. Surprised, I asked if he was frustrated? With a broad grin he responded - “Aayiee mean aapko good luck dilata hu” (come let me get you some good luck). ⁣
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Across the subcontinent, there is a popular superstition that seeing a fox brings good luck. While Anand ji was kidding about the luck bit, he had in fact noticed some movement of an Indian Fox while my eyes were busy glued to tree barks looking for the creeper bird. ⁣
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Foxes are crepuscular (active during twilight) and I knew this was my best chance to see one. Few twists and turns and there it was, a shy fox missing no chance to escape our field of view. We positioned our vehicle behind a bush and there he appeared finally to give me a second or two to click his images. Well, it was the oops moment, and I reserve my comments on whose. ⁣
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PS: This species should not be confused with the Desert fox which is also found in this region. While the Indian Fox (in the image) has a black tail-tip, the desert fox can be identified with a white tail-tip. There are other differences too.⁣
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Place: Tal Chappar, Rajasthan, India⁣
Date: November 2018⁣ ⁣
For other nature and wildlife stories, continue to visit lenstrails.com.
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#wildlifephotography #earthcapture #forest #naturephotography #wildlife #wildlifesafari #wildlife_inspired #mammalsofinstagram
#wildlifeindia #ngtdailyshot #yourshotphotographer #indianwildlifeofficial #wildlifeplanet  #natgeowild #bbcearth #lenstrails #praveenashok #lenstrails_stories #talchappar #indianfox #habitat #storytellers #wildlifeblogger #incredibleindia

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An accidental encounter.⁣⁣⁣
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#macro_wednesday featuring the Sahyadri Cricket Frog @lenstrails . ⁣⁣⁣
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Previous night’s trail hadn’t pulled our energy down, in fact the adrenaline rush from romancing my first Malabar Pit Viper was still fresh and kicking. The intoxicating rain forest drew us to a near by hill early next morning, a few kilometres from our stay at Amboli, a region popular for hosting orchids.⁣⁣⁣
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The feel of mist in the western ghats is a different experience altogether. When you travel higher the air gets chiller but humidity doesn’t disown you. A sudden super cosy feeling, that feeling of curling up under a quilt with AC set to 16° C. ⁣⁣⁣
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With the rains on and off, we started exploring the ground for orchids endemic to this region. One step at a time and after a few steps forward we bumped into this frog. Luckily, there was no question of misidentification as I knew nothing of this species. What was unique was this frog was not alone, there were many - an army of frogs as it is known. The call was typical, like the clatter of a typewriter. Knelt to make a few decent images and then moved on.⁣⁣⁣
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Today, as I check on it - this turned out to be an endangered species known as the ‘Sahyadri Cricket Frog’. First name coming from the the range it is found and the middle name probably attributed to it’s call. A little bit of research tells me that this is a nocturnal species, not sure how and why we found so many of them in broad day light.⁣⁣⁣
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Like most of the endemic species in the western ghats, this one too is in grave danger and staring at extinction in the face. Let us be aware, spread the word and do our bit to avoid mindless urbanisation that leads to habitat loss and mass destruction.⁣⁣⁣
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Place: Amboli, Maharashtra, India⁣⁣⁣
Season: June 2017⁣⁣⁣
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For other nature and wildlife stories, continue to visit lenstrails.com

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This one is from ‘Paradise’, yes please! ⁣
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#birding_tuesday featuring the Indian Paradise Flycatcher @lenstrails . ⁣
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It was the year 2011, when I first saw this alien looking bird (I had just begun birding then) and had almost immediately misidentified it. Only when I referred to the bird book did I realise it was a flycatcher, and a commoner. ⁣
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As time passed, wish became desire - to photograph this beauty in a perfect frame. However, on the sidelines, the size and weight of my camera equipment also grew, making it much more difficult to make an image I intended to.⁣
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The catch-catch and catch-up saga continued until as recently as last December, when I finally made a decent image of this one.⁣
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Like me, I am sure there are many birders who have always dreamt to create a picture perfect shot of this bird - aptly named the Paradise flycatcher. And, many more who would have made stellar action images but want to create more. Such is the indisputable beauty of this bird.⁣
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The Indian Paradise Flycatcher (earlier referred to as Asian Paradise Flycatcher) is pretty common, widely distributed across the subcontinent and will never disappoint a keen eye. Their habitat is well wooded country which helps safeguard their otherwise obvious standout features. ⁣
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Male (in this image) has an unusually long tail for a bird this size, exposing it and making it vulnerable. However, Nature gave it two variants to fight the survival game - white & rufous (both colours blend well enough for them to stay camouflaged) and both seem to have sustained appreciatively.⁣
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PS: My history, jinx and then a turnaround with this bird goes a long way. This sure deserves a blog, which I shall share in the coming days. ⁣
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Place: Ganeshgudi, Dandeli, Karnataka, India⁣
Date: December 2018⁣
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For other nature and wildlife stories, visit lenstrails.com
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#bestbirdsofinstagram #nuts_about_birds #wildlifeplanet #birding #birdstagram #yourbestbirds #birdfreaks #birdwatching #birdlovers
#ngtdailyshot #yourshotphotographer #indianwildlifeofficial  #natgeowild #bbcearth #lenstrails #praveenashok #lenstrails_stories #indianparadiseflycatcher #birdsinaction #ganeshgudi #oldmagazinehouse

