owls

Indian Eagle Owl (Bubo bengalensis), also known as the Rock Eagle Owl or the Bengal Eagle Owl is a large, horned owl found across the hilly, rocky scrub-forests of the Indian Subcontinent. The cat-like long ear tufts, those big glowing eyes and the majestic size are unmistakable. Quite widely distributed across India, this species is found all over. However, the place I most love to see them in, is the amazing capital town of the erstwhile Vijayanagar empire, Hampi....

Owls are a magnificent species of birds that have always caught my attention. Something about them seems so intriguing. They do not shy away from eye contact. When they stare at me with their characteristic, huge eyes, I seem to get drawn into them. With so many ill-founded myths that we humans associate with the species, looking into the owls' eyes, makes me wonder as to what might be running in its mind, apart from the expected displeasure of encountering a human....

No, don’t get any ideas; the title’s intent is not what you are thinking. This is neither a crime report nor is the Brown Fish Owl being framed or accused of anything but of being extra generous :-) On a safari into the forests of Kabini (and other similar habitats), the one sure shot sighting, if not anything else, would be the Crested Serpent Eagle (CSE). I am sure, most of you will concur with me on this....

Masinagudi, part of the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, was my destination for the past weekend. This was my first visit to the place and couldn’t have asked for a better one. Had been there with family, but as always, birding was on the agenda, it always is…..isn’t it…. :) From Wikipedia, The Mudumalai National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, now also declared a Tiger Reserve, lies on the northwestern side of the Nilgiri Hills (Blue Mountains), in Nilgiri District, about 150 km (93 mi) north-west of Coimbatore in the westernmost part of Tamil Nadu, on the interstate boundaries with Karnataka and Kerala states in South India....