Crow Pheasant

Crow Pheasant - Latin name:Centropus sinensis; Hindi: Mahoka; Marathi: Bharadwaj.
The crow pheasant is larger than the common crow - about the size of the jungle crow. It has strikingly distinct copper colored wings and jet black body with a long tail.

Here is link to all the photographs:  http://picasaweb.google.com/home?source=bloggerpromo&pli=1&gsessionid=z36CfDxwSKPodfXK7-LQmw

It is commonly found in Western India and moves about, either singly or in pairs through the foliage between the trees.It feeds mainly on insects, small lizards and may be mice.

It can easily be identified from its conspicuous copper colored wings and its deep throaty call, which goes something like this - ghoog, ghoog, ghoog.....the call being repeated several times, often picked up and continued by its mate. It is not good in flight and moves around by vigorous flapping of the wings followed by gliding, covering short distances each time.
At times, it is hunted by villagers in South India for its wings.

Birds at Mysore

At the confluence of the rivers Kaveri & Kabini lies Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary. This sanctuary is home to numerous bird species and one can spot birds from around Europe too, at this place. It is located about 22 kms away from Mysore and is connected by Mysore City Transport Authority buses.

However, thanks to my friend Manjunath, who drove us to the sanctuary, we were able to make with half a day to spare for other sight seeing and shopping activities.

At the sanctuary, the forest department has boats for hire. The boats provide a means of watching the birds at close range. The river also has around 100 crocodiles which can be easily spotted.

You can also view the photographs here: http://picasaweb.google.com/home?source=bloggerpromo&pli=1&gsessionid=z36CfDxwSKPodfXK7-LQmw

Protecting birds

Bird watchers and bird lovers should remember that any disturbance can cause harm to the birds.  This is due to intrusion into their habitats. An opportunity to photograph birds should not lead to inadvertent destruction of the very environment that sustains the birds.

The world of birds needs to be preserved for the future generations. Birds lovers should make all efforts towards conserving nature and caring for all living beings. We have to ensure that the generations to come also have the pleasure of seeing birds in all their natural splendour. The goal to strive for is "RRRR" - REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE, RECOVER. We should also remember that the earth does not belong to us - we belong to the earth. Our carbon footprint has to be reduced. We should consume less of the non-essentials. The goal is sustainable development.
Photographs of common birds shall be uploaded on this blog, starting next week, and be made available on request - to spread awareness and information amongst all.
You can also view the photographs here: http://picasaweb.google.com/home?source=bloggerpromo&pli=1&gsessionid=z36CfDxwSKPodfXK7-LQmw

On my visit to Ooty, I visited Avalanche lake, which is in fact a lake formed by building the Emerald Dam. It is in the midst of a thick forest and tea garden. It was very peaceful and picturesque.

Coonoor Forest and Bisons

The scenic region of Coonoor is densely forested with tall eucalyptus trees. In my estimate, the trees could be more 120 feet tall. Mountains which are not forested have tea plantations, in which wild bison move about freely.

During our trip, we experienced very pleasant weather, with day-time maximum temperatures not exceeding 25 degrees (Celsius).

  
Photographs of bison grazing in the tea estates are reproduced below. It is advisable to take photographs from the vehicle and not venture into the gardens when bison are around.