Thursday 17 December 2015

Brown fish owl

ಪುಟ್ಟಾ ಜಾಸ್ತಿ ಹಠ ಮಾಡಿದ್ರೆ ಗುಮ್ಮ ಬರ್ತಾನೆ ಹುಶಾರ್, ಅಂತ ತಾಯಂದಿರು ಮಕ್ಕಳಿಗೆ ಹೆದರಿಸಿ ಸುಮ್ಮನಾಗಿಸುವ ಪರಿ ಯಾರಿಗೆ ಗೊತ್ತಿಲ್ಲ? ಹೌದು, ಅದೇ ಗುಮ್ಮನನ್ನ ಹುಡುಕಿಕೊಂಡು ಹೋಗಿ ಸಿಕ್ಕರೆ? ಬೊಂಬಾಟ್ ಅಲ್ವ?

ಕಂದು ಮೀನು ಗುಮ್ಮ - ಮೀನು, ಸಣ್ಣ ಹಾವು, ಕಪ್ಪೆ, ಇತರೆ ಸರಿಸೃಪಗಳು, ಜಲಚರ ಕೀಟಗಳಿಗೆ ಇದು ಗುಮ್ಮನೇ ಸರಿ. ಒಮ್ಮೊಮ್ಮೆ ಕೆಲವು ಹಕ್ಕಿ, ಇಲಿ ಹೆಗ್ಗಣಗಳು, ಮೊಲ ಇತ್ಯಾದಿ ಕೂಡ ಇದರ ಹೊಟ್ಟೆ ಸೇರುವುದುಂಟು.

ಮೂಕಾಂಬಿಕೆಯ ಮಡಿಲ ವಿಸ್ಮಯ ಪ್ರಕೃತಿ, ಅಂದು ರಾತ್ರಿ ಫಾರೆಸ್ಟ್ರತಲೆ ತಿಂದು ಮೂಕಾಂಬಿಕ ಅಭಯಾರಣ್ಯದಲ್ಲಿ ತಂಗಲು ವ್ಯವಸ್ಥೆ ಮಾಡಿಸಿ, ದಿನವೆಲ್ಲಾ ಹಕ್ಕಿಗಳೊಡನೆ ಕಾಲ ಕಳೆದದ್ದು. ಅಲ್ಲಿದ್ದ ಸೌಪರ್ಣಿಕ ನದಿಯ ದಂಡೆ ನೋಡಿದ ನನಗೆ, ಅದು ಮೀನು ಗುಮ್ಮದ ವಾಸ್ತವಕ್ಕೆ ಹೇಳಿ ಮಾಡಿಸಿದ ಜಾಗವೆಂಬುದು ತಿಳಿಯಿತು. ಮಾರನೆ ದಿನ ಮುಂಜಾನೆ ಸ್ಮಿತಾ, ತಾನು ನದಿಹತ್ತಿರ ಕುಳಿತಿರುವಾಗ ಯಾವುದೋ ಒಂದು ದೊಡ್ಡ ಆಕಾರ ಮರದಿಂದ ಹಾರಿ ಇನ್ನೊಂದು ಮರಕ್ಕೆ ಹೋದಂತಾಯಿತು. ತಕ್ಷಣ ದೊಡ್ಡ ಹದ್ದು, ನೋಡಿ ಎಂದು ನನ್ನನ್ನು ಕರೆದಾಗ, ನನಗೆ ‍ಖುಷಿ - ಕರಾರುವಕ್ಕಾಗಿ ಅದು ಮೀನು ಗುಮ್ಮನೆಂದು.
ಆದರೆ ಮತ್ತೆ ಕಾಣುವುದು ಸುಲಭದ ಮಾತಲ್ಲ ಕಾರಣ ಅದರ ಮರೆಮಾಡಿಕೆ ಬಣ್ಣ! ಸುಮಾರು ೧೫ ನಿಮಿಷ ಶೋಧಿಸಿದಾಗ ಕಂಡದ್ದು ಹೀಗೆ.

ಸುಮಾರು ಮೂರುವರೆ ವರುಶದ ನಂತರ ಸಿಕ್ಕಿದ್ದು, ನಾ ಕಂಡ ಮೊದಲ ಗೂಬೆ ಇದು!

