Stripes of Wild India

[gagan]

Dancing peacock is a symbol of approaching rains in our indian culture. ....the bird is gods own messenger as well as carrier. ..such a fabulous shot of male peacock .........

 

Btw the words such as "game drive ", "4x4" etc might not be famous in india ..it is common in east africa I believe. ..so what were famous words related to safari you learned from india. ..??

[Treepol]

@@Atravelynn I'm following your Indian safari very closely with its wonderful writing and photos. The comment about wearing a common myna as a hat made me laugh, and from your photo I spot a definite trend!

[janzin]

Love the Myna hats!!!

[TonyQ]

Beautiful scenes of the barasinga in the water. I really like the owlet - and you did very well with the peacock displaying!

[Tom Kellie]

Also really glad to see the diversity of bird photos. I keep telling myself if we have bad luck with tigers, at least we'll have a couple of hundred new life birds

 

~ @@janzin

 

That's how I feel.

I'd more or less supposed that there might be superb tiger images...as there are.

Yet the highly welcome surprise has been the consistently high quality of the bird photos.

Such variety and so pleasingly photographed.

I hope that India will become a regular safari destination for you!

Tom K.

[michael-ibk]

@Michael-ibk Re the Bandar Log - we had a few discussions about which species and the consensus was it refers to the Rhesus macaque, ie. much bolder and sometimes a real pain. It's because of them (and the crows) that the Mukki breakfast place is indoors whereas the lack of macaques in the other two zones means it's safe to eat outside as the Langurs are, as yet, quite shy. What do you think?

 

@@Galago

 

I am leaning more towards the Langurs, simply because Macaques wouldn´t be able to carry a child through the trees like the Bandar Log did with Mowgli in that story where he was brought to the ancient city (where Kaa danced with them and nobody, not even Bagheera could resist the old python´s pull). Also there´s the fact that Langurs are much more numerous in Kanha and Pench (which was one connected area back then), we saw no Macaques in Kanha and just the one in Pench. Also, Bagheera talks of the Bandar-Log as the "Grey Apes" in "Kaa´s Hunting", and Mowgli mentions they "stand on their feet" the same way he does. So I say Langurs.

 

Love your Shikra photo btw!

 

Dancing peacock is a symbol of approaching rains in our indian culture. ....the bird is gods own messenger as well as carrier. ..such a fabulous shot of male peacock .........

 

Btw the words such as "game drive ", "4x4" etc might not be famous in india ..it is common in east africa I believe. ..so what were famous words related to safari you learned from india. ..??

 

Hm ... gypsy .... Aap ne baagh Dekha ... and most famous of all...TigerTigerTiger .... (nobody just says TIGER! when he sees one it´s always the triple TIGERTIGERTIGERLOOKHURRYDRIVETHERE!

Edited May 20, 2015 by michael-ibk

[Tom Kellie]

Hm ... gypsy .... Aap ne baagh Dekha ... and most famous of all...TigerTigerTiger .... (nobody just says TIGER! when he sees one it´s always the triple TIGERTIGERTIGERLOOKHURRYDRIVETHERE!

 

~ @@michael-ibk

 

哈哈哈! (= the sound of laughter)

Although I've never yet had the pleasure of going on an Indian safari, what you've written above sounds very true-to-life.

Reading it again on my computer screen makes me smile and chuckle.

Thank you!

Tom K.

[Tom Kellie]

These jungles are full of medicinal plants and trees....these trips are somewhat helping to promote medical tourism as well...

 

~ @@gagan

 

Do you mean that the guides make an effort to explain to the guests the pharmacological significance of various herbs, trees and flowers?

If that's indeed the case, that's an excellent practice. Plants need not be summarily overlooked, as they're fascinating in their own right.

Tom K.

[Tom Kellie]

Speaking of shouts, we heard very few during tiger sightings. There was an annoying cell phone ring that went off a couple of times during the same sighting. I think that was Tadoba.

 

~ @@Atravelynn

 

Grr...

A mobile phone call during a sighting would be like a Skype call during a multi-course Parisian dinner.

Not the place or the time for it.

