Ajaysekher.net » Eco Watch

First Birthday of a Koi-pond

Ajay — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 18:14:40 +0000

Koi carps in the garden pond

Arun’s pond of Koi carps turns one this April. Arun conceived, designed, fabricated and built this beautiful tiny pond for Kois and Shubunkins and Goldfish in our small backyard at Gandhinagar, Kottayam a year back in April 2009. He used metal mesh, concrete and waterproofing materials to make his dream pond.

Yellow Water Lily in full bloom

I was also part of this exciting endeavor. We went up the Meenachil river to collect water plants, snails, logs and pebbles for the pond. He also planted lilac, pink and white native water lilies along with the plants. Some of them have flowered during the first year, but some of them are yet to bloom. We have a small yellow bamboo grove beside the pond; temple tree, Alovera and ferns adjoining it. A small rockery and a terracotta bird-bath adorn the banks.

Feeeding Frenzy of Kois

Magpie Robins and plenty of Dragon flies, Damsel flies and Butterflies like Southern Rustic and Blue Tiger regularly visit this cozy humid pond with a few potted ficus plants providing shelter and cool shade. A pond heron also came to fish in the pond in between and got away with a few Shubunkins. Then I started covering the pond with a thin net. And then on managed to keep the intruders out!

Red Dargonfly on a waterplant

We had earlier introduced two medium sized Whale-tailed Carps, two Kois, a few Goldfish and some mollies. Most of them are still going well! It is a rare delight to feed and watch them playfully gliding through the water lilies and submarine vegetation.

A Green Damselfly: An invisible visitor

We are really happy to celebrate the first birthday of Arun’s Koi-pond as it is not simply a stagnant structure but a dynamic ecosystem and a living organism with its own individuality and organic identity. All cheers to life and nature and its various manifestations!

A tiny froglet that comes by night

Magpie Robins coming to the Birdbath

Shubunkins

Orange Carps and Green Ferns

Southern Rustic Butterfly near the pond

Fern frilled Rockery skirting the pool

A rare butterfly on a waterlily

Blue Flycatcher of Bannerghatta

Ajay — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 05:00:05 +0000

Reclining Tiger in Bannerghatta N P

Bannerghatta National Park lies 22 km south of the city of Bangalore at around 1000 m in altitude. Though it is in the state of Karnataka it has historical and geographical linkages with north eastern Kerala and Wayanad in particular. It is part of an elevated elephant corridor connecting Wayanad and Sathyamangalam. The zoological park and jungle safari within the reserve attract a lot of tourists and common folk to this unique wilderness high up in Deccan plateau.

Spotted Deer, a grazing male

I visited the National Park in the first week of April 2010. The natural history museum within the zoo is really informative and illuminating. There are separate large houses for birds, reptiles, herbivores and carnivores. The wonderful trees and rocks of the zoological garden provide a green, cool, shady and wild ambiance to the area and makes you one with nature.

Wild Tusker behind the bush

First we went on a grand safari including the lion/tiger/bear/herbivore circuits. The minibuses operated by the zoo take you to the middle of the reserves where you could watch the kings and queens of the jungle in their natural surroundings in close quarters. We saw a wild elephant near a lake cooling in the mud and shallow waters. Plenty of sloth bears were seen under bamboo groves. We saw a group of lions sleeping under green cover in the scorching heat. An old tiger was wandering around in the bush. Another was chilling off in the small pond. A white tiger was lying beneath a ficus tree as an enlightened spirit of the forest.

Sleeping cozy lions

After the grand safari we explored the butterfly park and the zoological park. Due to the heatwave conditions butterflies were rare in that noon time of the day. In the large house of the birds we saw plenty of pelicans, painted storks, white storks, night herons and other water fowl. The night herons are even nesting and breeding within the large enclosure.

White Tiger in napping mood

The joy came when I spotted a blue bird in the bamboo groove that was free and autonomous as we neared the end of the park. I followed it with my camera to the neighboring trees. It was a Tickel’s Blue Flycatcher! This cool being was roaming and feeding free within the zoological park. The dark blue head, wings and upper parts and the rufous and whitish under parts were strikingly visible. I was really happy to see this blue flycatcher roaming free and lazy amidst the huge enclosures of the park representing the untamed spirit of the wilderness and the untiring spirit of nature.

Tickel's Blue Flycatcher in Bannerghatta N P

T Blue Flycatcher in Bannerghatta

Night Heron nesting inside the cage

Sambhar Deer female: Cautiously watching

Red-crested Pochard in captivity

Painted Stork

A Preening Grey Pelican

Paradise Flycatcher of Thommankuthu

Ajay — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 18:02:42 +0000

Riperian Forest along Kaliyar at Thommankuthu

Thommankuthu is a natural river side garden. It is an exciting landscape of endemic flora

Flying Lizard (Draco Draco)

and fauna rendered ethereal by water, wet pebbles, rocks and riperian vegetation. It is a mystic and dream like zen garden designed and sustained by mother nature. There are plenty of plants and trees with winged fairies on them too, that add to the charm and drama, as I found out today!

