Red-wattled Lapwing is NO match for the Daman Snake

6 April 2019.

I have been observing the Red-winged lapwings for a little over a week. This year she changed her nesting site. The birds have been constantly vigilant in chasing away the mongoose, the stray dogs that pass by, and the raptors that approach too close. They avoid the few cats that roam this area.

Yesterday the ruckus the pair created caused a small flock of lapwings to appear out of nowhere got my curiosity I immediately grabbed my camera and went out to investigate. The birds were battling a losing battle against a nine-foot Daman that had sneaked upon the mother sitting on her eggs.

All the ruckus and the feigning by the birds to draw the snake away from the eggs failed. It filled me with rage and wanted to intervene, but then held back letting nature take its course. I saw the snake swallow two eggs and then all hell broke loose one bird pecked the snake on the crown of its head, and two others moved in dangerously close to attack. The snake spooked and moved off from the nest with the birds giving it chase. For a long time, they flew around in circles making a ruckus.

The Lapwing approached her nest cautiously, poked around adjusted the two remaining eggs using her protective body and settled down. The chicks in the eggs are probably ready to hatch any day now. Really wonder if nature will be grateful to let the two eggs hatch, but I have my reservations, it’s a eat dog eat world we live in I’m sure the Daman will come to make a meal of the other two eggs left behind. I can hear the birds making a ruckus I'll go have a dekko and get right back to finishing this episode.

Yes, the Daman returned, but the birds being vigilant could steer him away from the nest. They have won this round but for how long before this slippery slimy god's creation decides it’s time for a meal. Till then, it’s adieu

Red-wattled Lapwing - Vanellus indicus TRYING TO ATTACK DAMAN

Daman at the nest swallowed two eggs

Red-wattled Lapwing - Vanellus indicus TRYING TO ATTACK DAMAN

Trying to draw out the Daman

Getting the Damans attention

Feigning injury

Daman the Abu Rat snake

Non-poisonous Snake

Two eggs remaining

Daman made a meal of two eggs.

To read more on this Red-wattled Lapwing click the link below

Folklore and myth of the Red-wattled lapwing Rajasthan.

This small video clip I took today Will the pair see their chicks?

Saturday, November 04, 2017

Nature a life of connections Mount Abu.

Nature: A Life of Connections in Mount Abu

“Nature Captured in My Photos,”

Photography redefines the way we view. It all began with a desire to capture the beauty of nature, like the vibrant colours of flowers, the graceful flight of butterflies, and the thriving animals in their natural habitats. What started as a hobby has turned into a journey of discovery, deepening my connection to the surrounding environment.

Have you ever noticed the magic that unfolds every single day? Nature offers us a silent, constant symphony. The sound of leaves rustling in the wind, the sight of sunlight filtering through trees—it all has the power to stir the soul. And when we take a moment to see and listen, our minds do a joyful double somersault in awe of the beauty we often take for granted.

My photographs aim to capture fleeting moments, like a butterfly on a flower, the intricate detail of a leaf, and the beauty of Mount Abu at sunset. My collection is still amateur, but each photo carries a story, a fragment of nature’s endless wonders.

I invite you to join me on this journey. Let these images serve as a reminder that beauty exists everywhere if we just open our eyes to it. Pause for a moment, inhale, and let the beauty of nature soothe your senses.