Brown fish owl (ಕಂದು ಮೀನು ಗುಮ್ಮ)/ Dec 2015


Tuesday 15 December 2015

Indian Peafoul

ಕನ್ನಡ ನಾಡಿನ ಭಾಗಿರತಿ ಎಂದೇ ಕರೆಯಲ್ಪಡುವ ಶರಾವತಿ ನದಿ, ಜೋಗ ಜಲಪಾತದ ಸುತ್ತಮುತ್ತ ಸೂರ್ಯಕಿರಣ ಸಹ ನೆಲ ತಲುಪದಂತಹ ದಟ್ಟ ಕಾನನ, ಶರಾವತಿಗೆ ಅಡ್ಡಲಾಗಿ ನಿರ್ಮಿಸಿರುವ ಲಿಂಗನಮಕ್ಕಿ ಅಣೆಕಟ್ಟು, ಅಸಂಖ್ಯಾತ ಜೀವರಾಶಿಗೆ ಆಶ್ರಯವಾಗಿರುವ ಶರಾವತಿ ಕಣಿವೆ ಅಭಯಾರಣ್ಯದ ಪ್ರಕೃತಿ ಸೊಬಗು ಅಬ್ಬ, ಈ ಪ್ರದೇಶ ಮನಸ್ಸಿಗೆ ಮುದ ನೀಡುವ ಸ್ವರ್ಗವೇ ಸರಿ!

ಹಾಗೆ ಜೀಪಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಶರಾವತಿ ಕಣಿವೆ ಒಳ ಹೊಕ್ಕಿ ಅಲೆದಾಡುತ್ತಿರುವಾಗ, ಕಾರ್ಗಲ್ ಹಳ್ಳಿ ಸಮೀಪ ಮುಸ್ಸಂಜೆ ವೇಳೆ, ನವಿಲುಗಳ ಗುಂಪೊಂದು ರಾಜಾರೋಷವಾಗಿ ಯಾರದ್ದೋ ಭತ್ತದ ಗದ್ದೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಬಿಡಾರ ಹೂಡಿದ್ದವು. ಆ ಕ್ಷಣ ಕ್ಯಾಮರ ಕೈಲಿ ಸೆರೆಸಿಕ್ಕಿದ್ದು ಹೀಗೆ....

Indian Peafoul "The National Bird" - Sharavathi wild life santury, Dec 2015



Sunday 13 December 2015

Scarlet minivet


Scarlet minivet (ಚಿತ್ರ ಪಕ್ಷಿ) male - Sharavathi valley wildlife santury, 08.12.2015 

ಬ್ಯಾಗ್ ತಗಲಾಕಿಕೊಂಡು, ಪ್ಲಾನ್ ಇಲ್ಲದೆ ಸಿಕ್ಕ ಸಿಕ್ಕ ಬಸ್ ಹತ್ತಿ ಸುತ್ತೋದು ಶಾಲ ದಿನದಿಂದಲು ಬಂದ ಹುಚ್ಚು, ಹೀಗೆ ಒಂದು ದಿನ ಡಿಸೆಂಬರ್ ೨೦೧೩ ದಾಂಡೇಲಿಗೆ ಎಲ್ಲಿಂದಲಿಂದಲೋ ಪ್ರವಾಸ, ಇದೇ ಚಿತ್ರ ಪಕ್ಷಿ ಒಂದೆರಡು ಕ್ಷಣ ಕಣ್ಣ ಮುಂದೆ ಬಂದು ಫೋಟೋಗೆ ಸೆರೆ ಸಿಕ್ಕದೆ ಪುರ್ರೆಂದು ಹಾರಿ ಹೋಗಿತ್ತು. ಅಂದು ಸಿಕ್ಕಿಲ್ಲ ಅಂತ ಸ್ವಲ್ಪ ನಿರಾಶೆ ಇತ್ತು, ಎರಡು ವರ್ಷ ಕಳೆದು ಫೋಟೋಗೆಸೆರೆ ಸಿಕ್ಕಿದ್ದು ಈ ಮುದ್ದು ಹಕ್ಕಿ, ಎಂಥಾ ಆನಂದ !!

ಹವ್ಯಾಸ ಬಿಡದೆ ಪ್ರಯತ್ನ ಪಟ್ಟಲ್ಲಿ ಇಂದಲ್ಲ ನಾಳೆ ಗ್ಯಾರೆಂಟಿ - ಆಕಾಶ ನೋಡಲು ನೂಕು ನುಗ್ಗಲೇಕೆ.