Nature's Own Garden: Trees and Rocks in Thommankuthu

Today 15 March 2010, I visited the banks of Kaliyar at Thommankuthu (literally means the cataract of Thomman), some 22 km north east of Thodupuzha. I was returning from a public exam duty at Vannapuram. I entered the unique riparian forest at 2.30 pm after taking the entrance ticket from the gate counter run by Kerala Forest Dept. This rare low-lying riverside forest patch (at an elevation of just 50 to 300 m) comes under the Kaliyar range in Thodupuzha division. We could trek up to 10 km along the zigzag riverside path and watch the more than 10 falls, rock caves and enjoy the view points high above beyond 400 m. Up above the rocky cliffs there are tribal settlements by the Mannans, Uralis and Malayarayas. Even in this harsh winter there is water to maintain flow in the river and it is drinkable.

A Grey Wagtail at Thommankuthu

The first chorus sound I heard was from the rare endemic crickets that voice their eagerness for rain whenever a heavy cloud hides the sun. Temperature was soaring above 36 degree Celsius and it was quite exhaustive to walk among the bare trees that had shed leaves in the hot summer sun. I could see a pair of flying lizards landing on a nearby tree. The Forest Dept. has given labels to the rare plants and trees here. I heard the mimicking calls of a few Hill Mynas from above. Then came the whistling of some green pigeons. I sat down near the running water for a while and watched a lone Grey wagtail feeding around the pebbles and a few Chestnut-tailed Starlings coming to drink and bath in the water. There are also little frogs and fish in the running water.

Paradise Flycatcher (Male, Rufous phase)

As I climbed up I saw a flock of Yellow-browed Bulbuls on a shady grove. Normally they are found in high ranges, but here the altitude is just below 100m. In the same cozy grove I also noticed the movement of a Paradise Flycatcher. Further upstream I heard the ingenious call of a bird and identified it as an Orange-headed Thrush. I also managed to get some snaps.

Yellow-browed Bulbul below 100m altitude!

I reached the first fall after walking up for about one mile. As I was cooling myself in the clean flowing water I heard the long metallic whistles of Malabar Whistling Thrush from some shady abode near the stream. A Malabar Grey Hornbill crossed the river above my head. It was a really refreshing and soothing bath in the natural spring and plenty of fish came to me and tickled my body. Tiger Barbs, Giant Danios, Cat fishes and other unknown species are common in this waters.

Orange-headed Thrush: So vocal up there!

After an hour or so in water I retreated slowly and heard the noise of Hill Mynas and Rose-ringed Parakeets overhead. It was nearing six as I reached the entrance.

Clean and flowing even in Summer!

Lazy frog reclining in water

Indian Pitta of Mangalavanam

Ajay — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 12:18:19 +0000

A Unique Ecosystem: Mangroves of Mangalavanam

Saturday, 6 March 2010: After a lot of things done on a hot summer day in and around the city I reached the green and cool Mangroves of Mangalavanam for the first time this year as the sun was dipping down into the Arabian sea, at the mouth of the harbour in Kochi. Seeing the high tide I was a bit disappointed that I missed the waders and shore birds. I climbed up the wooden watchtower and waited a while in vain. The always welcoming forest guards Raju and Jayan told me that the Night Herons who were here for the past many years had vanished! Plenty of giant bats are now colonizing the rain trees behind the forest station. Raju also informed me that he is regularly watching a Pitta in the thickets at dusk.

Atop the Green Mangroves: A view from Watchtower

I decided to wait for the darkness to fall and meet the rare winter visitor, Kaavi (Thuthu Chuvapan Kaavi, literally means Red vented Kavi in Malayalam) to appear. It is also called the Six ‘O clock Bird as it appears after sunset. During the silent meandering through the walkways under the mangroves I was lucky to spot a forest wagtail, an orange headed thrush, a Paradise Flycatcher (Male, Rufus morph) and a few water hens.

Raju also told me that he has also sighted a Great Tit in the sanctuary recently and White Ibises, Stilts and Shanks are also regularly visiting the mud banks during low tide. I remember reporting about Stilts and Shanks last year at the same time. At around 6.20 pm we heard a distinct resonant call and Jayan helped me to sight the bird sitting on a low twig.

It was a beautiful Indian Pitta with its long white eye brow, green upper and light brown underparts; of course with a reddish vent! I managed to take a few snaps in the dark. I was really excited to see the bird that close and take the image. After admiring the cute little bird for a while we retreated silently without disturbing it.

