Thursday, August 30, 2018

Pretty decor for my tree

Fungi on an old tree in my front yard. Some are as big as plates.  I love the markings and the frilly edges.

Wednesday, July 25, 2018

Poisonous catch

Yesterday, I was driving into my car porch, when I saw a crow pheasant in the grass way ahead of me.  Something about the way it was acting made me stay in the car and watch.  I realised it was trying to catch a black scorpion.  I somehow managed to drag my phone out and took a video.  It is a little long distance . Please watch full screen to see the action.
On my phone, when I enlarge the image I realised the bird attacked the venomous tail first.  Anyway, it got it's catch.

Sunday, July 8, 2018

Magpie robins

I was recently in Cochin at my daughter's home.  There i happen to spy a pair of magpie robins.  I love the way they look and their sweet whistle like calls.  Somehow here, in spite of all the trees we have around here, I hardly ever get to hear the magpie robin these days probably because their calls are drowned out by the loud raucous calls of the racket-tailed drongos.  I have to admit their calls can be beautiful too.  It is just that they are so loud!  I managed to get pictures of the pair, male and female--

This was the first time I got to see a female so close.  I see she is a dark brown.  I was unable to record their song though.

Wednesday, May 9, 2018

Backyard Visitor

This little fellow visited my backyard a week back.  Look at him sitting so coolly while my dogs bark, waiting for them to turn their heads so he can swoop down to catch some insects.

Wednesday, May 2, 2018

A chase

I am sitting outside on my front verandah.  An Indian kestrel lands outside.  I had heard it's screech earlier.  I find a crow is chasing it.  The crow lands near it and the kestrel takes off again and I see now what the crow is after.  The kestrel has a dead mouse in it's claws.  About half an hour later I see the kestrel sitting on a tree and there is nothing with it.  I wonder whether the kestrel managed to hide it's prey or whether the crow stole it.