It was clear and at about 7.30 am the sun came out.
Our first encounter was with a herd of bison. Light levels were low and here is a shot of the massive bull which I managed with the 28-70 L-series lens that I had carried for stock imagery.
We then encountered one of the most beautiful birds to be found in Kabini, the White-bellied Woodpecker (Dryocopus javensis). There was a pair and we were able to photograph them at leisure. They are larger than most woodpeckers and handsomer too. Note the black jacket, the pied waistcoat, and the raffish red hat!
Then followed an encounter with a very co-operative Indian Roller which you see below. Photogs, be patient! You will find rollers with clear backgrounds.
News then came in of a pack of wild dogs and we drove to the area where they had last been sighted. Sure enough, we spotted them, again a pack with juveniles, and they were advancing upon our vehicle.
And now follows a harangue to naturalists, drivers, wildlife enthusiasts, and wildlife photographers. If a bird or animal goes into the undergrowth or past your vehicle, it does not mean that it has logged out for the day. Wildlife photography is about waiting, about being patient and waiting for the right shot. And constantly trying to get a better shot. And so, after the wild dogs ran past our vehicle, I noticed that they were gambolling in the jungle behind us and was even able to photograph a pair mating!
Another harangue: wildlife photographers must know their subjects. Wild dogs are social animals and you will get superb shots of social interaction if you are prepared to wait. The idea of moving away as soon as they settle down in the grass borders on the absurd.
In any event, I insisted that the vehicle be reversed, and then proceeded to get some of my best wild dog images ever which you see below.
I find the portrait below to be very poignant. This wonderful animal was once classed as vermin and if we lose our jungles we lose the wild dog as well.
We then drove on and parked near a herd of chital. I made a few portraits, one of which you see below but was happy to capture a stag marking his territory. Deer have several scent glands which they use to mark their territory, and a couple are located just below the eyes. Here the stag is rubbing his scent onto a bush to deter rivals.
A video of chital in the jungle.
Chital, Kabini, Indian Wildlife TV from indianwildlifetv on Vimeo.
We then had an encounter was with a very handsome tusker. Long may he prosper in the forest! The video is very poor, but the tusker is handsome.
Tusker, Kabini, Indian Wildlife TV from indianwildlifetv on Vimeo.
Last but not the least, a Changeable Hawk Eagle (Spizaetus cirrhatus) and a peacock obliged us by posing nicely.
This is the conclusion of this report. More after my next trip which may just be this month.
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