Indian Pitta in Mangalavanam, locally called 'Kaavi'

The Kerala Forest Department and the dedicated Staff here must be appreciated for their good work of conservation in the midst of a booming city like Kochi. Recently there was an outbreak of wildfire near the old railway compound. Now there is a talk about a Medical College near the sanctuary. The threats and challenges for conservation are on the increase day by day and the brilliant bio diversity of Mangalavanam prompts us for protecting it, for all of us and for posterity.

Searching a Bird in Anamalais: Remapping Pampadumpara

Ajay — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 13:51:17 +0000

Exploring Beyond Iravikulam in a Sole Search

Sholas of Western Ghats

I was part of a unique eco expedition in the high mountains of Rajamala near Munnar during February 4 to 7, 2010. My friend and former colleague Dr Dilip K G of S S University, Kalady invited me for a key inquiry in the shola grass lands north of Rajamala gap beyond Pettimudi. It was a specific search for a single species!

Bio-diversity Hot Spots High up in the Western Ghats

This unique grassland shola and mixed wet evergreen forest are home to various endangered Western Ghats endemic flora and fauna. Our

Nilgiri Tahr in Iravikulam National Park

expedition happened at a critical juncture when the Munnar land issue was turbulent in the media and in the politics of the state.

The expedition was in search of a single species: Nilgiri Laughing Thrush, which is common in the Nilgiri mountains north of Palghat pass. It was organized jointly by Kerala Forest Department and Cochin Natural History Soceity lead by Dr Dilip and Vishnupriyan Kartha.

The Elusive Bird: Nilgiri Laughing Thrush in the Anamalais?

Nilgiri Laughing Thrush, Dodabeta peak, Ooty'o9

In the recently concluded Mankulam Bird Survey 2010, Dr Dilip chanced to see a bird resembling the Nilgiri Laughing Thrush in this purticular location called Pampadumpara, a few miles north west of Rajamala gap and Pettimudi. The exact location of sighting is called Mappatham at an elevation of 1430 meters.

Though Grey-breasted Laughing Thrush and Wayanad L T are found in the Anamalis and Sahyadri mountains south of the Palghat pass, the sighting of the Nilgiri L T is a rare record, yet to be confirmed. The dialogues between Dr Dilip and DFO Induchudan proved successful and the re-survey was materialized.

At home in forest: CNHS team

All Set for the Search: The Team CNHS

I joined the team at Munnar by the afternoon of 4th February, 2010. Apart from Dr Dilip and me Vishnupriyan Kartha, Jinu George, Adv. Jay

Breath taking: A View from Pampadumpara top

and Jijo were part of the team. Forest guard Babu accompanied us through out and forest watchers Indran and

Grassland sholas, Iravikulam National Park

company played our hosts in the forest.

After having lunch in Munnar we started our journey on jeep. At the Iravikulam National Park we took a small break to see a few mountain ungulates, the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. We also saw a few Grey-breasted Laughing Thrushes near the Story of the park. A few Pacific Swallows were also flying around.

Crossing Rajamala Gap, the Jeep Journey to the Edge: Feb. 4, 2010

Then we resumed our journey to Pettimudi beyond the Rajamala gap. The gap is at an elevation of almost 2000 m. stated the altimeter in my Timex Expedition WS4. From there we had a great view of the whole park with pinnacles like Naykoli and Umaya Mala in the backdrop. Anamudi the highest peak in South India at an elevation of around 2600 m. is not visible from here, though it towers nearby.

Crossing the gap we descended down to the Nyamakad and then Pettimudi estates owned by the Tatas. The road to Idamala Kudi, a tribal settlement of the Muduvan tribe, divereged again to the high grasslands from Pettimudi estate junction.

The Long Trek to the Location: Pampadumpara

Turning left from here we reached the border of the Pettimudi estate and began our long trek to Pampadumpara further north west in the mixed evergreen and shola grassland forest. We saw plenty of Pied Bush Chats in the tea gardens. In the forest Scimitar Babblers were plenty with their

Grey-headed Canary Flycatcher, Pampadumpara

distinct calls. We also saw many Grey-headed Canary Flycatchers. Vishnu was busy with his heavy Canon barrels. Above the rocky cliffs we observed a few Black Eagles as well.

Finally when we reached the camp site at Pampadumpara it was getting dark. The tribal forest watchers lead by the chief Indran Annan welcomed us and served us hot black coffee. The temperature was dropping with the sun Though there was an ancient natural rock-cave we opted to sleep outside in the open on the rock overlooking Mankulam valley as the cave was too small to host all of us together.

Sleeping in the Open near the Fire among the Ancient Folks

We spent the night on the rock near the fire at 1520 m. in altitude. Supper was served hot

The Whole team at day-break

near it and we relished the simple meals as lights began to emerge in the valley from the wild darkness further down west in Mankulam and Anakulam. The sounds of the wilderness resonated from all sides in the dark. The sky was an ocean of twinkling stars.