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A typical setting.. (larger screen view recommended)⁣
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#nature_monday @lenstrails . ⁣
Did I have to wait too long to make this image? Honestly, no.⁣
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At Keoladeo National Park, it is a popular sunset ritual for bird photographers to pay a visit to this location of the park before calling it a day. ⁣
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Some get ambitious and wait for that perfect bird to perch on this dead branch to make an award winning image, while others like me (sometimes) are happy with any bird of sorts. ⁣
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Like the one in this image, a cormorant, who appeared to throw some sympathetic poses at the impatient lot waiting to hit the sack (soon after).⁣
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Yet another lucky field day that was..⁣
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Place: Bharatpur, Rajasthan, India⁣
Date: November 2018⁣
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For other nature and wildlife stories, visit lenstrails.com
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#naturelover #naturegram #naturephotography #naturelove #naturebrilliance
#ngtdailyshot #yourshotphotographer
#natgeo #bbcearth #lenstrails #praveenashok #lenstrails_stories #sunsets #bharatpur #wallhangers #printworthy #photostory #loveforsunsets

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My first Tarantula.⁣
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#macro_wednesday featuring the Indian Ornamental Tarantula (ID to be confirmed) @lenstrails . ⁣
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This family of hairy spiders are often associated with fear. Sure they have fangs which they use to inflict a venomous bite, or use their hair to cause painful irritation, but these acts do not cause long term damage/prove to be fatal for us humans. While a fearsome reputation precedes them, in reality, barring pain, the venom they inject is much weaker than even a bee sting.⁣
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Tarantulas have evolved in excess of a few hundred million years and mastered the art of web-less living and hunting. Unlike most spiders, Tarantulas are ambush hunters and don’t use web as a tool, in fact they don’t weave webs. They live in burrows and create small tunnel like structures to live in, when they are dwelling in trees.⁣
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The Indian ornamental (in this image) also lives in tree holes and one of the most popular species of tarantula in India. ⁣
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This was my first record of this massive spider and looking forward to more opportunities. The one in the image must be a male, the females are much bigger - I am told their leg span can exceed 7 inches.!⁣
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My first experience with a (this) Tarantula was neither intimidating nor challenging. During that night’s stroll, I bumped into a spider. Pulled my camera out, clicked a shot before it was gone. Only when I got back and asked a few experts to ID this spider, did I know that this was a Tarantula, my first. Ignorance is bliss, you see..! 😀⁣
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PS: If interested in further reading on this wonder species, search for some astonishing facts of Tarantulas in the world, especially the South American bird-eating and hissing Goliath tarantulas. ⁣
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Place: Amboli, Maharashtra, India⁣
Season: June 2017⁣
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For other nature and wildlife stories, continue to visit lenstrails.com
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#macrophotography #macro_brilliance #macro_perfection #macroclique #macro_vision #wms_macro #naturelove #naturebrilliance
#wildlifeindia #ngtdailyshot #yourshotphotographer
#natgeowild #bbcearth #lenstrails #praveenashok #lenstrails_stories #nifhive #natureinfocus #nif #amboli #tarantula #spidersofinstagram #wildlifeofindia #habitatshot

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A silent pair. ⁣
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#birding_tuesday featuring the Knob-billed duck @lenstrails .
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One of the largest species of duck isn’t necessarily the loudest. In fact, knob-billed duck is almost always silent except for a sparing croak when inevitable. ⁣
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This species has quite a decent spread, distributed all the way from Southern America to Africa to Southern Asia - wetlands of India and Far East China. I had an opportunity to observe them in the Chilka lagoon of Odisha.⁣
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Without Madan Behra’s (boatman come bird guide) experience, it would have been impossible to even get to this proximity, leave alone observing and making pictures. Larger the species, riskier it is for these water birds in the open wetlands and hence they have evolved to sense and react to even the slightest movements around them. ⁣
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One row at a time, just enough to maintain the optimal buoyancy keeping the boat afloat and avoid getting interwound with fresh water plantation, was not easy at all. But the most difficult part even for Madan ji (with three decades of experience doing this job), was to escape the birds’ senses. We finally did manage to get their audience after a lot of trials, but for a small duration before they took to the air.⁣
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PS: If the globetrotting you wants to be sure of the exact ID, subspecies found here is known as the Knob-billed duck, while the one found in Southern America is referred to as comb duck. The former is larger with lighter flanks and the latter is smaller with darker flanks.⁣
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Place: Mangaljodi, Odisha, India⁣
Date: December 2017⁣
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For other nature and wildlife stories, visit lenstrails.com
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#bestbirdsofinstagram #nuts_about_birds #wildlifeplanet #birding #birdstagram #yourbestbirds #birdfreaks #birdwatching #birdlovers
#ngtdailyshot #yourshotphotographer #indianwildlifeofficial  #natgeowild #bbcearth #lenstrails #praveenashok #lenstrails_stories #knobbilledduck #combduck #mangalajodi #odisha #wildlifeblogger

