Every summer, hundreds of River Terns nest on a small island in the Bhadra Reservoir at Lakkavalli, Karnataka. Migrating locally from different parts of Karnataka and beyond, these birds congregate here along with other birds like Small Pratincoles (Glareola lactea). Throughout the nesting season, there is activity throughout the day on these islands as birds try to find nesting spots (sometimes by unsettling other nesting birds), hunt for fish or go...
India’s national animal never ceases to mesmerize. It could be the huge size, the majestic gait, the intense gaze. This tiger was encountered on a summer evening at Kanha National Park. He seemed well-settled and was concentrating on a herd of Chital (Axis axis) in the distance. It seemed as if he were making up his mind and drawing energy for the hunt. Unfortunately, it was very close to the park closing time and the shutterbugs had to hurry out of...
The Green Vine Snake (Ahaetulla nasuta) relies on its colour to camouflage itself from prey and predator. Common at Agumbe, they are often seen waiting patiently for prey to come along. They have been known to feed on other snakes and small birds too. They are mildly venomous to humans. When agitated, however, the snake reveals a lot more colors. It breaks into a checkerboard pattern and opens its mouth wide trying to scare away the intruder. When the...
The Black-and-Orange Flycatcher (Ficedula nigrorufa) is a species of flycatcher that is endemic to the Western Ghats, Nilgiris and Palani hills in South India. The bird is typically found in high-elevation plateaus, preferring areas with undergrowth and leaf litter. This female bird was photographed at Eravikulam National Park near Munnar, Kerala. She was very actively looking for food, typically hunting at ground level or slightly above. There would be a...
It was a February evening in Banni Grasslands, Greater Rann of Kutch. As the sun began its journey to the other side of the earth, the Indian Fox (Vulpes bengalensis) pups came out of their den and began their antics. They chased each other around for some time, bullied their sibling and ran in and out of the den. Once in a while, they would demand attention from their parent. And get all the attention showered upon them. An unforgettable...
Kingfishers are very easy to recognize in the field. Apart from the huge beak, they are very often strikingly colourful. The various shades of reds, greens, blues, violets, browns and, not to forget, black and white make them a birdwatcher’s delight. Collared Kingfishers (Todiramphus chloris) is a widespread kingfisher, found across most of Asia. They are found in coastal areas, especially where there are mangrove swamps. This kingfisher was...
Blackbucks (Antilope cervicapra) are among the fastest terrestrial animals in India, capable of speeds upto 80kmph. The unique coloration of the males, with distinct black and white coats, makes them very easy to identify in the field. Although widespread across most of India, their shrinking habitat makes them a vulnerable species. Rollapadu in Andhra Pradesh has a healthy population of blackbucks, that can be seen in the wonderful grasslands there.
Black-crowned Sparrow-larks (Eremopterix nigriceps) are rare residents in Western India, mainly the dry scrub and grassland areas in Rajasthan and Gujarat. Tal Chapar Wildlife Sanctuary (in Churu district, Rajasthan) is one of the places where they breed. It was early April and the juvenile had already fledged, taking short flights over a couple of feet at a time. The most-used defence tactic was lying still in order to avoid being detected. The parents...
Flowers are a plant’s advertisement to insects. As the insects draw nectar from the flower, the flower deposits some pollen on the insect. When the insect flies to another flower (on another plant), the pollen is deposited on that flower thereby fertilizing it. As insects (like butterflies, flies and bees) are attracted to a flowering plant, predators like this jumping spider (Telamonia dimidiata) use their natural camouflage to wait in the flower...
Daroji Bear Sanctuary, near Hampi in Karnataka, is the first bear sanctuary to be established in India. This rocky and dry terrain is home to a good population of Sloth Bears (Melursus ursinus), Indian Leopards, Indian Pangolins and a host of birds and reptiles. They feed on termites, honey bee colonies and fruits. They make a very loud huffing sound when they feed. This Sloth Bear had taken a break from its feast, when the Indian Peafowl (Pavo cristatus)...
The high-altitude desert of Ladakh does hold surprises. The Himalayas here wear a barren look, covered with many tiny rocks – the remnants of glaciers that melted earlier in the season. Near the brackish water lake, Tso Kar, one does come across a change in colour in the landscape – green grass that attracts the sparse wildlife of the region. Tibetan Wild Asses or Kiang (Equus kiang), the largest of the Wild Asses, roam this beautiful...
The Sociable Lapwing (Vanellus gregarius) is a Critically Endangered bird in the wader family. From their breeding grounds in Russia and Kazakhstan, the birds migrate south in winter, with a population heading to north-west India. They’ve been recorded from Kutch regularly; the sighting in Tal Chapar was the first one recorded in recent times. This bird was photographed one evening at Banni Grasslands in Greater Rann of Kutch, Gujarat.
Early morning and late afternoons are often said to provide the best light for photography. Sometimes, even close to mid-day, the play of light and shadows, and wonderfully contrasting colors can create photography opportunities. On a nature walk at River Tern Lodge (Bhadra Tiger Reserve), this Crimson Marsh Glider was perched on a beautifully curved branch. Along with the light and the colors, the flowers at the end of the branch were tempting enough to...
As we were driving up from Manali to Rohtang Pass, we came across a bovine carcass on the road. Himalayan Vultures and Indian Jungle Crows were feeding on it. And there were many more, those who had finished their meal or were awaiting their turn, on the trees by the road. These two juvenile vultures were in a playful mood that morning. They were having a go at each other once in a while and seemed to be having good fun.
In wildlife photography, surprises lurk everywhere. On a safari in Nagarhole National Park, this stealthy predator was seen walking amongst the woods. The coloration and the rosettes (spots on the leopard’s skin) make it almost impossible to detect this animal when it strides the forest. As he got onto the jeep track, he realized he wouldn’t be able to keep himself camouflaged. Cautiously, keeping an eye on the “visitors”, he got...
Crab Plovers (Dromas ardeola) are the only species in their family (Dromadidae). They are related to waders and their beaks have beem specialized to feed on crabs. These beautiful black-and-white birds migrate to India’s coasts in winters. Juveniles, born during summer, also undertake these migrations along with their parents. Here, a juvenile (the one on the left with the light-greyish plumage) is see resting out a warm winter afternoon with its...
Just after the rains on an early morning stroll in a garden, you’ll encounter countless webs of the Grass Funnel Web Spider (Hippasa greenillae), glistening with the raindrops. They spin their webs across blades of grass, with a “funnel” somewhere in the middle that leads to the spider’s lair. This spider was waiting patiently at the entrance of the funnel for any unfortunate prey that may pay a visit. If the spider is threatened,...
The Pied Kingfisher (Ceryle rudis) is a very attractive kingfisher, typically seen near freshwater bodies across India. Their striking black and white plumage, combined with their prominent crest and their habit of hovering over water looking for fish distinguish them from other kingfishers. They may also wait on top of an overhanging branch or a wire and gaze into the water below looking for an opportunity. Here, this kingfisher prepares himself for a...
Doing a job for a living and living to do a job are two different things. Shreeram M V falls into the second category. He is a professional outdoor photographer, specializing in wildlife and travel photography. He is the co-founder of Darter Photography that specializes in providing photography services such as workshops and outdoor photography tours. He lives in Bangalore, India.
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I am working on bringing this website up-to-date, with design changes for easier browsing and to showcase my latest images. So, you may see many changes every time you visit this website. The revamped website would be ready by January 2012. Sorry for the inconvenience.
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