The fireball - such a beautiful creature is insectivorous found in canopies hunting small insects.


Tuesday 17 November 2015

Common Buzzard

The Uncommon guest
"Common Buzzard or Steppe Buzzard"
all the way from Himalayas to Bangalore outskirts !

The prescence of rare birds, predetors, long distance migrants and more number of birds shows the quality of habitat and in-turn indicator of the good environment around.......
We must protect them from pollution, land aquisition and hunting for our better tommorow...!


Monday 9 November 2015

The Real Joy of Bird Photography in the Natural Habitat

Indian eagle owls continue to fascinate me to observe and photograph them each time in new habitats..... This time a search for it with a mere guess "it would be" since it was a perfect habitat and had evidence of its presence some few years before with owl pellets.... So started expedition with one of my good friends Vijay

We have started early morning from biduruguppe with my beast Mahindra thar 4X4 on a fine Sunday, 01.11.15, reached the fringe of the forest which makes a great home for several species of avian beauties and bosses... We were excited and challenged as it is not easy to find owls in its natural habitat inside canopy! The options were to trek trek and trek.... Started off with our bazooka at least having 6kg weight at 6:30AM. The hide and seek game was on between sun and clouds... Almost clouds won the fight making light at most challenging. A very low contrast seen making difficult to make a well coloured rose ringed parakeet to find and blacked it out against overcast sky.... Still the owl factor kept motivating us to further trek and see all possible steps to locate any pellets thrown out during last night's dinner by horned warrior eagle owls.... Our ears are then behaving extremely sensitive even for slightest call of birds absolutely In a serene beauty of forest.... 

We had made half way and we thought of backing off and try any other day as we had gone inside jungle to exceed safe limits, the area is gentle giants territory! But how can we give up without one more attempt... Yes took another path to further trek and see some luck saying Where are you friend please show up, this is unfair on owls part wink emoticon ... Our legs became heavy as we started to climb up with 6kg glass, metals, plastic and water... 



Almost at the end of 3hrs desperation did listen to a deep booming call bu booo... Yes Vijay he is here only as I was very confident on his call watch out for each and every steps and twigs... Swaroop stop stop do not step a single move did you find? Whispered Vijay and the owl was just 30ft in front of us looking with its deadly oil red eyes... That's it efforts and the agenda of the day, just thumbs up.... Spent another two fruitful hours observing the repeated mobbing attempt failure by so called 'police bird' black drongo supported by folks of yellow billed bablers.... 



Through the lens we could see the parasites flying allover owls feathers, preening, dozing, alert, ignorance, laziness and all sorts of behaviour of notorious and wise eagle owl..... We both returned home with full satisfaction.... 


Monday 5 October 2015

Greater Flamingo

What a Magnificent birds are Flamingo's ? Spending time with those huge brightly coloured birds is just refreshing and the mood booster!

"Flamingo comes from the latin word for flame"

They are social birds usually lives in 100s of numbers in habitats like estuaries or saline lakes. Pulicat is one such beautiful habitat where I spotted them so closely, on my fourth attempt to see them in the month of September 2015. 

Greater flamingos live and feed in groups called flocks or colonies. They find safety in numbers, which helps to protect individual birds from predators while their heads are down in the mud.


Hired a boat from fisher man and started exploring second largest salt lake of India, the pulicat lake - stands after famous chilika lake of orissa. The beauty of this lagoon is its depth which is shallow mostly.

Coming back to hiring a boat, I went little deep inside the lake and spotted these greater pink birds far away along with other waders like herons and storks. Once we approached reasonable distance from the bird then the entire show began. Primary intentions is to just sit calmly and observe the behaviour without disturbing any of the birds around. 

Framing and photographing flamingos are different joy and experience. Made images till my 12 GB memory lasts + fully charged battery drained. 


It was early morning with soft lighting - moderate cloud cover till 10:30 AM. Spent quality time with birds and when sun started shining too much we had to vacate the place and come back to shore with long cherished memory and patience of frequently visiting different parts of the lake in search of Flamingos finally paid off.

Greater Flamingos feed upon insects, worms, vegetation and algae. 


Greater Flamingos are unmistakable in flight with their long, thin neck outstretched in front and their long legs outstretched behind them. Their brilliant pink colour is visible and great treat available to enjoy during its flight.