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Leaps and bounds.. (larger screen view recommended)⁣
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#nature_monday getting a little technical. ⁣
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Using a mirrorless (vulnerable) camera on a borrowed ND filter (with jugad) for this shot was a crazy decision. Mounting the equipment on a gorilla pod (mini tripod) barely sufficed as moral support. ⁣
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Employing a balancing act on the beach, negotiating the sinking sand, loose rocks and the evening waves was quite a task. Seemed risky and unnecessary but the scene was quite inviting.⁣
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There was something I saw, rather ahead of time. A pre-visualized shot, which only an appropriate long exposure would help create. But the risk of loosing the sun to the horizon was quicker than ever. Those last few minutes are always tricky. ⁣
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Just as I almost lost the camera to the waves, somehow managed to keep the camera steady for a ‘ten seconds’ exposure shot and created this image.⁣
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Mystery unfolded once I picked my camera to view the image, it appeared as if there was some magical light illuminating the rocks. Today, I sit back and wonder if this image was created on account of skill, equipment or by accident; but does that even matter?⁣
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Place: South Goa, India⁣
Date: January 2018⁣
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For other nature and wildlife stories, visit lenstrails.com
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#naturelover #naturegram #naturephotography #naturelove #naturebrilliance
#ngtdailyshot #yourshotphotographer
#natgeo #bbcearth #lenstrails #praveenashok #lenstrails_stories #nif #nifhive #natureinfocus #southgoa #ndfilter #sunsetsofinstagram #photostory #shortstory

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Biggie in Golden light!⁣
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#mammal_thursday featuring the Indian Gaur @lenstrails . ⁣
This image was made during those days when traffic was such that, Bandipura or Nagarhole seemed next door from Bangalore and was the easiest weekend getaways for us nature and wildlife enthusiasts. No, it was not some twenty years ago but as recently as 2014.⁣
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One such escapade to Bandipura was filled with surprises. We took the morning safari not knowing how creepy and dark even a June morning could be, in a jungle.⁣
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Within minutes of entering the forest, our path blacked out under thick canopy. It was so dark that even at 6.30 AM we had to turn the headlights on. Barely few meters and a loud grunt was heard from a close quarter. It was loud enough to be heard inspite of the safari vehicle exhaust noise and that gave us jitters. The novice us expected that to be an elephant, but thankfully we were wrong. ⁣
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Another grunt and we sure thought something else was behind the bush. Not knowing what to expect, we just waited patiently. Two-three minutes and there appeared this big figure. An Indian Gaur can weigh over a tonne and can easily give a tiger run for its life.⁣
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We spent the next few minutes in absolute silence, anxiously waiting. As if it was a prearrangement, gradually, both the Gaur and the Golden light from the morning sun came out in unison. That is when this image was made, my first of an Indian Gaur in the golden hour and probably the best image of this beast that I have made till date.⁣
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Place: Bandipura, Karnataka, India⁣
Date: June 2014⁣ ⁣
For other nature and wildlife stories, continue to visit lenstrails.com.
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#wildlifephotography #earthcapture #forest #naturephotography #wildlife #wildlifesafari #wildlife_inspired #mammalsofinstagram
#wildlifeindia #ngtdailyshot #yourshotphotographer #indianwildlifeofficial #wildlifeplanet  #natgeowild #bbcearth #lenstrails #praveenashok #lenstrails_stories #natureinfocus #nif #nifhive #wildkarnataka #junglesafari #indiangaur #bandipur #goldenhour #habitatshot

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Welcome home..⁣
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#macro_wednesday featuring the Marsh Crocodile @lenstrails . ⁣
Habitat shots are my favourite and I rarely miss an opportunity to make one. ⁣
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This boat ride was as good as previous ones. Ranganthittu Bird Sanctuary never fails a nature seeker, any time of the year. In addition to many resident and migratory birds, the shallow water at this hotspot draws sizable mugger population to make it their home. The ample rock mounds is an icing on the cake, which these crocs use to bask in the sun. This makes Ranganthittu my favourite destination for observing Marsh Crocodiles.⁣
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It is fairly common to see these beasts open-mouthed. Like other reptiles, crocodiles too don’t have sweat glands and they cool themselves by keeping their mouth open while basking in the sun. Also, as you would see, their head is flattened on the top, and the eyes, ears and nostrils are on the same surface. This helps them to both see and hear, as well as smell while they are all the way underwater. ⁣
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All these and many more physical as well as behavioural characteristics, has helped crocodiles evolve and survive on this planet since about 80 million years ago. In fact, studies reveal that crocodiles are the closest living relatives of birds, sharing a common ancestor that lived around 240 million years ago and also gave rise to the dinosaurs.⁣
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After eons of thriving, this species, the Marsh crocodile is now listed as ‘vulnerable’, sadly. Thanks to habitat loss due to excessive urbanisation, swallowing away rivers, tributaries and fresh water lakes. Let us do our bit, be more aware and do everything possible to protect this wonder species.⁣
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Place: Ranganthittu, Karnataka, India⁣
Season: January 2018⁣
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For other nature and wildlife stories, continue to visit lenstrails.com
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#naturebrilliance
#wildlifeindia #ngtdailyshot #yourshotphotographer
#natgeowild #bbcearth #lenstrails #praveenashok #lenstrails_stories #ranganthittu #mysorebirding #mysore #karnataka #marshcrocodile #crocodile #cauveryriver #loveforcrocs #boat #boatsafari #safari #habitatshot #photostory

