Nature at its best with human beings at rest Mount Abu.[ 07/04/2020 ]

COVID-19 Lockdown Lets Wildlife Go Wild 

Damans in Action

Spring is in the air. Nature at its best, it's the time of the year when new life springs forth. Today 18 days into LOCKDOWN confined to our homes. Living on the hillside away from the maddening crowd, doing what I love best-photographing birds and wildlife.

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Damans in Action

Today Mount Abu has entered its 19 days of Lockdown. The hustle and bustle of the unending vehicular movement for the last fortnight has worked its charm on the wildlife of this small hill station. We have spotted leopards in quite a few places. Few sloth bears have ventured onto the outskirts of town. The group of grey langurs who used to depend on tourists for food and frequently visited the road leading to Abu, now forage in the jungle.. (a blessing in disguise). 

Mount Abu isn’t the only sanctuary witnessing nature at play during this lockdown. The Animals are experiencing greater freedom of movement worldwide due to the lockdown. Hopefully, humanity realises it’s never too late to exist in harmony and peace with nature. 

ABANDONED BUT LOOKING FOR SYMPATHY Mt.Abu

Last night while returning home I had to pass the home of “Veerbabji” it’s a small shrine situated on the bend between the army ground and Rotary Integrated School, I spied a creature beloved of the human race, taking shelter from the thunder, lightening and rain, he seemed lost and forlorn.

I reached into my pocket to get my phone, the poor mongrel seemed abandoned,  he looked like a well-bred mutt, left by its owner to fend in the wilderness on the muddy roads of Abu. I raised my phone to click the mutt, he looked at me, I tell you not a word was spoken between us but a mutual understanding passed between us. I did not encourage him, as I knew he would follow me and that would have been the end of him as my pack of mongrels back at home would have ripped him apart, so I turned away after snapping him, unresolved as to what action should I take to solve the fate of this poor faithful dog.

The shelter given to him by the God should tide him over for another day, if he moved out of its light he would be hunted by the leopard making his way through the misty hills looking for prey.

I passed him tonight once again, and I have wondered in vain if this poor mutt has had a bite to pump his fast failing veins. Before I lose my emotional cool and go back to feed him and bring on the poignant pain, I rather you see this dog in person through this strain in pictures I clicked while in the rain.

Anyone in Abu in needs of a lovely dog? Head for  this spot.

Where's my Master? I'm  sheltered but for how long? 

Bera Rajasthan

Some more snaps of this Incredible Place, where the Leopards and the antelopes run Free. 

 Peahen

 Bar-Headed Geese

 Karvanda

 Ringed dove

 Ducks at Jawai

Button quail

My Bera Trip to the Leopards Lair

A Reflective journey, to The Leopard Lair Bera

When my friend Bob from England mentioned he wanted to visit The Leopard Lair in early December with his friend Trevor, I couldn’t resist suggesting a little barter. “How about a bottle of good old Scotch instead of your room tariff?” I asked. Bob, always one to watch his budget, seemed hesitant, but the idea lingered. A litre of Scotch in exchange for a night or two at the Lair—who could resist such a tempting offer?

Bob, Trevor, my cousin Terrance from Panchkula, and I were all scheduled to arrive at the Lair on the 2nd of December, and I was eager to join them. We arrived around lunchtime on the 3rd, where Mr. Devi Singh, an old friend and gracious host, welcomed us. He led us to the dining room where Bob and Trevor, to our surprise, had already introduced us to their partners. It was a pleasant start to what we hoped would be an adventurous stay.

The evening safari, however, did not go as planned. Despite the Lair’s excellent track record—with a over 90% chance of sightings this season—we saw neither hide nor hair of the elusive leopards. My cousin Terrance experienced disappointment, a common feeling among guests when they fail to glimpse the animals they hoped to see. Yet, I reassured him, reminding him of the Lair’s impressive 95% success rate for those staying two days.

As the sun set, we settled in for the evening with the Scotch that our British mates had brought, paired with a delicious BBQ prepared by Kunoo (Mr. Singh). The camaraderie, laughter, and shared stories more than made up for the earlier disappointment on the safari.

But enough of my musings—look at some photographs we captured during our stay at The Leopard Lair. They tell the story better than I ever could.

Taken by the host Mr Devi Singh with his handy cam last month

Zara’s cubs are now grown, a constant thrill to all the visitors who visit the Lair

Don’t they look the picture of innocence?

The hills of Bera  1st week December

Bera in all its glory

Bob, Trevor and cousin Terrance at the lair

Bob is as young as ever...

Shrike (the butcher bird ...)

Devil's eyes click, they will hypnotize you

L to R

Terrance, Bob and Trevor

 The Lair hangout

Some good old yearns of by-gone days

Feeling All there "Relaxed"

B B Q at the lair

Is that for Real?

Remembering the old days...

Pond Heron

Brahminy-myna Bera

Indian myna Bera

Indian Myna

Koel at the lair ...

Koel at the lair ...

Ringneck Doves Bera...

Striated Babbler

Striated Babbler

Hoopoe at the lair...

Penning the guest book before departure