INDIA 2011: Ranthambhore NP – part 2

Day 4 / Jan 8 – Wrapped in blankets as the thermometer read one degree celsius, we got Track 4 once more. As we get a different canter for each game drive, this one barely had enough power to get it up the steep incline that leads us through the forest and into the more open grasslands. This area is interspersed with Dhokh trees and reminiscent of the savanna.

There were stops for the large terrestrial cuckoo, the Greater Coucal (above), Oriental Turtle Doves, White-bellied Drongo and a flock of Olive-backed Pipits. Though we did hear both Chital mating and warning calls, no cat was seen. Craig spotted four Cotton Pygmy-Goose amongst a carpet of azolla that covered the lake. Amongst the trees around the body of water Yellow-footed Green Pigeons could be seen warming up in the sun covered tops of the trees. A group of stunningly beautiful Small Minivets flittered about restlessly below the pigeons before moving on. There was additional color when a Black-rumped Flameback dropped to the ground to feed on ants and was joined by an inquisitive Rufous Treepie (below).

As was often the case another canter would pull up behind us and wonder where the tiger was or what it was that we were looking at. Our reply was “We are looking at birds.” On this occasion we overheard their guide tell his curious group, “They are bird watchers. There are many birds. Big ones and small ones.” Bewildered, they moved on!

Our luck continued outside the Tiger Den when we spotted a Barred Buttonquail motionless in the dirt. Our mid day walk explored a different section of the arid area. Rosy Starlings were roving about the rubbish tip where a small fire was still smoldering around a Brahminy cow – holy smoke! There was the usual Tawny Pipits and Lesser Whitethroats as well as Southern Grey Shrike, Eurasian Hoopoe and a few excited children and their endless repetitive “one pen, one pen….” that fell on deaf ears. We did well to see Rufous-naped Hare, Common Grey Mongoose and the smallest of butterflies a Grass Jewel and finished the 90 minute walk with Ashy-crowned Sparrow-Lark, Indian Bush Lark and about 18 Rufous-fronted Prinias in a thorny bush.

From the park entrance gate there is a 6 kilometer drive to the beginning of the first batch of tracks (1, 4 & 5). On our way we encountered a number of raptors on the wing including Eurasian Kestrels, Long-legged Buzzard and Short-toed Eagles as well as an Indian Long-billed Vulture on her nest near the first archway gate (above).

It is a beautiful drive along Track 1 though a lovely rolling forest. We paused at a stream crossing to watch actively feeding Greenish Warbler, White-browed Fantail and Grey-headed Canary-Flycatchers. We got our best looks at Alexandrine Parakeet and scored with the two small owls, Indian Collared Scops and a pair of Spotted Owlets (above). The day ended with a handful of Jungle Bush Quail scurrying through the grassy undergrowth tangles.

Much to everyone’s surprise we took Carol to an Indian restaurant for her birthday! The occasion was highlighted by a very tasty banana cake and ice cream much to Jessica’s satisfaction and delight!