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𝘒𝘢𝘭𝘢𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘺𝘢⁣⁣
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#birding_tuesday featuring the Common Myna @lenstrails . ⁣⁣
“Hell yes, I am a territorial bird and I hate it when someone enters my space”, hinted a myna when observed closely in this context.⁣⁣
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Kalahapriya - the one who loves to argue, is one of the many local names this bird has earned since ancient times. ⁣⁣
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Endemic to the Indian Subcontinent, this bird has been revered in scriptures and texts since time immemorial. Some good and some not so good contexts, largely for storytelling purposes.⁣⁣
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The common myna is one of those birds that are so common, that we tend to ignore them. Everything in nature is unique and has a purpose, and this beautiful bird is no exception.⁣⁣
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If you ask a birder, a Common Myna is a benchmark when it comes to urban habitat adaptation today. While frequently read about various birds vanishing due to loss of habitat, this bird’s population is on an increasing trend. ⁣⁣
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I wouldn’t want to comment whether this trend is good or bad, but would like to rest my case with a comfort feeling - Nature has her ways to bounce back, and bounce back well, when required.⁣⁣
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Place: Bangalore, Karnataka, India⁣⁣
Date: December 2018⁣⁣
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For other nature and wildlife stories, visit lenstrails.com
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#bestbirdsofinstagram #nuts_about_birds #wildlifeplanet #birding #birdstagram #yourbestbirds #birdfreaks #birdwatching #birdlovers
#ngtdailyshot #yourshotphotographer #indianwildlifeofficial  #natgeowild #bbcearth #lenstrails #praveenashok #lenstrails_stories #commonmyna #starling #myna #birdsofindiansubcontinent #commonbirds #wildlifestory #habitatshot #loveforbirds

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Long way down..⁣
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#nature_monday @lenstrails .
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Stretching that extra mile was a difficult decision, but the guttural calls of Malabar Trogon kept me hooked and wanting to keep moving in that direction. Two, three, no I think it took ten minutes and there it was in thick canopy. A glimpse and ‘flap flap’, it was gone. Perhaps, a few hundred meters further.⁣
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This winter afternoon didn’t escape humidity of the Konkan, exhaustion started to creep-in and the hydration pack started to shrink. It was time to stop, not just looking for the Trogon but stop taking the trail. That’s exactly when my tiny mirrorless camera popped in my mind and soon it was in my hand sticking it’s ultra wide barrel out. Perfect, I thought while composing the frame and the trail too posed showing-off the curves.⁣
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Got back to the comfort of my tent to notice that the colours in this image didn’t do justice, it didn’t share what I saw and experienced.⁣
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Few moments later, here came a monochromatic version to my rescue. A little closer to that scene, a lot closer to the narrative.⁣
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Place: Cotigao wildlife sanctuary, Goa, India⁣
Date: January 2018⁣
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For other nature and wildlife stories, visit lenstrails.com
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#naturelover #naturegram #naturephotography #naturelove #naturebrilliance
#ngtdailyshot #yourshotphotographer
#natgeo #bbcearth #lenstrails #praveenashok #lenstrails_stories #goa #cotigaowildlifesanctuary #landscapephotography #landscapeinmono #blackandwhitephotography #safari #indianjungle #indiaphotostory #poetryandprose #ultrawide #fujifilm #shotonfujifilm

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The blue-winged (full screen view recommended)..⁣
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#birding_friday featuring the Malabar Parakeet (also known as Blue-winged Parakeet) and our weekly quiz @lenstrails . ⁣
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One of the loudest in our forests down south, it is quite common to hear them before seeing them. The one here is a male, the black collar and the red upper beak (mandible) is a clear give away. Female has an all black bill and has only the black collar, a post with female(s) will follow.⁣
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When you observe parakeets eating berries and other fruits such as figs, and flowers, leaf buds etc.; it appears they engage in mammal like chewing. This prompts, the Friday quiz question:⁣
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Question: Do birds chew their food?⁣
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Go ahead, give it a shot and post your answers. Log back in, this evening to see the answer.⁣
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Place: Tattekad, Kerala, India⁣
Date: December 2018⁣
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For nature and wildlife stories, visit lenstrails.com
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#bestbirdsofinstagram #nuts_about_birds #wildlifeplanet #birding #birdstagram #yourbestbirds #birdfreaks #birdwatching #birdlovers #quiztime
#ngtdailyshot #yourshotphotographer #indianwildlifeofficial
#natgeowild #bbcearth #lenstrails #praveenashok #lenstrails_stories #malabarparakeet #parakeet #birdportraits #parrotsofinstagram #printworthy #quizinstagram #wildlifeblogger #photostory #kerala #tattekad

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“The top was missed and so was the ID..”⁣
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#macro_wednesday @lenstrails .
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How (not) to ID a Spider!? ⁣
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Read this week’s short story (microblog) featuring the topic of spider ID: http://www.lenstrails.com/the-top-was-missed-and-so-was-the-id/ (Link in bio - Reading time: 2 minutes)⁣
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Place: Amboli, Maharashtra, India⁣
Season: Monsoon of 2017 ⁣
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For other nature and wildlife stories, continue to visit lenstrails.com
.