Sunday 20 September 2015

How life began and attracted birds in a lake which was totally dry for years

Muttanalluru Lake,

One of my favorite places around my residence in Attibele where I will be frequenting for birding since 4 years. The lake remained totally dry all these years (Though some small water pockets formed for a short term during rain).  Muttanalluru lake is an excellent habitat for many grass land birds and raptors. A small patch of forest around the lake supports several woodland birds like wood pecker. This lake also hosts good number of migratory bird species.

This lake is also abused with all anthropogenic pressures from near by towns, severely polluting the lake bed with garbage dumping and waste from butcheries. Pesticide pollution is another contributor.

Asian Paradise flycatcher

But recent visit to the lake on 20.09.2015 was totally different unlike any other visits. Yes, there was inflow of water to the lake forming large portion of the lake with water. This started to happen just a fortnight before when the area received heavy rain fall on 06.09.2015. 

What exited is this short time of 15 days attracted much of local waders and water birds and they are residents now! 

Lake 20.09.2015

Since there is abundance of food to feed on, especially fish and aquatic insects, it attracted water birds. The question that tickles is from where the fish and other aquatic insects come to a lake which is full dead dry for years? How did the life and nature's arrangements began there in as less as week's time?

purple heron 

The Nature is always mystery is it? It is very complex relationship among species with-in the ecology exists. Every species has a definite role to play in balancing act of nature. In this case, for example the waders (birds) make local migration in search of food from one water body to other. By doing so, they carry the eggs of various aquatic insects, fish which sticks to its legs, feathers etc., from already existing water. These waders when land on the fresh water body, they disperse the eggs and thus distribute the species giving life to new water body. The dispersed species multiplies and attract more birds and create abundance of food supporting other life forms. The flowing water will also contribute to support distribution.

Little ringed plover

Fruit and seed eating birds distribute seeds from one place to other place making vegetation to spread. Certain animals also helps for dispersal of seeds. The bees and nectar feeding birds/ insects helps pollination. Carnivorous, insectivorous species control over population of those at lower levels of food chain, creating a balance.  This is the Nature's own mechanism of inter-dependency among lives.

The new life begins!!!!




















Sunday 6 September 2015

Sunset over Pulicat Lake

Sunset over Pulicat Lake... Birds can be seen as black spots across

Pulicat Lake is the second Largest backwater salt Shallow Lagoon of India making it an excellent habitat for many waders, Hosts Pulicat Bird Santury, and a famous "Satish Dhawan Space Centre" of Indian premier organization "ISRO - Indian space research organization". The place is well known for Indian rocket launches.

Area of the lake varies with the tide; 450 square kilometres (170 sq mi) in high tide and 250 square kilometres (97 sq mi) in low tide. Its length is about 60 kilometres (37 mi) with width varying from 0.2 kilometres (0.12 mi) to 17.5 kilometres (10.9 mi).

Fishing is the major occupation for the villages around Pulicat lake.

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Coming to Birds, this shallow water habitat makes ultimate destiny for many waders and other aquatic birds. The lake will be in its full glory in winters and an important stop-over for many migratory birds. Its also an Important Bird area (IBA) classified by bird life international.

Every year around 15000 greater flemingos visit here, the entire lake is very rich in fish population hence supporting huge number of birds.

Agricultural and industrial pollution is the biggest threat for this lake

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Monday 6 July 2015

Munia

There are five Munia species that can be found in Bangalore, Munias are small cure and social birds, usually breeds and stay with other species of Munias. They are found in folks of hundreds. The breeding season is early Monsoon.

Because of their cuteness and attractive colours often they are kept captive in cages which is offense in India as per wildlife protection act.

They mainly feed on seeds, reeds of grass normally found in open lands. They are resident breeding species around Bangalore. 

Plays significant role in seed dispersion!

Species of Munias found generally in Bangalore are

1. Indian silverbill or white throated Munia
2. Scaly breasted Munia
3. Tri coloured or black headed munia
4. Red Munia or red avadavat 
5. White rumped munia.

Scaly Breasted or spotted munia

Red munia or Red Avadavat

Tuesday 30 June 2015

THAR Crde 4 X 4 Ownership review

The Big daddy on road - Yes, the THAR Crde 4 X 4

Disclaimer: 
The entire review write-up here is purely my personnel opinion of initial ownership of Mahindra Thar Crde 4X4, the actual individual opinions are subjective and may differ from person to person. Any positive comments mentioned does not intend to promote the product or negative comments to degrade the product. Since it is personnel opinion, for any undesirables as the outcome of any decisions based on this review, any wrong information written here, reviewer can no way be held responsible for the same. However at most care has been taken while writing review.