It was both scary and sensational. Our hosts the ancient Muduvan tribesmen had come all the way from Anakulam to set us camp. In the warmth of the fire Indran ”Annan” (the elder in ancient Tamil) narrated the story of his people and the plight of the Adivasis in the Western Ghats today.

Exploers in the jungle, Pampadum para

We also had heated debates on the Munnar land issue. As cold was engulfing everything, we slowly retreated into the safety of our warm sleeping bags. Though the night sky was starry the cold wind creeped into the sleeping bag through the airhole and pinched us with a vengeance too

Black Eagle flying high above Pampadumpara

often.

Day 1. Feb. 5, 2010. Hot Pursuit

We were awakened by the cold in the early morning. Temperature dropped down to a minimum of 10 degree C. After having coffee we began our birding transects. We formed three groups and explored the area in the morning light. I was with Dilip and we scanned the Mappatham ridge. We could see many Scimitar Babblers and Grey-breasted Laughing Thrushes. We also saw Honey Buzzards above . Dilip chased the enigmatic birds for so long in the thick under growths, but was beguiled in the end. At noon we returned to the camp and had our belated brunch!

Indran Annan: Tribal Chief and Tracker

After a light nap our team mates found huge and fresh pug marks of a wild cat just a few meters from our camp in the damp soil. It was a tiger! He or she was around last night and a sudden tremor hit us like lightning! But we were equally excited to see the trace of the big cat!

Nilgiri Flycatcher, Pampadumpara

We repeated the transects in the afternoon and explored the wet evergreen forest patches and the riverine patches near the Pettimudi stream. I quenched my thirst and exhaustion with the cold and sweet water that comes all the way down from Pettimudi and beyond, the waters and rivulets of Anamudi also joins this stream says Annan our learned tracker.

Near the stream at around 1400 m. we heard the calls of mountain pigeons. We suddenly saw a flock of more than ten Mountain Imperial Pigeons flying away from us with their heavy wing beats. Their whitish underbelly and grey tail bar were visible. As we approched the tree a few more Nilgiri Wood Pigeons also flew away from us. We noticed the difference in calls and their appearance as well.

Day 2. Feb. 6, 2010. Still Hopeful:

The second day we changed our strategy and planned to flush the bird out in a joint mission. We reached Mappatham (literally means the terraced land of Sambhar Deer in Muduvan tribal etymology) early morning and hid ourselves in various strategic locations. Our attending staff also tried their best to flush some birds out of the thick undergrowth but they proved to be Grey-breasted ones and Scimitar Babblers, rather than the Nilgiri one.

But we saw a variety of birds in the meanwhile. Emerald Doves, Nilgiri Wood Pigeons, Black and Orange Flycatchers, Grey-headed Canary Flycatchers, Black-lored Tits, Mountain Hawk Eagles, Serpent Eagles and Black Eagles.

Mountain Imperial Pigeon, Mappatham, Pampadum Para

The Mountain Imperial Pigeon came to my hide out near a small stream and allowed me a generous and graceful photo session. It also came close to me up to two meters and drank water from the stream. A Paradise Flycatcher with long white tail streamers were also remarkable here. Butterflies like Colored Sergeant also came to visit me to pose before my Lumix FZ 28 for awhile.

In the afternoon we climbed up the peak of Pampadumpara in an exhausting adventure. We could see the northern stretches of Iravikulam plateau and even Valpara and Malakkapara, lying in the north from there. As evening approched it was raining raptors there. The peak rose well above 1750 m. in altitude. We saw plenty of Black Eagles, Booted Eagles, Common Buzzards and Honey Bussards there. My friends also noticed a falcon diving down after lingering mid air static for a few seconds.

The Retreat: Feb. 7, 2010

The next morning we repeated the transects but in vain. We saw plenty of other birds like the Nilgiri Flycatcher and Black and Orange Flycatchers. But our target bird was still elusive. By ten in the morning we began the return journey to Pettimudi estate through the dense jungle.

Tiger Pug Marks, Centre and Left. Gaur Hoof Mark, Right Bottom

The Trail of the Tiger

On the way we saw several tiger scats and the blood of a deer on pebbles and leaves caught by the tiger. The hunt happened just before our arrival at the spot. Though we could not see the bird that we were looking for we could identify the place as a hot spot of the tiger, a big one

Tiger scat on the trek-path

among the very few remaining in the Anamalais today.

At the edge of the forest we had a refreshing bath in the Pettimudi stream. The beautiful sandy shores and pebbles of the stream captivated us and we ignored the cold to delve deep into the flowing water. Some Blue Bottle and some unknown butterflies were mud puddling in the sandy shores. By the time we finished the bath our jeep arrived and sounded horn.