Hearing that would have brought out my inner tiger.

Tom K.

[michael-ibk]

For once we could enjoy a nice sleep-in and enjoyed the luxury of getting up at a lavish 06:00:

 

We had a very relaxed breakfast with lots of fresh fruit near the pool and then said Good Bye to Chitvan at about 08:45 - we were on our way to

 

Pench!

 

The drive was a bit more than four hours, through a very rural and beautiful landscape with not too much of traffic. Twice on the way we passed through the forest corridor linking Kanha with Pench. An important lifeline for Tigers (and other animals), it helps the youngsters spread out and is therefore vital for genetic diversity. The corridor, mostly three to four kilometres broad, IS accepted, collared Tigers from Kanha have shown up in Pench and vice versa. Recent developments are unfortunately not that encouraging from a wildlife perspective, the state wants to expand the NH-7, turning the narrow road into a double-lane highway that way. Tree felling has been halted by court for now but some damage has already been done, more than 4,800 trees are gone. Critics fear that this expansion could destroy the corridor.

 

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/After-NGT-now-Maharashtra-stays-tree-felling-on-NH-7/articleshow/47218178.cms

 

 

Rural Madhya Pradesh

 

 

Rajan at our one stop one the way, the Bison Highway Retreat. Yes, Mowgli is popular here.

 

 

There he is again. For a reason, Pench is the original setting of Kipling´s Jungle Books, places like the Seoni Hills (home of the wolves) or the Wainganga (where Sher Khan was killed) do actually exist here.

 

 

Getting ready.

 

 

Pench and us really started off on the wrong foot this afternoon. The loose forest looked interesting, but we were actually wondering why exactly people describe the park as exceptionally pretty. And we did see all the usual suspects in good numbers, but ... the usual suspects and nothing more. Tiger alarm once, so they claimed, but I heard nothing. And more and more on this drive, every one of us got a bit grumpy.

 

I saw a very funny cartoon on FB the other day about type of wildlife photographers, and Type 1 probably best describes the state we were in:

 

 

 

See all types here: http://www.greenhumour.com/2013/04/the-11-types-of-wildlife-photographers.html

 

So our reactions this day were probably something like this:

 

 

TreesTreesTreesTrees. Super.

 

 

Dead Sambar. Couldn´t the damn tiger have stayed around?

 

 

Yeah, Roller, we´ve had quite enough of you, come back in better light.

 

 

Rose-Ringed Parakeet? I want a Plumheaded, dammit!

 

 

Oriental Magpie Robin? Come on, we see hundreds of them every day.

 

 

Nilgai, ok, kinda cool, new mammal! (Spotted by Lynn!)

 

 

For a while this lifted our Type 1 mood.

 

 

But just for a while.

 

 

The novelty effect of Sambar wears off soon. And I refuse to take even one photo of these Chital buggers.

 

 

Langurs ... can´t excite anymore, even with babies. Bandar-Log, really.

 

 

 

No, not even when munching away on Flame of the Forest Flowers.

 

 

What good is a waterhole without cool mammals, really?

 

 

Couldn´t this Alexandrine Parakeet (new one!) have the decency to perch a bit closer?

 

 

Too late, Little Green Bee-Eater, the light is gone.

 

 

White Throated Kingfisher. Seen dozens of them already.

 

 

Peacock? Puh-lease!!!

 

So when we left the park we all were "Pench sucks a bit. Boring. What I expected, people never seem to see anything here. Really a mistake that we are doing two nights. Maybe we can move on to Tadoba tomorrow morning?"

 

Pench, however, clearly heard what we were thinking and was offended. So much that it decided to go all out the next day and totally kick ass.

 

It did, wait for it.

[janzin]

hahahha great post, I think we've all suffered that grumpy safari-drive burnout at one time or another---"why didn't I go to (insert camp/park name here) there is nothing here but endless empty plains/forests I can't stand another impala, why didn't I listen to the folks on SafariTalk when they said that (insert camp/park ) was better!"

 

Which is why I anxiously await your revised impressions of Pench, since I am also planning two nights there!