#macrophotography #macro_brilliance #macro_perfection #macroclique #macro_vision #wms_macro #naturelove #naturebrilliance
#wildlifeindia #ngtdailyshot #yourshotphotographer
#natgeowild #bbcearth #lenstrails #praveenashok #lenstrails_stories #spiderweb #spider #westernghatsofindia #maharashtra_desha #macrospiders #amboli #photostory #indiaphotostory #wildlifeblogger

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The day migrant⁣
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#birding_tuesday featuring the Indian Blue Robin @lenstrails . ⁣
My first face-off with an Indian Blue Robin is a memorable one but for a different reason. It was back in 2017, further south west at Tattekad in Kerala. On one of those humid birding afternoons there, I heard the signature sharp and low clicking alarm note of this passerine. In a hurry to get to the bird I rushed through a moss filled bridge, skid and fell flat on the ground with my camera, my first with the equipment. Thankfully, both the equipment and I got away with minor bruises but missed the bird.⁣
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Then, the next birding season I had a clear sight of this beauty for the first time. This time, I almost mistook it to be some other fly catcher but the slightly bigger size helped ID this.⁣
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This image comes from my third encounter at Dandeli, north western Karnataka.⁣
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The Indian blue robin breeds in the Himalayas and migrates down south during winters. Unlike many other birds, since it is a day migrant, you are more likely to spot this beauty. Especially during the passage migration, the Indian blue robin can be found almost all across the peninsular India. ⁣
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Having observed this blue jewel on several occasions by now, I am yet to get lucky with spending enough time to my heart’s content.⁣
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Nature is a bag full of surprises and I am hoping to get lucky this birding season.⁣
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Place: Ganeshgudi, Dandeli, Karnataka, India⁣
Date: December 2018⁣
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Snake hunter!?⁣
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#mammal_thursday featuring the Indian Grey Mongoose @lenstrails . ⁣
The first story we all heard of a Mongoose, is most likely that of how good a snake hunter it is. Well, it is true that snake is on the menu but not necessarily always.⁣
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Like most omnivores, the mongoose too is an opportunistic feeder. Largely preferring live prey - mice, rats, lizards etc., parts of plants, fruits, berries, and roots are more than welcome.⁣
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Whether a snake, hare or a ground bird, the way a mongoose hunts it’s prey is a sight to watch. One lethal bite to the neck or head and the prey becomes an instant meal. ⁣
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But how does the mongoose combat venomous snakes with such efficiency? ⁣
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Well, it is two fold - ⁣
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Evolution - Stiff rigid hair, thick loose skin and specialised immunity to snake venom.⁣
Strategy - By tiring the snake out enticing it to make multiple strikes which it acrobatically avoids.⁣
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I have had many opportunities to observe the Indian Grey Mongoose, however, witnessing it’s stealth at the expanses of Kutch made this experience a special one.⁣
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Place: Little Rann of Kutch, Gujarat, India⁣
Date: January 2018⁣ ⁣
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Mr. Flamboyant (full screen view recommended)⁣
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#birding_friday featuring the Indian Peacock and our weekly quiz @lenstrails . ⁣
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In the larger part of the subcontinent, peacock is synonymous to beauty. Mythology, poetry, dance, and most art forms, a peacock is mentioned more often than not. Owing to 60% of the weight and extending almost 5 feet, a peacock’s feathers & tail (called a train) is an indisputable symbol of beauty and flamboyance.⁣
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For me, it is a dream yet to come true to freeze a peacock in flight. For now, let us settle with this (second) dream which finally came true couple of years ago. A perched peacock in a habitat frame. ⁣
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Now, let us get to the weekly quiz (don’t miss the trivia at the end of this post).⁣
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Question: Why do some birds have long feathers/tail? How does it help apart from attracting a mate or flying?⁣
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Go ahead, give it a shot and post your answers. Log back in, this evening to see the answer.⁣
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Trivia: Did you know that this bird is one of the most incorrectly identified bird in our locals? Perhaps, after black kite (commonly referred to incorrectly as eagle) and parakeet (referred to incorrectly as parrots). The correct usage is Peafowl, peacock should be used only for males and peahen for females.⁣
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Place: Kabini, Karnataka, India⁣
Date: April 2017⁣
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Pride of a preferred prey.⁣
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#mammal_thursday featuring the Sambar Deer @lenstrails . ⁣
While many of us are obsessed with Tigers, at times I wonder how it would feel like to be the one whom Tiger is obsessed with!?⁣
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Tigers, generally succeed only once in ten attempts of hunting down a prey. Hence targeting larger prey is obvious. This makes Sambar Deer a preferred choice vis-a-vis spotted deer for example.⁣
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Sambar deer could weigh almost half a tonne and would suffice as a sumptuous meal to the predator for a week. Not just Tigers, leopards and wild dogs too don’t miss a chance to hunt one down but the sheer size, strength and lethal antlers of these deer could prove fatal.⁣
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Today, the Sambar Deer is classified ‘Vulnerable’ as it’s population is rapidly decreasing, due to demand for meat and trophy hunting. On the other hand excessive urbanization is causing habitat destruction, pushing the already declining population further.⁣
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It is in our hands now. No Sambar Deer = No ........... what? You know the answer. An entire ecosystem is dependent on the Tiger at the top of the food chain, who is inturn dependent on this prey. Now that’s the pride of a preferred prey!⁣
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Place: Bandipura, Bangalore, India⁣
Date: June 2012⁣ ⁣
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On the face..⁣⁣
