MY FIRST LEOPARD SIGHTING

Have just returned from a wildlife jungle trip to Sri Lanka, a trip that I had been looking forward to for quite some time.  On landing at Colombo airport, we drive straight to our first destination a jungle. We had three jungles to cover in our itinerary – Udawalawe National Park, Yala National Park and Bundala National Park. The first for Elephants, the second for Leopards and the last for Birding and various reptiles. This narrative is of our trip to Yala National Park.

We made our first half day park round on the first afternoon. It was an uneventful but fruitful round with lots of birding but no Leopard. We returned to the park gates at 6.00 pm.  Our safari vehicle was a tad uncomfortable for 7 people – cramped for room – photography was very difficult. Our organizer (more a friend really) Makarand complained and asked for a better vehicle for the next full day safari.  Groaning I got up at 4.00 am the next day and  left the hotel at 5.00 am to reach the park gates before 6.00 am. And, lo and behold, we now had 2 vehicles for the 7 of us.  I boarded the vehicle with Makarand, Hanferd and Smita (a fun couple – great company) and the others (Yuvraj, Vedavati & Ruta) followed in their vehicle. Very comfortable travel – in fact luxurious is the word to describe our journey. Our driver cum guide seemed experienced too.  The first few hours went by quick enough but the shy big cat did not appear.  We did see an amazing array of birds some reptiles, mongoose monitor lizards, etc.  We had a packed breakfast (at the beach) and our spirits had not  lifted. The spot where we had breakfast had a memorial to the 2004 Tsunami victims.

We set off again on our trip and about half an hour into this leg, after driving around the park, suddenly Makrand shouted (should I say screamed) Leopard. And lo and behold right in front of us was this majestic, athletic animal walking along the road – away from us. For a moment (that bordered on eternity) I stood transfixed, gazing at this beautiful guy walking away from us – wow what a mesmerizing sight. Seeing a leopard in the wild – awesome. I forgot the  camera and its settings- I  was  just so overawed. Suddenly, sanity hit me – I reached for my camera, with shaking hands and the driver gunned the jeep forward. I forgot to adjust the zoom – just started clicking a receding leopard, at random. In a moment, I realized that I was at the low end of my zoom. I immediately zoomed in full length – but too late. The jeeps noise, made the leopard change direction - he sauntered off royally into the bushes. What a beautiful, awesome sight. The other jeep was behind us and I felt sad that they could not glimpse the leopard.

Our driver drove like a maniac, around a bend in the road and parked the vehicle on the “other side” of the bushes.  He told us to wait patiently.  With a thousand thoughts flitting through my mind and after what seemed an eternity the big cat emerged  to cross the road again. This time I was ready to click and he walked by us leisurely and gave us a great photo opportunities. Not once did he turn around to look at us, not once did he seem irritated. He was focussed on just one thing – crossing the road regally. Again, our companion jeep had parked a few hundred yards ahead- so sadly, they missed this opportunity as well. But all of us in our jeep were high – excitement of clicking your first leopard is an experience that cannot be described in words. Afterwards  I started reviewing my pictures and in my excitement I forgot to see all of them. When Henfred showed me his pictures I reviewed mine as well and I saw I had got some pretty decent ones. We moved on and our lunch by the beach was a babble of exited voices sharing what all we had seen and felt.

After lunch we continued with our rounds and at the same place we again spotted (the same?) Leopard in the bushes. He did not come out of the bushes, but was pacing behind them and we clearly saw his body and feet. Then, late afternoon, we saw a leopard perched on a tree branch – very far away. Frankly,  to me  it was a small dot on the far away tree and I wouldn’t count it a sighting. Our fruitful, exciting day was coming to an end and driving towards the gates (our jeep leading)  we managed to sight another leopard going away from us into the bushes. I just got one or two distant shots of his rear.

So, all in all, 5 leopard sightings in a single day, with one fantastic photo opportunity, one average opportunity and a sighting behind bushes. I count myself lucky and blessed to have witnessed this magnificent wild cat from such a close range on 4 occasions, in a single day.  Wondering if  I would like to go again? You bet !!!

(The photographs may not appear in sequence -but don't worry read the captions to get the sequence)

First Sighting Ambling along the road

First Sighting Ambling along the road

First Sighting Ambling along the road

First Sighting Ambling along the road-
hears the jeep and decides to cross

Jeep noise disturbs him and hes off into the bushes

Road crossing in progress

Road crossing in progress

Road crossing in progress

Road crossing in progress

Road crossing in progress .. nearing the end

Road crossed heading off into the bushes

Almost crossed will disappear anytime now

Road crossing complete - my last shot before he disappears

The third sighting.. heading away from us

The last Hurrah.. going away from us.. culminating in 4 sightings in a single day !!

Second Sighting - we are at a vantage point when
he comes into view and crosses the road

TRIIP TO BHANDUP PUMPING STATION - A LITTLE KNOWN BIRDING DESTINATION IN MUMBAI

When my friend  Vivek Joshi  suggested we visit Bhandup Pumping Station, he was forthright that he did not know the place and had not been there before. However he pointed out that it could be  an adventure. I must say I was a bit apprehensive of this adventure, but being an avid birder I readily agreed  to go. So, very early in the morning, left home to meet up with him and another friend, Mr. Bartakke at Nahur Station. And we set off for what was to become a wonderful adventure.