[graceland]

I felt your pain @Michael-ibk; maybe ONE or TWO times I thought....oh NO, are we stopping for yet another ____ (insert). Yet at the same time I say, so what -you ARE IN AFRICA! Flutter of the heart

 

But an hour later, excitment once again.

 

SO looking forward to what is to come!

Edited May 20, 2015 by graceland

[Tom Kellie]

I felt your pain @Michael-ibk; maybe ONE or TWO times I thought....oh NO, are we stopping for yet another ____ (insert). Yet at the same time I say, so what -you ARE IN AFRICA! Flutter of the heart

 

But an hour later, excitment once again.

 

SO looking forward to what is to come!

 

~ @@graceland

 

The following is a true story, as heard and observed in late January, 2015, in Buffalo Springs Nature Reserve, Kenya, opposite Samburu Nature Reserve:

We were on the return drive back to the lodge after a highly productive morning game drive.

Completely uncharacteristically and unlike any other game drive in the Samburu area, we spotted a Masai Mara-like thick cluster of specialized safari vehicles all gathered in one location, not far from the bridge over the Ewaso Nyiro river in a fairly barren place.

As we approached, my Chinese student and I asked each other what they might have spotted.

A cheetah? Lions? A resting leopard? An aardwolf? An aardvark? A pangolin?

Rolling up behind the overcrowded vehicles, which seemed to be an immense group, we distinctly heard an older southern American lady's exasperated voice.

“Lordy, I think we saw them before, maybe back home”. Another voice answered “No, Mama, they're really rare African birds. C'mon take a look”.

My curiosity aroused, Anthony pulled forward to give us a decent camera position for the sighting, whatever it might be.

A flock of less than a dozen Helmeted Guineafowl.

Camera down, we went on our way.

That group must have been on their first-ever game drive.

Not even the local specialty, Vulterine Guineafowl, but their Helmeted cousins. Sheesh.

Sometimes a dove is just another dove...even in lovely Africa.

We had a lovely lunch.

Tom K.

Edited May 20, 2015 by Tom Kellie

[Tom Kellie]

Pench!

 

So when we left the park we all were "Pench sucks a bit. Boring. What I expected, people never seem to see anything here. Really a mistake that we are doing two nights. Maybe we can move on to Tadoba tomorrow morning?"

 

Pench, however, clearly heard what we were thinking and was offended. So much that it decided to go all out the next day and totally kick ass.

 

It did, wait for it.

 

~ @@michael-ibk

 

You've hooked me!

That's a great lead-in for the next Pench installment.

I may discreetly borrow it to use somewhere in my trip report.

Great suspense and expectation builder!

Your images are so pleasing, both as to technical qualities and as to aesthetic judgment.

All of this is firing up interest in India, not only in me but in others.

That's a reliable indicator of a high-quality trip report.

Many thanks, with great interest in the next installment.

Tom K.

[graceland]

 

I felt your pain @Michael-ibk; maybe ONE or TWO times I thought....oh NO, are we stopping for yet another ____ (insert). Yet at the same time I say, so what -you ARE IN AFRICA! Flutter of the heart

 

But an hour later, excitment once again.

 

SO looking forward to what is to come!

 

~ @@graceland

 

The following is a true story, as heard and observed in late January, 2015, in Buffalo Springs Nature Reserve, Kenya, opposite Samburu Nature Reserve:

We were on the return drive back to the lodge after a highly productive morning game drive.

Completely uncharacteristically and unlike any other game drive in the Samburu area, we spotted a Masai Mara-like thick cluster of specialized safari vehicles all gathered in one location, not far from the bridge over the Ewaso Nyiro river in a fairly barren place.

As we approached, my Chinese student and I asked each other what they might have spotted.

A cheetah? Lions? A resting leopard? An aardwolf? An aardvark? A pangolin?

Rolling up behind the overcrowded vehicles, which seemed to be an immense group, we distinctly heard an older southern American lady's exasperated voice.

“Lordy, I think we saw them before, maybe back home”. Another voice answered “No, Mama, they're really rare African birds. C'mon take a look”.