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#macro_wednesday featuring the Bicolored Frog @lenstrails . ⁣⁣
After having observed the stand alone feature of frog prints, unique to this species, we decided to move on. ⁣⁣
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(Frog print? What is that? You may ask.. Read the last section of this post to know more.)⁣⁣
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Negotiating rain, plants and slush, I moved forward to notice something jump and settle. Curious, I leaned to notice this beauty again. This was the second spotting of the same species that day and we sure wanted to give it a pass. ⁣⁣
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However, our repeated attempts to move ahead failed as this one would jump even further and land in front of us. This continued for a few steps and I stopped, tired.⁣⁣
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I looked down at the little face that now appeared angry, must be the angle I thought. Pulled my camera out to create this image. First click was off focus, second one in focus and the frog was gone. ⁣⁣
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Luck favours the brave, I thought and moved on..⁣⁣
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Now coming to the frog print - Bicolored frog possesses spots on its back which are distinctive enough to rely upon for estimating it’s population.⁣ Similar to our finger prints.⁣⁣
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⁣This frog is endemic to the western ghat and classified as ’Near Threatened’ unfortunately, thanks to the mindless urbanisation leading to habitat destruction.⁣ Let us be aware, spread the word and do everything in our capacity to save the ecosystem.⁣⁣
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PS: All necessary precaution was exercised by us to not harm or disturb the subject and habitat. ⁣⁣
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Place: Amboli, Maharashtra, India⁣⁣
Season: Monsoon of 2017 ⁣⁣
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The mighty Cinereous (Part 1)⁣⁣
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#birding_tuesday featuring the Cinereous Vulture @lenstrails . ⁣⁣
Ten days of continuous birding in Rajasthan had kind of worn me out physically. However, I would not let this hinder my eternal quest for vultures and headed in that direction. Traveling north west of Tal Chappar, we drove a little over 130 kms towards Bikaner, from one raptor paradise to another.⁣⁣
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What we witnessed was overwhelming..⁣⁣
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Read on this microblog (reading time - 3 mins) around the experience of encountering the mighty Cinereous vulture: http://www.lenstrails.com/the-mighty-cinereous-part-1/ (single click link in bio)⁣⁣
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Place: Jorbeer, Bikaner, Rajasthan, India⁣⁣
Date: November 2018
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Mystical Nanda Devi, a view from the other side..⁣
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#nature_monday @lenstrails . ⁣
Himalayas teaches you everything, from patience to tolerance. From courage to endurance. This list as well as the mountain range seem limitless. At the day’s end, when the cloud curtains rose, this is what I got to see. I stood staring at the Himalayan mirror in awe, I appeared tiny and insignificant. ⁣
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This was in summer last year. After a day long field day birding at 9000 ft (above mean sea level), battling stingy temperatures varying between single digit and sub zero, we stared at the unwelcomed drizzle in anguish. You weren’t supposed to happen, we cursed! Every tiny drop landed like a piercing needle, cold and ruthless. ⁣
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A few extended mins passed before the rain shied away and we saw something. Something that looked like flames, arising from a gigantic fire. It took us a few seconds to comprehend what we were witnessing. This was the mystical Nanda Devi in full display. Sun had decided to call it a day and like this. ⁣
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The view of Nanda Devi from Chopta is euphoric and to witness it with such a clear view was our luck favouring us, at an all time high.⁣
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Nanda Devi has had her ups and downs, she was once referred to as the world’s highest mountain. After computations playing spoilsport in the 1800s, she settled with the title of India’s highest mountain. This was until Kangchenjunga snatched the title in the 70s, after the State of Sikkim joined Republic of India. ⁣
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On a serious note, she stands tall guarding the extremely fragile ecosystem, the Nanda Devi National park, a UNESCO world heritage site. The bliss-giving goddess, is what her name stands for in the local language and for all the right reasons.⁣
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Place: Chopta, Uttarakhand, India⁣
Date: April 2018⁣
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Leiothrix. Wait, what!?⁣
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#birding_friday featuring the Red-billed Leiothrix and our weekly quiz @lenstrails . ⁣
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When I first heard an experienced birder say this name, I thought he was showing-off. Must be some greek/latin name show-off types, I thought. Well, only after I bought my first bird book, did I know that this was indeed a common name of a small bird found in the forests of the Himalayan range.⁣
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This bird is not very small though, good enough to not go unnoticed, say sparrow size. What makes it special are the colours - let me help list but towards the end of this post.⁣
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Now, first let us get to the weekly quiz: ⁣
⁣
Question: Why are birds (many of them) brightly coloured? How does it help?⁣
⁣
Go ahead, give it a shot and post your answers in the comments section. Log back in, this evening to see the answer.⁣
⁣
Now as promised, here is the list of colours on this beauty:⁣
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- Olive green bird, yellow throat with orange shading on the breast. ⁣
- Yellowish ring around the eye, bright yellow, orange, red and black wing feathers⁣
- Forked tail with olive brown and blackish at the tip. ⁣
- Finally, the cheeks and side of the neck are a bluish gray color. ⁣
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That’s quite a riot of colors, isn’t it!?⁣
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This bird is very active and an excellent singer too. But very secretive and difficult to see even in its core habitat. After waiting for several years, I finally managed to observe and create images of this one at Sattal last year.⁣
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Place: Sattal, Uttarakhand, India⁣
Date: April 2018⁣
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.

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Tuesday: Birds

A solo (couple) woodpecker.

