The beautiful dragon fly from Varca

When I first sighted this dragon fly, I thought it was a tiny butterfly or bird. After I shot a picture on my phone and it was only after I enlarged it that I realised it was a dragon fly

It was the first time I've seen a dragon fly flap its wings in such a wide arch. Or even move the wings way below the body when in a perched position. It was only after I was able to photograph one more closely (this time on my point and shoot) and with fully spread wings that I also noticed the unique angle of the front and rear wings. A third first is the coloured wings on a dragon fly! All of these first made this set of sightings special. Have you seen this before?

Are the lion kings of Gir in this picture?

In the winter of 2012 we visited Gir and sighted a set of five siblings about two years old (here's the link to that post http://reach4sachin.blogspot.in/2013/06/siblings-in-sasan-gir.html)

Last week I read a report in the TOI which spoke of three sub-adult lions between three and four years of age who carried out a coup and dethroned the reigning lions- who were ten years old. Until recently only after crossing the age of five would a lion attempt to challenge a ruler. But the social fabric has changed. Now lions are challenging earlier, and in a group, till now there were reports of two lions ganging up to challenge the ruler. this is the first recorded group of three lions taking over a pride (here's the link to the article (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/3-lions-overthrow-2-kings-in-Gir-coup/articleshow/45542721.cms)

I couldn't but put two and two together and wonder whether the new kings were from the siblings we saw - there can be a chance because the article states that territory in question is right in the middle of the tourist area.

So people, show some respect, you could just be seeing a picture featuring the current rulers of Gir!

Magnificent chameleons of Tungi

I find chameleons as yucky and repulsive as the next person. But in the last couple of days I sighted quiet a few of these at Tungi while on a holiday, and even appreciated some of their unique survival kit that nature has built-in for them. Anyone recognise which specific variety this is?

Standing tall and surveying the morning activity. Notice the scales, the mane and the bellows that they can puff up to add to the menacing look, if they sense any danger. They can even change their colour for communicating with other chameleons or for camouflage

This one swung to the lower branches the moment he sensed movement around. Notice how they can change the palette of their skin tone to match the surroundings. With the sunlight and the clouds around, it would be easy to blend into the background

This is what I meant when I said they have the ability to blend into the background. We have the gap in the rock for contrast in  this image, with only rocks all around, easy to miss this one.

This one was in a tree, far from the ground and the branches above. Sensing me five feet away, resulted in this change of colour. It was followed by an inflation of the bellows below the chin, but I was not able to capture that image

view from the ventilator

The view from the hills is awesome, regardless of which direction you see in. Here is one such view from a ventilator up in a roadside dhaba, enroute from gangtok to darjeeling, an extremely scenic drive. Easily one of the best that I have seen

Hi there!

This morning, as I was craning my neck into a thicket to get a good angle on a flower, I came this close to a beetle. Both of us maintained our composure (I with a fair degree of effort). That done, I also managed to get some pictures of the flower. 

Opening Today - 2

Another bud that I shot just as it was about to bloom. The flowers at Pavna are gorgeous.

Starting a new series: 'Opening Today' buds waiting to bloom

I was going through my catch of the day (we are at Pavna for a holiday and everyday I hook up the memory card into the computer and look at my catch of the day) and sighted this lovely bud, about to bloom.
So here, I'm, starting a new series called 'Opening Today' all about buds waiting to bloom.

Flowers, spiders and surprises

Early morning at Pavna, its a treat to see flowers catch the first rays of the sun. And the breakfast routine of the whole eco system. Birds are out looking for insects, bees are out looking for honey, spiders are out setting up webs for the day. 

Here are two spiders that I managed to surprise. You can see them clearly when I enlarge the picture. 

Starting on a new web

This is the very first time that I was witness to a spider beginning to spin a new web. Notice the first lines of the web about to be cast. Can you see them?

you can now start understanding how a bee feels...

around mid- morning, mid-day. a bright sun and consequently a fully bloomed flower. a mesmerising sight. even for me. when you are present in this moment, you can then start to understand how a bee feels...

cobweb in the drizzle

On our walk in the evening there was a drizzle. That made the cobweb on the road side look stunning!

of a warm meal on a cold afternoon, cooked with all heart

In Paris, on a cold summer afternoon. A special day it was, not just because it was Freedom Day for Parisians and there was festivity in the air. But also because we made new friends that day. Who cooked for us with great affection and made sure we had a homely meal. Far away from home.


Allow me to introduce Mr & Mrs Koneswaran. Who opened their restaurant and their hearts for us on a public holiday, and made it a memorable day for us in more ways than one


It was fascinating, to hear how, twenty five years ago he set out from Sri Lanka with just a yearning to study and a few dollars in his pocket. And his journey, from Germany to Holland and eventually to France. From waiting on tables to starting a small restaurant of his own. Of the stolid support of the family and his wife and how together they make sure the children study Tamil on weekends to ensure that there is still the common ground of a shared language and culture among cousins , now spread across continents.

Two meals on two days and two new friends. Whom we're now expecting to meet in Mumbai when they visit India next. It will be our turn then, to cook for them!