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?

Tuesday, June 08, 2010

Take a walk through Paradise Misty Mount Abu

I see the world in a swirl of hues, the misty mornings, the chirping birds, the rugged terrain, the ever winding roads and the stunning scenery but my favourite appeal is the fresh and cool wind blowing through my being. We Abuites who live in this paradise take this heavenly nectar for granted. Very few people venture out early in the morning to appreciate what the gods of nature have offered us poor mortals.
I who have lived the greater part of my life in Abu, cannot find word to describe the charm of nature that presents itself to us in so many different shades, the overwhelming mist kissed cloudy hills and dales, the mysterious forests, the ravines overhung with trees, the enthralling cascading clear water streams that once was our stepping stone to our first love of water, shallow bay where we learnt to swim.
Enough of my ramblings let me present you with some snaps I took the last two days while on the way to Gau-Mukh!!

"Click on the snaps for a better view"