FoHoH Reflections

#by ArunKumar, Bridgewood Maguri beel is a lake formed by the doomdooma river on one side and the dibru river on the other, both tributaries of the mighty Brahmaputra . This unique riverine eco system is home to many resident and migratory  species of birds . The baghjan grasslands which are small  islets in the midst of these rivers are home to some rare species of birds like the Marsh babbler that is endemic to the Brahmaputra plains , Jerdons babbler , the endemic Black breasted parrotbill  and few other species .                  We were given a heads up the previous day that we might have to wade across the river to reach the grasslands as the water was very shallow and boats might not be able to ferry us across. We picked a piece of cloth from the Digboi market and cut it into pieces for each one of us to use it to clean our legs after crossing the river so we could wear our shoes. It would b...

By ArunKumar, Bridgewood Wreathed Hornbill, Namdapha National Park The second largest National Park in india is unique in many ways and a ecosystem of its own. The Rain forests start from low altitudes reaching up to very high altitudes. The lush green forest and snow capped mountains decorate the landscape which hosts a wide range of flora and fauna. We camped at Deban eco camp for 4 days birding for about 15 kms uphill every day and the road back to the plains. Every turn  was holding some surprises and there never was a dearth for adrenaline rush. Sometimes the majestic Hornbills or the  raptors occupying the top most perch of the forest canopy or the  beautiful and colorful terrestrial birds that kept us on our heels. Every call was music to our ears as our guide walking slowly catching up on the faintest of the calls and leading us to the bird . It was a challenge to sight the bird in the dense shrubs,  many so shy that all they gave us were a few seconds to cli...

Bharani Dharan, Bridgewood# During my trip to Valparai, I was looking forward to sighting the Great Indian Hornbill in addition to some of the bird and animal species indigenous to the area. As if to dampen my spirits, I was told the season to sight this rare bird was already over. And to take it further, the first few days I tried all the usual haunts for this bird only to be left with disappointment.  But what was so special about this bird? I explored…. Its wings? The colour palette of its plumage? The nesting habit? There were so many angles in which the bird could be celebrated. That is probably why it is the state bird for 2 of Indian states, Kerala and Arunachal Pradesh. My curiosity got the better of me and I decided I was not going to leave Valparai without focusing this rare beauty in my lens. Every morning, with dense mist and teeth-chattering cold, as it was December, I would lug my 3 kilo camera up hilly terrain and through thick foliage searching to sight the Hornbill...