Trekking Down Rajamala: Grass Birds, Bush Quails and Pipits

At the Rajamala gap we alighted from the vehicle and trekked down to the Story of the park. We could see plenty of Nilgiri Pipits and a few Broad tailed grass birds, an Anamalai endemic. We saw plenty of Nilgiri Flycatchers and Pied Bushchats. At the story we again saw the Grey-breasted Laughing Thrushes having their ridiculing laugh at us! We were fortunate to see the nesting of Pacific Swallows in the building.

Nilgiri Pipit, Rajamala N P

As we drove down to the main road we saw Nilgiri Langurs and a flock of Painted Bush Quails crossing and stopping by the road. A Grey Jungle Cock also crossed our path before we hit the highway to Munnar.

Grey Jungle Cock crossing

Pacific Swallow: Nesting

Kumarakam: The Winged Visitors are Still Here!

Ajay — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 08:24:34 +0000

The Green Haven

Kumarakam paddy fields

Kumarakam, a lagoon like village on the eastern banks of the Vembanad lake in central south Kerala is a traveler’s paradise. This picturesque land in Kuttanad is well connected by road to Kochi and Kottayam. Its green paddy fields, meandering canals and waterways, vast stretches of water lilies, long and fading rows of coconut groves and the blue glittering waters of the backwaters form a perfect refreshing retreat for human tourists as well as migrant birds. Tourists and migrant birds from all over the world flock to this rustic haven in search of fresh air, water and a taste of Kuttanad.

The blues and greens of Kumarakam

The Eco Crisis

I was in Kumarakam on 16 and 17 January 2010 to participate in the annual Vembanad Waterfowl Count organized by Kerala Forest and Wildlife Department and Kottayam Nature Society. This year I was assigned the Thanneermukkam bund to survey. The bund or rather barrage is a cause of a huge environmental catastrophe in Kuttanad for the last few decades. It was designed exclusively for the doubling of paddy yield, but unfortunately it had blocked the natural flow of water into the sea and

Sunrise at the barrage in Thannirmukkam

contaminated the whole region. Now the government has made a decision to open it for a whole year, so that the toxins accumulated could be purged. Let us hope for the best.

Waterfowl Count 2010

Since I was given the barrage area to survey there was little birds apart from a few whiskered terns,egrets, cormorants and Brahmany kites. We could see a pair of white-browed wagtails at the western end of the barrage. The count done in ten locations confirmed a marginal drop in the number of birds in the winter migration season. The survey also brings to notice the extend of pollution that is increasing day by day as a result of irresponsible tourism. The destruction of natural habitat and contamination of water bodies are detrimentally affecting the migrant waterfowl.

Westend Lakeside Home Stay

A place to repose: Lakeside Homstay

But the day before the survey I was lucky to spend my evening at the lake side in a beautiful home stay retreat called Westend Lakeside Home Stay. It is a small but well designed getaway in the traditional wooden architectural style of Kerala at the edge of the backwater from where you have a great view of the Vembanad. Here you can enjoy the sunset from your balcony or the courtyard soothing yourself in the cool gentle breeze that caresses you all the time.

As this place is so calm and close to the lake you can also watch the birds that come to the shore and the lake. Plenty of marsh and spotted sandpipers were near the shore. I saw plenty of whistling ducks coming to feed in the lake in the evening. A flight of cotton teals was also seen in between. Egrets and pond herons were plenty. A

Vembanad Lake: A view from the balcony

huge purple heron was seen at the edge of the water. A few black kites and an Osprey were also seen at a distance in the horizon. The breezy and quiet sunset here is a trans experience that will linger in our mind for so long.

Purple heron at the water's edge

Once it was dark I could here the whistling of ducks coming in large flocks to the lake. The dark silhouette of night herons in flight was also interesting. I spend a lot of time at the lake shore just in front of the cottage experiencing the wonderful sounds, sights, smells and touch of mother nature in all her glory and subtlety. It was a really refreshing evening for me. After it was dark the calls and responses of jungle owlets and barn owls were coming form the adjacent palm groves. Paul my host informed that pond herons and little cormorants regularly nest and breed in a small heronry on the tree that is near to the cottage every year.

Sunrise Cruise in the Lake

This Lake Side Home Stay is near the MRF training centre slightly to the west of Pallychira between Kumarakam Jetty and Kavanatinkara Tourist Complex. They also provide simple Kumarakam delicacies including Karimeen and prawn. They could also arrange a country boat cruise in the lake at sunrise or sunset. If you are interested to watch birds, sunrise cruise is ideal; if you want to enjoy nature and simply unwind in the breeze set sail at sunset. Paul can be reached at: +91 9447569895 or +91 9249411167.

