Kabini - 24th to 26th May 2003

We drove down to Kabini from Bangalore via Ranganthitoo Bird Sanctuary. About 220 kms. Birds were breeding everywhere. I did manage four new species for Indiabirds and some repeat species but in breeding plumage this time.

The drive inside the forest on Saturday evening produced this magnificent Tiger. It was sitting inside a small pool of water and as we watched in awe a spotted deer stag approached to drink water, unaware of the tiger. The tiger crouched and suddenly the deer realized the danger and stood still with its tail up and seconds later it ran away with a huge yell. We sat quietly and watched and a Gaur appeared and would you believe it, this time the Gaur gave a huge yell and the Tiger got up and quickly disappeared leaving the water to the Gaur!!

The Sunday evening drive produced a lone Sloth bear that stood up in front of us and rubbed its butt against the bark of a tree before it disappeared. We came across plenty of Elephants too.

Almost all birds we saw were either in Breeding plumage or with their young. To name a few…The Streak-Throated Swallows were feeding their young. The Red-wattled Lapwings had three young running around. The River Tern had a single young, just hatched. The Hoopoes and Indian Rollers and the Common Flamebacks were in huge numbers with their young. The Malabar Larks were feeding their young.

I managed these birds for your viewing pleasure….(click on below links) Your feedback is most appreciated!

Regards,

Vijay Cavale