All
Close encounter.. the elephant was also guarding her calf. On seeing the calf, I got the feeling that she could be aggressive, however she wasn't particularly bothered and carried on with feeding.
Eurasian jay from Shitlakhet,
Had earlier posted about black-headed jay. This is its Eurasian counterpart. Notice its slightly thicker build whereas the bill is longer but thinner. Its body is brown-pinkish in color and you will see a black moustache just behind its bill. Has quite a harsh call and is known for its mimicry too! Do compare with previous post in case you want to see both.
Tanmay Keshav Nice catch Varun, thanks for marking out these features for us
Roshan Suresh Lovely shot
Arjun Dhanraj Splendid
Rajat Arora Nice one
Slaty-headed parakeet from Shitlakhet
It is the only bird in its species which exhibits migration from lower altitude to higher and back. Saw dozens of them in Shitlakhet although it was very early in the morning so light was an issue. They are extremely colorful with a slaty head, green feathers and a blue tint where the head meets the neck. Its upper part of the beak (known as upper mandible) is bright red and the lower part is pale yellow. Its tail has shades of blue, green and yellow. Although not that good a picture and it has also been cropped, i hope some of these features can be distinguished. Source: wiki
Tanmay Keshav Lovely colors .. thanks for the informative post!
Roshan Suresh Good record and thanks for sharing these details.. can make out everything
Sameer Vaid Nice post with good info. Thanks
Siddhartha Naidu Beautiful!
Black-headed jay from the sleepy hamlet of Shitlakhet
My first post here.. just a shot i had taken on a trail. This jay is similar to size of the Eurasian jay, however it is thinner than the Eurasian jay. Also the top of the head is black and its bill is shorter and thicker. Shitlakhet is a small hill station town between Ranikhet and Almora. Fabulous for bird-watching, grand views of the Himalayas and very few people around. Numerous trails through forests and should not miss the early morning and evening views on offer. For stay there is KMVN and also a FRH. Few good lodges are there too. Great for 2-3 days reconnecting with nature.
Tanmay Keshav Welcome to the community, Varun! Nice click and thanks for sharing this lovely bit of information. Actually spent a night in Shitlakhet a year back, birding was good and as you said, views were grand too! Hope to go back there again soon.
Aditya Vaidya Nice click and great info.. thanks
Rajan R D Had not heard about this place till now. Thanks for sharing!
C Parivesh Nice click!
Anyone have any information regarding forest rest house in Kanha National Park? How to book those cottages? Last time I had stayed outside the park in a hotel.. this time looking to stay inside. Thanks
Tanmay Keshav Forest rest houses are there in Kisli and Mukki. Apart from that there is a camp and dormitory in Khatia (Khatia Jungle Camp). All info regarding booking is on https://forest.mponline.gov.in/Images/FAQ.pdf (check 24th question)
Rajeev Raghavan Excellent info @Tanmay. Also there is Baghira Log Huts run by MP Tourism. A little more costly but has more amenities
Varun Rawat Thank you guys.. very helpful. Link says demand draft for Jungle camp and no advance booking for FRH?
Tanmay Keshav Yes i think you will have to call and confirm your booking with them. Forest rest houses can be allotted to VIPs/govt officials in the last minute.. maybe thats why they have not opened it for advance booking. If there are enough vacancies.. they will
Varun Rawat Thanks a lot. will speak to them
Nishant Parekh Great info.. do update if you are able to
Varun Rawat I have been able to request for booking of frh.. mostly it is confirmed.. i will have to be in touch with them. thank you guys big help
Tanmay Keshav Lovely
Manish Verma Awesome!
Varun Rawat Thanks everyone
Gaurav Sinha Superb