A Few Bird Shots

These birds are seen on a regular basis in the grounds at Junglemantra. An Alexandrine Parakeet (the largest here of this species), Rufous Tree-Pie, Golden Fronted Leaf Bird, Oriental White-Eye and Cattle Egret.

Indian Sunsets

We have seen some wonderful sunsets whilst in India, here are just a couple of shots

Purple Sunbirds

These are very common and I watch then every morning - they come to the newly flowering "Flame of the Forest" bushes, as do lots of lovely birds!

Butterflies etc

I havent had the means to identify the butterflies, dragonflies and damselflies, I will do so on my return.

Indian Mammals

Shown here are Spotted Deer (they were a bit too close!)and Barking Deer (muntjac) and also the Jungle Cat and Jackal that have been hanging around in the grounds at Junglemantra.

Tiger Tiger!!!!

Yesterday afternoon we ventured out on our fourth visit to the park. As we were making our way out without seeing anything much we suddenly were told a Tiger was in sight! And there he was - a magnificent male! We were both overcome, it was a magical and emotional encounter, we watch him for about 30 mins, he was across the other side of a body of water and we observed him stretching and yawning and then he weaved his way through the trees. We shall never forget it! The realisation of a years old dream finally happened - am still on a high!! Watching him made us late in leaving the park (the rules are very strict!) so Joseph our driver had to put his foot down, which is quite scary going by the terrible state of the tracks, we felt we may well die with every pothole, rock etc we hit in our Gypsy (Jeep) It was like competing in a rally stage!! Adrenelin rush or what!!! Quite an afternoon!

Collared Scops Owl

Being one of my target birds, I was thrilled to be shown 2 seperate pairs of these beauties! There were all sleeping! The female is larger than the male. I am still seeing the little Spotted Owlets in the Mahua tree at Junglemantra on a daily basis. The Scops live in the National Park

Birdlife

I am always up at 6.30am and I sit on the steps of my room just taking it all in. The dawn chorus is something else, theres usually a mist and tribal drums can be heard in the hills, the air is filled with the smell of woodsmoke - its Mandys favourite time of the day. Here are photos of Crested Serpent Eagle, Red vented Bulbul, Lesser Adjutant Stork (possibly the ugliest bird on the planet!) a Red Necked Vulture ( akaKing Vulture) and a Plum Headed Parakeet

Wildlife

We again visited the park twice without any tiger showing itself, lots of pug marks and scratches on trees though! We did come across these Jackals though and also shown here are Chital (Spotted Deer) and a Black faced Langur.

Junglemantra Grounds

The grounds surrounding our base are vast and beautiful. Here are some pics of the area and also a couple of pics of us both with our group of students! This aspect of the trip is proving rewarding although challenging at times. Neither of us have had teacher training and there is the obvious language barrier! However the students enthusiasm is infectious and the are a great natured bunch and very keen to learn

First Safari

We enjoyed our first visit to theNational Park but were unlucky as we did not see any Tigers ( We missed one by ten mins) We shall visit again Monday morning so fingers crossed. However it was a great visit and the highlight was witnessing a jackal attack on a group of Spotted Deer (Chital), it successfully killed a fawn, which was sad to see but amazing too!
We also saw Sambhur Deer, Wild Boar, Jungle Cat and some nice birds.

Birds of India

. Shown here are Red Wattle Lapwing, Indian Roller, Black Hooded Oriole and Black Ibis

Common Iora

These delightful little birds are seen everyday.

Indian Raptors

Shown here are Black Shouldered Kite and A Crested Serpent Eagle which was one of the most confiding raptors I have ever had the pleasure to observe!