Blue tailed beeeater: A wetland bird

Nilgiri Wood Pegions of Pambadum Shola

Ajay — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 04:24:47 +0000

Madupatty Dam Reservoir

In the first week of December 2009 I visited Munnar Top Station and Kovilur. It was bright and sunny in the afternoon and the sky was a blue deep. As I passed Madupatty and Kundalai the fog came in and covered the green hills and dales. When I reached the Top Station the forest guard told me that it would be clear by 6pm and visibility would come back. Forest department log houses and cottages are available nearby in the Pambadum Shola National Park. There are also rooms and humble home stay provisions around. So after having a hot cup of tea I decided to stay there.

An Elusive Bird: Nilgiri Wood Pegion

At four in the evening I started my journey to Kovilur, 12 km away in the north on bike with a local guide. The KSTP road in the Top Station region for 4 km is not tarred because it is the land of Tamil Nadu projecting into the Kerala border. The board informed me that it is highest road south of the Himalayas! As we approached the check post of the National Park I noticed a big wood pegion in the nearby tree. Because of the mist and low light I could not take a decent picture, but it was surely a Nilgiri Wood Pegion! The checkered pattern on the back neck, the dark plumage tone and the size confirmed this highly threatened bird which is in the red data book.

Kovilur

Passing the forest check post we entered the moist and chilling Pambadum Shola. It was quite dark and freezing inside that thick shola at around 2000 mts in elevation. My guide and friend Suresh from Top Station told me that he has seen leopards and even tigers here. Once they were returning from the sight seeing trip and caught in front of a tiger couple! They were shocked and could not even take the camera. The eyeball to eyeball stand still continued for a few seconds and fortunately a jeep came from the back and the tigers vanished into the green thickets! There are still places like Panther Rock inside the forest on the old Munnar – Kodaikanal road now closed as it penetrates the Shola National Park. Through that abandoned and closed road Kodai is only 60 km away from Top Station! Now a new route is being developed through Kovilur. But again it is through the Kurinji Malai National Park which is under consideration.

We saw the marshy bogs and fields were Gaur and deer come to graze and drink water and marked the spots for the return journey. A giant squirrel was enjoying some tender shoots on nearby wild tree. Kovilur is a small rural town full of donkeys and vegetable fields. Eucalyptus plantations are changing the soil structure and climate here. It is at 1800 mts above sea level. After taking a few shots we soon embarked on our eagerly awaited return journey in and through the dusky shola. The mist was cleared and visibility was better

Rhododendron Nilgirica: A Shola delight!

in the twilight.

Gaur calf coming close!

The first animal we saw was a huge Indian Gaur. This bull was grazing in the distant marsh land. We admired the sight and moved forward to find a herd of Gaur right on the road. One big bull, a few big females and two calves. One calf even came to us in its naive curiosity. we watched them for almost half an hour in close proximity in 10 to 20 mts. Finally they crossed the road and faded into the Shola darkness. We soon returned to our camp in Top Station as it was getting darker and darker and unknown and eerie sounds were coming from the wild.

Indian Gaur: A small herd of a bull, few females and calves

The cold was unbearable at night and especially at the early hours of the morning. But again in the morning around 6 it all cleared and glorious sunshine was milking the whole landscape. There was a Thai film crew shooting a documentary at the view point about the vegetables and flora of the region. Typical Shola trees and shrubs are seen in and around the view point in Top Station. Rhododendron Nilgirica was in full flowring mode. As I was admiring the red jewel-like blossoms they, the fairies of the woods appeared again! Yes the Nilgiri Wood Pegions in a small flight of five individuals crossed me over head. And it was

Surise at Top Station

simply spectacular and mesmerizing in the golden morning sunshine.

Honey Buzzard of Bison Valley

Ajay — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 09:07:02 +0000

Bison Valley and Choka Mudi in the backdrop

Last Friday (4 Dec. 2009)I rode through Bison Valley in the southern slopes of Munnar. It was a bright sunny day to enjoy the phenomenal landscape that spreads beneath the heights of Munnar, the Gap Road and Choka Mudi. I used to watch the valley from above with wonder and amazement while passing through the Lockhart Gap high above at around 2000 mts above sea level.

The Bison Valley Panchayat derives its name from the Britishers who named the valley after the wild cattle abundant in the late 19th century. Indian Gaur, Tigers, Leopards, Wild boar, Sloth bear and Barking dears were common in this beautiful valley till the large scale migration that changed the ecology in the early 1950s.

In a nearby village called Muttukad terraced paddy fields and ancient Megalithic dolmenoid cysts are still seen. Higher up in the granite cliffs of Choka Mudi ruins of rock-cut caves and sleeping beds are also visible. The place has central importance in the cultural and ecological legacy of South India and Western Ghats in particular. The area was also part of the ancient trade rout that connected the Chera and Pandya kingdoms in ancient Tamilakam from the Sagham ages onwards. Now the valley is a bowl of spices rich with cardamom, pepper, cinnamon, coffee, ginger, nutmeg, aracka and clove plantations.