The Vehicle: 

The THAR Crde 4X4 launched in India some time in 2010 which is built on the platform of Legendary MM550, with chassis made from Bolero and Scorpio combination (as claimed by M&M and other websites). The THAR is equipped with about 2.5 Liter Crde deisel engine that deliver 105bhp peak power and 247Nm Peak torque. Additional the vehicle is built in with BrogWarner 4X4 drive system. Later the vehicle received many functional and cosmetic changes since launch. 

The Buying decision:

I was using Tata Indica Xeta GLS for about 8 years 3 months as my first four wheeler before the THAR comes home. I felt the need of real rugged bull for my requirements (for moderate offroad to support my passion) as I used to drive my car where ever I liked, with certain limitations. Biggest influences on decision making points are,

1. As I used to drive a hatch for 8 years plus, felt like going for something big but definitely not a sedan (the whole idea behind selling the car was not to get one more car!)
2. Couple of times my car struck in a slush where  local tractor was used to pull it on road - here 4X4 came into picture for self sufficient torque and traction.
3. The rural Indian roads, trails, road humps, small brides on water channels are rough enough to cause annoyance by often hitting the under parts of the car - obviously higher ground clearance comes into picture.
4. Finally the dents on the cars though if you don't like it happens and money spent on repairs! No exceptions on Indian cities...
5. Occasionally (on family functions) people carrying capacity...
6. Budget!
7. Horse Power

Decision Making on Thar: 

The Thar first took my attention in 2011 sometime and its road presence, the Looks, Majesty made me surrender to it - in-fact love at first sight, I was clean bowled. Then started deep research on it, reading reviews, test drives, speaking with other owners/ showrooms etc. I convinced myself that it is the perfect wagon for my attitude - Attitude matters right ?

With out any second thoughts decided on Thar, with hell lot of other options on four wheelers available , hence I did not become an easy victim of confusions - Straight decision without bias, the THAR Crde ! 

Other Close Options for the points influenced buying Thar:

1. Mahindra Bolero ZLX, one more rugged SUV from Mahindra, does not have 4WD and felt the engine is slightly under powered as it delivers only 63 BHP peak power. Absense of uniqueness as it is more on roads.
2. Renault Duster - An expensive one that pinches my pocket! Low road presence and looks like chocolate hero!
3. Ford Ecosport - Feminine looks, more car like, looks softy and does not comes with 4WD.
4. Force Ghurkha - One more ultimate machine for off roading, did not have enough courage to buy one because of looks and was yet to prove on Indian roads...

Detailed comparison below,


Buying Process :

Two of the dealers in Bangalore could not make it with me, some how I was not comfortable with! Finally approached Anant Cars, they pleased me with immediate response in arranging test drives, transparent negotiations, loans, over all friendly & comfortable move. Booked the vehicle on 06.06.2015.

Delivery and Negotiations:

Few accessories like insect mesh, grills for lights were a part of the deal and the only discount offered was corporate discounts.

I had no patience to hold any more, I booked the colour M.Red which was available readily to be delivered.   
Upon sending images to family members, had to face bombardments due to red colour (said too fancy for a jeep) None admired the colour. So back to basics - The Rocky Beige (Green shade). 

Took delivery on 22.06.2015 with as usual transit delays. Aha what a pride in owning the Macho Man (I call it so!)


What did I like the most in THAR after 820 KM ride a on 30.06.2015:

- The 105 horses 2.5L Power House! Smooth, powerful and yet low NVH.
- Macho looks with its massive size. An head turner
- 1.67 tons of all steel body - I could observe fender eye, dash and canopy to be major non metallic parts, rest are all rugged.
- 4 X 4 with high ground clearance does not care for any type of bad roads or no roads. Go anywhere attitude.
- Tyres
- Decent Highway performance, once 1800 rpm mark is crossed the vehicle rules the highway... All power is yours, the fun comes when overtaking.
- Big bully on city traffic - No drama or nuisance with Thar from two wheelers/ auto rickshaws / small cars and sometimes BMTC bus.
- Driver position, commanding view of road and top of the world feel.