#birding_tuesday featuring the Lesser Goldenback @lenstrails .

Generally found in pairs, this one seemed to be a little off the grid. It was not too long before the mate joined in and their routine of chisel feeding continued, this they would engage in pretty much the entire day.
Feeding mainly on ants, which it picks from bark and leaves of trees, Lesser Goldenback does not spare spiders, caterpillars and other insects as well as fruits and nectar.
Do you see that big cavity in the bark of this tree? What appears like a whole, is actually the nest. While I am unsure if this pair were the occupants - a hole of this size excavated with a horizontal entry and a descend deep enough to hold 2-3 eggs, is a signature Lesser Goldenback nest.

So far, this woodpecker species seem to be holding fort pretty well and found almost everywhere in and around its range in the subcontinent.
It is rather amazing how evolution takes stride and manages the predator and prey equilibrium. One outsmarts the other time and again, and when we are just about to declare a winner the other one surprisingly takes over. Only time will tell, how this species will survive the battle with natural predators as well as human infused threats.

Place: Tattekad, Kerala, India
Date: December 2018

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.

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Are you a nephophile too?⁣
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#nature_monday @lenstrails ⁣. I didn’t mean to complicate or make your Monday any more demanding, just that I learnt this new term and thought of sharing it with you 😊.⁣
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For time immemorial, I have been obsessed with clouds. Everything about them is beautiful, they form astonishing shapes, splash vibrant colours and carry a lot of emotion (read as monsoon).⁣
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I must admit, I rarely miss an opportunity to make sense of cloud formations even today and laugh at myself for doing this. A game, my dad and I used to play when I was a kid.⁣
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While making this image, (as recently as yesterday) I started to wonder if there were other people too who were so obsessed with clouds and cloud formations. Turns out, there are and a whole lot of them. In fact, many form groups to engage in cloud watching like we bird enthusiasts do bird watching.⁣
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So, coming to the initial question - Are you a nephophile too? What formation does your imaginative self see here in these clouds?⁣
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Place: Bangalore, Karnataka, India⁣
Date: October 2019⁣
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An oblivious cat..⁣
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#mammal_thursday featuring a subadult leopardess @lenstrails . ⁣
On this winter afternoon at Jhalana (off Jaipur), it rained leopards. Not one but two, not twice but thrice. One of those days when you really feel on ’Top of the World’.⁣
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Jhalana happened to me by accident. It was my birding tour of Rajasthan and Jhalana was force fitted in the itinerary only on account of its proximity to Jaipur where I would land on Day 1.⁣
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We entered the forest range by 4 PM (already late) and I was fuming at the irregular parking of vehicles blocking the entry. All that was forgotten in just a bit. Twenty five minutes inside the park and there she came, my first leopard(ess) of Jhalana. She seemed pretty oblivious of our presence, and started walking straight towards our jeep. Almost all the way too close, that we had to back-up.⁣
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After a good ten minutes catch-catch game, she venture into the bushes. Surprisingly, not to shy away but to sit there and pose like this (in the image). ⁣
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The rest of the safari continued with her sibling showing up after sometime and she reappearing just before we were calling it a day.⁣
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This day at Jhalana, will stay vivid in my memory for a long time to come. The entire experience in the form of a short story will be published, in the coming days.⁣
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Place: Jhalana, Rajasthan, India⁣
Date: November 2018⁣ ⁣
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.