Bird diversity has also come down. Plenty of Malabar Parakeets and Hill Mynas are seen here on sunny days. Vernal Hanging Parrots and Malabar Grey Hornbills are also abundant. Cuckoos and Scarlet Minivets are also common.

This time as I was riding down from Khajana Para to Bison Valley I spotted a large raptor on a partially bare tree by the road. I stopped the bike and took the camera. It was an Oriental Honey Buzzard in dark morph. The red eyes and dove like head was clearly visible (See the image posted in the Photo Section). The sight of the perched bird overlooking the valley and the scenic backdrop of awesome Choka Mudi and Munnar Hills in the background was simply ecstatic. After a brief and friendly photo session my avian friend dived down to the valley where a mosaic of canopies welcomed and comforted it, it seemed.

Oriental Honey Buzzard in Bison Valley

As I was riding down again I got its second glimpse. It was soaring high above the canopies in swift and gentle motion. The sunny Friday morning was a magnificent one for me as I was really excited and contended with the sight and a few snaps.

Later I climbed up the heights of Munnar through Anachal-Chithirapuram route. As I entered the gateway of Munnar, The Pally Vasal, literally meaning the entrance of the temple (Old Jain/Buddhist shrine of worship)in Tamil a few Oriental White-eyes and Sunbirds welcomed me with light banter and cozy chirping.

Near the hydel park I also saw some Long-tailed Shrikes and Great Tits. Little Cormorants are plenty in the lakes here. After resting in the Eucalyptus plantation in the Old Munnar town near the KSRTC stand and visiting the fruit and vegitable market in New Munnar I began my return journey to Kottayam with some wild passion fruits and straw berries.

Cultural and Ecological Legacy of Periyar Valley

Ajay — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 05:15:40 +0000

Brown-breasted Flycather in Thatekad

Today (Saturday, 21 Nov. 2009) I visited Thatekad and adjoining forest patches with Jaime Chithra. We were a bit late to reach the Cuckoo Paradise at eight in the morning. Though we could not see any Cuckoos first we heard the welcome call of Indian Cuckoo.

A couple of Red-wattled Lapwings were warming up in the open grassland in bright sunshine. The Cuckoo that we finally saw there turned out to be a Drongo Cuckoo! Plenty of Spotted Doves and Pompadour Green Pigeons were on the canopies of the teak tress. Racket tailed, Bronzed, Ashy and Black Drongos were also vocal and very much visible in the morning glory.

As we crossed the river Periyar the Ashy Wood Swallows were sitting tight together on the electric wires above water. As soon as we entered the Salim Ali Sanctuary with guide Rejiv the Jazzy ensemble of Malabar Grey Hornbills began. We saw the Brown Hawk Owls perched on the pinnacle of a bamboo grove. Brown-breasted and Asian Brown flycatchers came to us to say hi! Black-naped and Black-hooded Orioles were enjoying themselves on top of bare branches in the sun. Little Cormorants and White-throated Kingfishers were plenty in the lagoons nearby. A solitary Small Blue Kingfisher was perched on a pole provided by the authorities anew.

Inside the forest we saw the awesome Black Baza spreading its wings and crest and coming down to perch on a tall tree. We were shown the roosting Frogmouth, the favourite of Thatekad. A Crested Serpent Eagle was hovering above with frequent calls. We saw a lot of Brahmany Starlings and Black Crested Bulbuls. Yellow-browed Bulbuls were also not uncommon. A few Paradise Flycatchers also came out. Gold-fronted Leafbirds were delightful to watch. Scarlet Minivets showed off in full colours to entertain. As we were leaving the place we also heard the call of a Dollar Bird distinctly.

Black Baza in Thatekad

From Thatekad we went further west all along the Periyar to reach Budhathan Kettu barrage were a Long-tailed Shrike was sitting on a pole awaiting us. Popular superstition says that the huge stone dam was built by the ‘Bhuthathans’ or Demons, but historians say that it was built by the Bhudhist missionaries to feed paddy fields in the adjacent villages in the pre-Brahmanic era.

Then we moved further down stream along the southern bank of Periyar to reach Thrikariyur an ancient Buddhist shrine which is now a Hindu temple. The huge temple pond and the Pearl-spots or Karimeens in it are a reminiscence of the old eco-cultural heritage of conservation, a lasting legacy of Buddhism in Kerala and South India in general. A few Indian Cormorants and a Darter were seen by the pond.

From here we moved slightly south west to reach Kallil, the ancient Jain rock-cut temple near Methala in Odakali. We were received by a chatty group of jungle babblers on this rocky hillock. It is a laterite hillock with a granite top. The image of the Thirthankara is still visible above the rock entrance. Archeologists say that there were reliefs and granite idols of Mahavira, Parshwanatha and Padmavathi Devi inside the rock chamber. Now the Padmavathi Devi idol is worshiped as Bhagavati.