My curiosity aroused, Anthony pulled forward to give us a decent camera position for the sighting, whatever it might be.

A flock of less than a dozen Helmeted Guineafowl.

Camera down, we went on our way.

That group must have been on their first-ever game drive.

Not even the local specialty, Vulterine Guineafowl, but their Helmeted cousins. Sheesh.

Sometimes a dove is just another dove...even in lovely Africa.

We had a lovely lunch.

Tom K.

 

You may have heard the older southern woman shout" Lordy "- but if you listened closer, you would have herard : LAWDY, as in Lawwwwddyyy. "Lordy" is a totally different culture!

[Tom Kellie]

You may have heard the older southern woman shout" Lordy "- but if you listened closer, you would have herard : LAWDY, as in Lawwwwddyyy. "Lordy" is a totally different culture!

 

~ @@graceland

 

I stand corrected.

Thank you!

Tom K.

[Atravelynn]

 

Btw the words such as "game drive ", "4x4" etc might not be famous in india ..it is common in east africa I believe. ..so what were famous words related to safari you learned from india. ..??

Good question @@gagan!

 

Hm ... gypsy .... Aap ne baagh Dekha ... and most famous of all...TigerTigerTiger .... (nobody just says TIGER! when he sees one it´s always the triple TIGERTIGERTIGERLOOKHURRYDRIVETHERE!

 

We even managed to be understood when saying, "Aap ne baagh Dekha." But we startled some of the Hindi speakers who were not expecting those words to come from our mouths.

 

I'll add the dessert Gulab Jamun to the list of famous words in India.

 

----------------------

 

Those cartoons are hilarious!

 

And so is your approach to afternoon #1 in Pench. I remember I actually thought to myself, "Maybe people say Pench is so lovely because they like spaces between trees and there are lots of spaces between trees."

I recall Michael's exact words when our first outing ended: "I'll reserve judgment."

Edited May 21, 2015 by Atravelynn

[Atravelynn]

 

I felt your pain @Michael-ibk; maybe ONE or TWO times I thought....oh NO, are we stopping for yet another ____ (insert). Yet at the same time I say, so what -you ARE IN AFRICA! Flutter of the heart

 

But an hour later, excitment once again.

 

SO looking forward to what is to come!

 

~ @@graceland

 

The following is a true story, as heard and observed in late January, 2015, in Buffalo Springs Nature Reserve, Kenya, opposite Samburu Nature Reserve:

We were on the return drive back to the lodge after a highly productive morning game drive.

Completely uncharacteristically and unlike any other game drive in the Samburu area, we spotted a Masai Mara-like thick cluster of specialized safari vehicles all gathered in one location, not far from the bridge over the Ewaso Nyiro river in a fairly barren place.

As we approached, my Chinese student and I asked each other what they might have spotted.

A cheetah? Lions? A resting leopard? An aardwolf? An aardvark? A pangolin?

Rolling up behind the overcrowded vehicles, which seemed to be an immense group, we distinctly heard an older southern American lady's exasperated voice.

“Lordy, I think we saw them before, maybe back home”. Another voice answered “No, Mama, they're really rare African birds. C'mon take a look”.

My curiosity aroused, Anthony pulled forward to give us a decent camera position for the sighting, whatever it might be.

A flock of less than a dozen Helmeted Guineafowl.

Camera down, we went on our way.

That group must have been on their first-ever game drive.

Not even the local specialty, Vulterine Guineafowl, but their Helmeted cousins. Sheesh.

Sometimes a dove is just another dove...even in lovely Africa. Or some goofy looking bird. I got chickens at home. What else can ya show me?

We had a lovely lunch.

Tom K.

 

[Atravelynn]

Despite the lull in activity, Rajan remained on duty in every sense, including the role of photographer. He dutifully turned the camera sideways to get this portrait of Rose-Ringed Parakeet that had the audacity to not be Plumheaded. I consoled myself that at least I got the tail wagging of an Oriental Magpie. Or was this bird merely showing its disdain for our attitudes, or the afternoon as a whole, by mooning us?

