Onathumbi: Onam with the Picture Wing Dragonfly!
What is Onam without its leitmotif — the Onathumbi or Picture Wing Dragonfly? Continue reading Onathumbi: Onam with the Picture Wing Dragonfly!
Category: Featured
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Big encounters with the ‘Little 5’ of the Namib Desert
Unbelievable but true, the tiny Palmate Gecko and the diaphanous Cartwheeling Spider can hold a candle to the Big 5! Continue reading Big encounters with the ‘Little 5’ of the Namib Desert
Manjhi Akshayavat, an immortal Banyan tree
Located not far from Lucknow, the Manjhi Akshayavat, one of India’s celebrated great banyans, is all that survives of the vast forest that once protected it. Continue reading Manjhi Akshayavat, an immortal Banyan tree
Encounter – Yellow-billed Blue Magpie
After every birding trip there is always one bird that occupies our thoughts after we return. For me, it was the Yellow-billed Blue Magpie As a voracious reader of Tintin, my first impression of a magpie was a rather plain, … Continue reading Encounter – Yellow-billed Blue Magpie
Nature’s palette at Birdpur
Winter’s officially out the door, but we still entertain memories of a January morning in Bharatpur amid winged angels and wicked vandals Accompanied by the creaking of the cycle rickshaw’s suspension, the eerie silhouettes created by the dense fog eclipsing … Continue reading Nature’s palette at Birdpur
Encounter: God, Darwin, Ali and the Blue-capped Rock Thrush
In the foggy ruins of time, most memories can get blurred, or muddied entirely. But not a birder’s remembrance of a cherished bird. Every time I see the Blue-capped Rock Thrush, I am reminded of myself at twelve, a scruffy, itchy pilgrim gazing in rapture at a sprite, a vision, a gift of the forest. It’s a story that involves God, Darwin and Salim Ali — all playing significant bit-parts. Continue reading Encounter: God, Darwin, Ali and the Blue-capped Rock Thrush
Hail to the leopard, spirit of the forest
In the presence of two regal cats we watched mesmerised and awestruck. Some of that aura rubbed off on us I have wandered only a handful of forests. Most wildlife enthusiasts might have traveled more in one year than I have over the last five. … Continue reading Hail to the leopard, spirit of the forest
The Bicoloured Frog’s Wedding Suit
Here was the Bicoloured Frog again, dressed for its wedding party. Continue reading The Bicoloured Frog’s Wedding Suit
An intimate encounter with the lovely Red Cassia
The brilliant brick reds, salmon-pink and yellow of Cassias light up avenues even as summer wears out its welcome. Sahastrarashmi presents an intimate encounter with the flowering tree as never experienced before Studio portrait of Red Cassia – the yellow (possibly hybrid) variation Studio portrait of Red Cassia – the brick-red flowers are interspersed with pink, but from a distance overshadow other shades The seemingly endless tropical summer tends to linger a bit longer on the eastern coast down south where I live. It’s an extended goodbye, a season that begins to grudgingly allow the relief of a few cool days … Continue reading An intimate encounter with the lovely Red Cassia
Encounter: The Dung Beetle’s Crappy Life
For the dung beetle, crap doesn’t just happen. It’s very happening! Continue reading Encounter: The Dung Beetle’s Crappy Life
Encounter: Bicoloured Frog
It’s tiny and blends in completely with the leaf litter but once you spot it, the Bicoloured Frog is unmistakable Continue reading Encounter: Bicoloured Frog
The Cannonball Tree, an explosion of beauty
In flower the Cannonball Tree is lovely. But, by Toutatis, beware the skull-crushing quality of its menacing fruits Continue reading The Cannonball Tree, an explosion of beauty
Assassins in the Garden – Part 1
For 20 years the mango tree that my father planted had stood its ground. It took less than 20 hours to bring it down. Continue reading Assassins in the Garden – Part 1
Encounter – Royle’s Pika
Half-mouse and half-hare is the Royle’s Pika. One of the most adorable mammals in the Himalaya Continue reading Encounter – Royle’s Pika
Encounter – The Himalayan Monal
Even a peacock must bow to this unchallenged monarch of mountain fowls, the majestic Himalayan Monal Continue reading Encounter – The Himalayan Monal