Thirthankara relief, Kallil

As we encircled the gigantic rocks on top of the shrine we saw the carved image of an elephent on a rock which clearly is a Jain Mudra or symbol of peaceful co-existence with nature without conflict and non-violence. On a nearby ancient fig tree we saw five yellow footed green pigeons savoring the sun and the mellowing fig-fruits. The brooding presence of a Brahmany Kite was really alarming as a dramatic re-enactment of the whole history of violence. Fortunately the green doves were perfectly camouflaged.

Then we moved further west to reach Iringol Kavu near Perumbavur. It was already past noon and was getting hotter and hotter. We could not see much birds here except a hasting Oriental Honey Buzzard. Plenty of flower peckers and sun-birds are thriving inside this ancient Sramana sacred grove which was once part of the Periyar valley civilization created and nurtured by the Jain-Buddhist heritage of Kerala. As the clouds of North Eastern Monsoon began to gather in the horizon we were speeding up the retreat back to Kottayam.

Srilankan Frogmouth (female) in Thatekad

Osprey of the Vembanad

Ajay — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 04:19:34 +0000

All set to dive!

As part of the Bird Race 2009 we visited Kumarakam, Kaipuzha Muttu, Thalayazham, Vaikam, Valanthakadu, Kundannur, Maradu, Mattanchery and Fort Kochi.

We, me and Jaime, began our birding from Gandhinagar in Kottayam on the morning of Sunday, Nov. 14, 2009. The first call that awakened me was that of a Black-hooded Oriole. Tree pies, Crows, Cuckoos, Drongos and Barbets soon joined the morning chore with their exquisite polyphony. It was an encouraging start for a whole day of birding.

In Kumarakam at the Chengalam – Kumarakam paddy fields we saw thousands of Egrets: Great, Median, Little and cattle. Whistling Ducks and Cotton teals were also seen in flight. On the electric lines Ashy Wood Swallows were sitting and chatting close to each other. Common, White-throated and Stork-billed Kingfishers were also seen in busy action. Later we also saw the Pied one at Attipidika.

Barn Swallows and Red-rumped swallows were flying close to the paddy hawking insects in the early morning light. Plenty of Whiskered Terns were seen sailing high above. Purple Swamp Hens and Bronzed wing Jacanas were active in their morning bouts in the fields.

The rare sight was that of a Common(?) Snipe. There was another one nearby which was seen only when it was alarmed and took to its wings. We got a few snaps! Also saw plenty of Marsh, Wood, Green and Common Sandpipers. Indian and Little Cormorants and Dab Chicks were also seen playing hide and seek in water. Palm swifts and Indian Swiftlets were also seen occasionally on the fringes of the field and near palm groves.

Wading in the mud!

Then we encircled the Bird Sanctuary on a country boat through the mouth of the Kavanar and saw plenty of Darters and Night Herons in the thick vegetation bordering the sanctuary. In the Vembanad lake we got a unique chance to see the fishing of an awesome Osprey in its full glory, diving down from 50 or 60 metres high. Its sweeps and twistes were simply breathtaking!! Seeing this huge and agile bird in quick action is a rare delight indeed, we could really cherish this glorious sight forever.

Plenty of Taylor birds and a brown shrike was seen on the reeds by the shore. Some Pheasant-tailed Jacanas disappeared into the water hyacinths. A Brahmany Kite was seen in suffusing flight.

At Kaipuzh Muttu paddyfields we saw three Marsh Harriers in brisk business. Plenty of teals and other water fowl were around. Here we also noted a huge raptor, probably an Aquila. Blue tailed and Small Green Bee-eaters were here. Ashy and Plain Prinias were plenty. We also saw a flight of Bayas alighting onto tall grasses in blossom.

In the Vaikam lake there were plenty of Whiskered Terns and Indian Shags. As we reached Valanthakkad a group of Paddy-field Pipits welcomed us with gusto. Some Red-wattled Lapwings were also around. Plenty of Black and Brahmany Kites were seen all around the sky. Three years ago along with Dr Dilip I sighted Lesser Sand Plovers and Golden Plovers here. But it has become a ruined wetland now. Sobha Group and other ‘Developers’ are choking this unique eco system. More than five varieties of Mangroves found here are also vanishing with it.

Roosting by the field

In Mattanchery we saw plenty of Terns near the quay. At Fort Kochy we were lucky to spot one Western Reef Egret in flight. Then at around five rain began to play its spoil sport and we were stranded. We reached the meeting venue around seven in the evening. It was a meaningful and delightful day of birding and understanding the reality of our environment. Beyond the spirit of competitive racing it was a greater opportunity for involvement, intervention and dialogue.