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Bustling bubbles..⁣
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#macro_wednesday featuring the bubbles (eggs) of (frog) life @lenstrails .
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Navigating through battering rain and gushing anxiety to witness something new, we ventured deep into the darkness of canopied trees. One tree in the grove had given room to something astonishing. ⁣
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At first, it appeared like nothing, then looked like something, ‘something different’. While my mind continued to struggle, my eyes tried to comprehend what this actually was. A closer look, gave away tiny frog like figures. But wait, this was neither a frog nor a tadpole. Then what was it!? I questioned myself.⁣
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Thankfully, Shubham (our naturalist and guide) came to my rescue. This turned out to be a clutch of Amboli bush frog eggs. He speculated this to be around three weeks old and were due to hatch in the next few weeks. Apparently their incubation time is 35-40 days.⁣
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As strange and unique evolution could get, this species progresses directly from egg to froglet stage. Staring at these tiny creatures, I stood amazed and wondering. One question kept lingering in my mind - How much did I know and how much more would I know in this short numbered life of mine? Nature being full of surprises is definitely not a ‘cliche’ statement.⁣
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Amboli bush frog is a rare shrub frog species endemic to Amboli, Maharashtra and some adjoining regions in the Western Ghats of India. As you would expect, they are critically endangered and at a high risk of extinction due to excessive urbanisation resulting in deforestation and habitat loss. We could do our bit by being mindful of this species and its habitat, creating and spreading awareness which would help conservation efforts.⁣
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PS: All necessary precaution was exercised by us to not harm or disturb the subject and habitat. ⁣
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Place: Amboli, Maharashtra, India⁣
Season: Monsoon of 2017 ⁣
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For other nature and wildlife stories, continue to visit lenstrails.com
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Chup chup bird..⁣
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#birding_tuesday featuring the Greater Yellownape @lenstrails .
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I didn’t mean this bird is a silent one, rather it’s call is in the tune of disyllabic ‘Chup’ ‘Chup’… In fact, their sounds are loud in the breading season. They particularly pick dead trees to drum so loud, so as to be heard by prospective mates pretty much the entire forest patch.⁣
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Yellownapes have a yellow nape (the back of a neck), simple and hence the name. The key distinction between a male and a female is the throat, the one in the image is a female who has a red-brown throat, the male has a yellow one.⁣
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Widely distributed across the forest ranges of Himalayas and further northeast, it is not very difficult to spot this bird. They are big, almost pigeon sized and their prominent colours is a clear give away.⁣
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I made this image last April at Uttarakhand. What makes this image special is, how she posed on a planted bamboo shoot showing-off all her beauty, undisturbed by our presence. ⁣
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Place: Sattal, Uttarakhand, India⁣
Date: April 2018⁣
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A patient crepuscular’s reward..⁣
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#nature_monday @lenstrails ⁣. No, I am not referring to the peafowl here. Clearly, it’s the observer who is at an advantage in the twilight hour. The rewards are invaluable.⁣
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Over the years, I have developed a special liking for this time of the day at dawn and dusk. Sure, it gives me innumerable opportunities as a photographer but even better, makes storytelling vivacious.⁣
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On this occasion, with all the huffing and puffing we stalled at this tree. The November early morning chills weren’t milld but the scene here had to get bigger, bigger than what I initially witnessed.⁣
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I gave it about ten minutes and just when I was about to rubbish the intuition, a peafowl appeared out of nowhere to complete the scene.⁣
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While I looked through the viewfinder composing the photo-story, I was secretly thanking my stars. Just then, Devendra (the cycle rickshaw guide and a good friend) gave a pat on my back and said “Isiliye idhar rokha” (this is why I stopped here). ⁣
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While it is all about being there at the right place and at the right time, it is the right company that makes it all happen, isn’t it!? ⁣
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PS: All the huffing and puffing was done by Devendra, while all I did was holding my camera equipment tight in the cycle rickshaw and hoping that nature would compose a frame for me. Just so that I can talk about it later..⁣
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Place: Bharatpur, Rajasthan, India⁣
Date: November 2018⁣
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An uncommon commoner..⁣ @lenstrails .
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#birding_tuesday featuring the Common Kingfisher ⁣
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Once a commoner, the Common Kingfisher is one of those birds which you would rarely miss if in the right habitat even today. Also this is one of those Kingfishers, that you are likely to see with a catch more often than not - nature’s creation is such that they need to eat 60% of their weight every single day. ⁣
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When I first learnt about this little beauty, I was curious why on earth would you name this ‘Common’ in comparison to it’s larger cousin (White-throated) that we see everywhere? A little research showed, of the 120 Kingfisher species in the world, this is (was) the most widespread and hence the name.⁣
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Highly territorial, this is one of the common Kingfisher species to observe near swamps, wet grasslands and rivers with dense vegetation on banks. ⁣
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However, they are quite sensitive and getting them well composed in an image is difficult until you know their behaviour pattern. For instance, understanding that they are very likely to return to the same perch time and again almost all day unless threatened, helped me make images like these.⁣
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This image in particular is special to me, I always wanted to get a typical habitat shot of this beauty and not until couple of years ago did I succeed in making one.⁣
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Place: Mangaljodi, Odisha, India⁣
Date: December 2017⁣
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.

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Sunset or Sunrise? An eternal mischief..⁣
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#nature_monday @lenstrails .
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A quintessential dilemma, a long debated affinity and a popular choice. What do you like? Sunrise or a sunset? Why?⁣
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For me, it is a bit self contradicting - though I am a morning person, I love sunsets. Simply because of the splash of hues it spills, creating endless opportunities for me as a photo storyteller.⁣
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Image you see here is that of a sunset.⁣
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Place: Bharatpur, Rajasthan, India⁣
Date: November 2018⁣
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Sparkling eye(s)..⁣
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Featuring the Gray Langur.⁣ @lenstrails .
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Just while I was about to click this picture, the dawning sun hid behind the clouds dimming the light again. However, the spark in the eyes of this langur didn’t follow suit. These eyes told me a story, story with a strange mix of black and white, the color of clouds - a gray colored story..⁣
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In excess of 3,00,000 individuals in India alone spread across the forests as well as adjoining urban areas, they are standing the test of time with torture. Beaten, hunted, baited, eaten and what not.⁣
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On the other hand they are also worshiped. Like most other animals found in the Indian subcontinent, the Gray Langur too is associated with mythology and sometimes referred to as ‘sacred langur’ or even better ‘Hanuman langur’. They must really be a confused lot, amazed to witness this opportunistic and hypocritical behavior of their larger cousins - us.⁣
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This image was made at 9000 ft above sea level, enroute Chopta during summer last year. Tired of scouting for Koklass pheasant we took a short break on a twisty road, when an army of Gray langurs appeared on the pines. Looked like they were all excited to welcome some sunshine after a nerve-racking chilly night at the mountains, but soon the clouds spoiled their plan.⁣
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Spread across the length and breadth of the subcontinent, it is one of the popular subjects amongst budding wildlife photographers. Their contrasting colours and tolerance to human interaction make them a preferred subject to photograph more often than not.⁣
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Place: Chopta, Uttarakhand, India⁣
Date: April 2018⁣ ⁣
For other nature and wildlife stories, continue to visit lenstrails.com.
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