The morning was cloudy and we reached the small turn (many miss this turn) and started our trek towards the Pumping Station. Almost immediately, on the salt pans adjoining the highway, we saw a flock of common egrets and a huge colony black cormorants, sitting idly. A few people entered the salt pans, talking loudly and shouting at each other. This disturbed the birds and they took off for safer places. We were disappointed that we could not spend much more time, gazing in wonder, at these wonderful birds.

 

We then started our trek inwards, into the area of the of the Pumping station and beyond. The common Mayna was almost everywhere. We did see spot spoonbills (Eurasian, I think) in wonderful, graceful flight.  They formed a wonderful pattern, gliding above us.

Carrying on, we discovered a narrow path on the circumference of the pumping station, that leads to a well camouflaged lake. The serene lake with not too much of a crowd, was graced with a colony of painted storks (though at a distance). They were busy catching fish, for their food. We were lucky to see the Pied Avocet, as well as Common Redshanks, and Black Winged Stilts among others. 

We were unlucky to have missed seeing and photographing  a Raptor – commotion caused by over enthusiastic (and perhaps first time?) birders, ensured that the raptor flew away, because of the commotion. We also got to see (and photograph) colourful Dragonflies  resting and in flight. 

  
 All in all a very rewarding and enjoyable trip. A bit tiring though –so after we finished, we had a small breakfast break – with biscuits and farsan being passed all around. And, before we knew it, we were headed homewards, after being treated to a really enthralling morning of bird watching and photographing.

HOW TO REACH

Bhandup Pumping Station is a relatively unknown place to a lot of people and is not as famous as say SGNP. But it is easily accessible for both Mumbaikars as well as out of towners. If you go by local train Nahur is the nearest  local train station from which you can easily get a bus or auto rickshaw  to take you to the Pumping Station. If you are driving then (from the Mumbai side heading to Thane) take a U turn under the Airoli flyover and look for a small turn  off to the left. This is a narrow but tarred road and you can drive on this road close up to the lake. You can then park and do the rest of the trek on foot.                                             

TIPS FOR VISITORS

·         If possible go on weekdays or Saturdays – you are likely to avoid the Sunday crowds.

·         Carry a cap, enough water and some light eats – but do not dirty the place and carry plastic bags back home.

·         A pair of binoculars is an absolute must along with your camera with a good zoom or telephoto lens. (I found a 70 300 mm lens inadequate!!)

·         When approaching birds be kind to them by not speaking at all. I have discovered that I enjoy watching birds more when I (and the people of my group) are totally silent. Approach the birds slowly and in camouflage, to the extent possible – wear neutral colour clothes.

·         Switch your cell on to silent mode and don’t make or receive calls when bird watching.

·         Go in small groups and respect other birders as well – allow them to photograph and watch the birds as well. 

MAHARASHTRA NATURE PARK

If anyone had told me that there is an oasis of peace and tranquillity in the heart of Mumbai, I would have laughed in his face. But my friend persisted and got me to visit the Maharashtra Nature Park – more with a view to proving him wrong. So with Camera in tow, I took off early to visit this park in the heart of bustling Mumbai city.  I had expected a harrowing experience ... but read on.

The first surprise is that not too many people know of this place (or if they do they give it a miss). This was evident by the thin crowds at the park. I got to park the car safely on the road just outside the main gate.  The main gate is NOT the one opposite the Dharavi bus terminus but the next one (if you are driving from the western suburbs).

 

  

 Once you enter the park – you are in the lap of nature. Dense foliage makes the park a haven for both flora & fauna. This park is spread over an area of about 30 acres and has been built on what earlier was a garbage dumping ground. There is no evidence of a garbage dump today. You get the services of a guide and interpreter should you require one. The park itself is well maintained with clean (filtered) drinking water available and clean toilets. Entry fee is Rs. 5/= for individuals. 

On my visit I did experience the peace and quiet that is not normally available to Mumbai residents. The park has a number of trees, which provide shade and a cover to the myriad life forms that thrive under them I did see an exquisite beetle, a long caterpillar and butterflies of many hues – flitting from one flower to another. They didn’t sit still for me to photograph them – but they were beautiful and multi coloured nonetheless.

 I got to photograph a sun bird at a distance and many many flowers. As it had rained the previous night  I got the opportunity to capture dew drops (or raindrops) on the verdant green leaves.

I am told that there are a number of birds that we can see at the park but I didn’t see too many. But this has made me determined to visit the park every two or three months to see and capture the birds that I do get to see.

On returning home I called up my friend and told him that he was right and (sceptic that I was) I was delighted to be proved wrong . And that he should accompany me on my next visit.

Tips for Visitors

1.       As the park is well maintained please do not carry food articles inside. If you do, please do not leave any plastic bags behind.

2.       Best time to visit is early morning – the park opens at 8.00 am – you will have the park almost to yourselves at this time

3.       Depending on the month of your visit, it would be a good idea to carry (and use) some mosquito repellent cream

4.       Do not be in a hurry, enjoy the park at a leisurely  pace – the park has much to offer if you are patient.

5.       You may find a magnifying glass, a pair of binoculars and a camera useful. For serious nature lovers a guide would be able to help you identify the trees, plants and birds and butterflies.