Rose-ringed Parakeet Oriental Magpie Robin

Edited May 21, 2015 by Atravelynn

[gagan]

 

 

 

Btw the words such as "game drive ", "4x4" etc might not be famous in india ..it is common in east africa I believe. ..so what were famous words related to safari you learned from india. ..??

Good question @@gagan!

 

Hm ... gypsy .... Aap ne baagh Dekha ... and most famous of all...TigerTigerTiger .... (nobody just says TIGER! when he sees one it´s always the triple TIGERTIGERTIGERLOOKHURRYDRIVETHERE!

 

We even managed to be understood when saying, "Aap ne baagh Dekha." But we startled some of the Hindi speakers who were not expecting those words to come from our mouths.

 

I'll add the dessert Gulab Jamun to the list of famous words in India.

 

----------------------

 

Those cartoons are hilarious!

 

And so is your approach to afternoon #1 in Pench. I remember I actually thought to myself, "Maybe people say Pench is so lovely because they like spaces between trees and there are lots of spaces between trees."

I recall Michael's exact words when our first outing ended: "I'll reserve judgment."

Nice experience. ...tiger tiger tiger ..seems a code word...like That of an army " alpha to delta "

[gagan]

 

 

These jungles are full of medicinal plants and trees....these trips are somewhat helping to promote medical tourism as well...

~ @@gagan

 

 

Do you mean that the guides make an effort to explain to the guests the pharmacological significance of various herbs, trees and flowers?

If that's indeed the case, that's an excellent practice. Plants need not be summarily overlooked, as they're fascinating in their own right.

Tom K.

@@Tom Kellie ....some are dedicated enough to explain the biodiversity of indian jungles..many dont seem to bother much....if u go to india ..look for neem , bael fruit, sagon, indian gooseberry trees to name a few...try to eat them raw if possible to do... Edited May 21, 2015 by gagan

[Galago]

Hilarious!

Glad to know I'm not the only one who sometimes thought 'Yes, I know it's spotted deer. I've seen thousands of them!'

 

I take your point about the Bandar Log being Langurs. I saw quite a few macaques though, especially in Kanha.

 

@gagan I learned Chalo and also (but don't know how to spell it) 'argilay'. It seemed that it went like this: chalo, chalo......... tiger tiger tiger....... argilay argilay! So how do I spell it correctly please?

[Tom Kellie]

@@Tom Kellie ....some are dedicated enough to explain the biodiversity of indian jungles..many dont seem to bother much....if u go to india ..look for neem , bael fruit, sagon, indian gooseberry trees to name a few...try to eat them raw if possible to do...

 

~ @@gagan

 

As plants are at the base of the food-chain, greater understanding of their value and uses would enhance the overall experience of a safari.

Without botanical diversity, a jungle would become the surface of Mars.

If safaris are exclusively predicated on large predator or rare grazer sightings, there may be substantial gaps without anything of note. If plants, birds and insects are also emphasized, a safari's value increases, with more to appreciate.

Thank you for telling me about the major endemic Indian food plants.

Tom K.

[gagan]

Hilarious!

Glad to know I'm not the only one who sometimes thought 'Yes, I know it's spotted deer. I've seen thousands of them!'

 

I take your point about the Bandar Log being Langurs. I saw quite a few macaques though, especially in Kanha.

 

@gagan I learned Chalo and also (but don't know how to spell it) 'argilay'. It seemed that it went like this: chalo, chalo......... tiger tiger tiger....... argilay argilay! So how do I spell it correctly please?

 

@@Galago

 

Chalo chalo means" lets move lets move"...bandar log ..means monkey group

Argilay I don't know. .I think it is dheere dheere which means " slowly slowly"..

 

Also... aapne bagh dekha means "did u see the tiger".....

Its fun when u go to another country and learn some words and try to figure it out...

[elefromoz]

Too funny, lucky "you weren't here to have fun" or you may have got really cranky! Maybe some of the wildlife sensed all the bad Karma coming from your little Jeep, they thought it best to stay away? Seriously, such phenomenal sightings, that huge Tiger in that little water-hole, thats the stuff dreams are made of.