Niggles (Personnel opinion):

- Low security, cannot keep anything valuable inside, due to soft top.
- Little Bumpy on bad roads - can't help after all its an off roader, but not that bad to leave with.
- If you focus too much on interiors then it is just decent , but who cares for plastics if you have tons of steel... :)
- Soft top is bit noisy above 70-80 kmph speeds.
- Dust entering inside vehicle.


Over all opinion:

Absolute no regret buy. Decent performance on highway and great ride, good handling, bit scary in sharp turns at speeds above 80 kmph. Decent functional A/C. Can use as the primary Car as I use it like with little compromise on comforts like a car. Expected mileage around 13-14 Kmpl, now getting about 10-11 kmpl since new.  Effortlessly handles bad roads, slush, mud inclinations in 4WD mode...

Thursday 7 May 2015

Habitat of yellow wattled lapwing

Yellow wattled is a ground dwelling bird which nests on the ground. Their nest and eggs are highly camouflaged.

They are endemic to Indian subcontinent, habitat includes dry lands, grasslands, scrubs. They tend to have seasonal local migration.

Grass Land Habitat (ಹುಲ್ಲುಗಾವಲು / ಗೋಮಾಳ) - Threatened and ignored habitat, often considered as waste land (even government is ignorant), but in reality the grass land ((ಹುಲ್ಲುಗಾವಲು / ಗೋಮಾಳ)) is an important habitat and has a significant role in ecology. Most of the endangered and threatened species like Great Indian Bustard, Black Buck, lesser florican, Indian grey wolf (Mougli's friend) etc.,are at the verge of extinction due to habitat loss.

 

Wednesday 6 May 2015

South Indian Rock Agama

This is the wonder of this species, how it gets colour changed to be camouflaged in its habitat? - Look into this collage, the three images made in 15 mins time of the same agama when it came out from different stone pattern.

This type of behaviour is called as Criptic colouration - which allow species to change its colour to match with background and become less vulnerable to predators...

The predators for rock agama are mostly the birds.

South Indian Rock Agama is endemic to south India only, found in rocky hills and western ghats but not in eastern ghats.

They are very particular common around Bangalore! Our own species....

South Indian Rock Agama, May 2015, Kolar





Sunday 19 April 2015

Common Kestrel or European Kestrel

They are the species of Bird of Prey. Like any other raptors they have a very sharp vision far better than human eye. They can see near ultra violet rays that helps detecting their prey by its urine trail around which shines in VU sunlight.

Ultimate natural solution for rodent control of farm lands. These beauty yet notorious killer is winter migrant to Bangalore and few can be found as resident species of western ghats.

Tuesday 7 April 2015

Common Hoopoe

A widely distributed beauty is a national bird of Israel ! Feeds on insects, they require bare or lightly vegetated ground to forage and vertical surfaces with cavity (tree, next box, cliffs) for nesting. They are globally widely distributed species.. 




Monday 6 April 2015

The heavenly stream

Can name a person under the sun who do not enjoy the beauty of nature? its almost impossible! Yes the nature's beauty is incredible, so the water streams inside the Jungle lush green on pebbles. These small streams are the sample to the beauties of nature. They are divinely pure if they remain untouched by man.

A DSLR can add more charm to these streams if used artistically. Made this image during a short family trip to Kemmannugundi, indeed an emergency drive to some other place ended with an opportunity to capture this lovely waters. A small break from regular bird photography to try out. 

- Sturdy tripod is must.
- Think it over for the best composition of the image
- wait for light to shrink.

Exif data: f/32, 10 sec @ ISO 100, -0.7 Ev, FL 46mm.

©swaroopbharadwaj 2015


Wednesday 25 March 2015

Weight loss

The thing which tickle every couch potatoes out here - The weight loss! Below is some experience written though I am not an expert....!

When it comes to question of losing weight its tough to have mind set and control on habits. I have few simple (but not easy unless you have a good mind set and control) points that worked out astonishingly well in my case, I lost whopping 12 Kilos purely by just changing my eating habits and religiously following them. The mantra is "balanced diet and some simple mathematical calculations".

Let us understand basic metabolism of our body. First point is Glucose, that is the ultimate fuel for our daily activities start from thinking, organ functions and our regular physical work. Finally what we eat will be converted into glucose and burnt in the cells to produce energy,liver plays key role in these conversion process.

So, what it is concerned with weight gain or loss? Here the mathematics comes to our help! An average man needs about 2200-2800 K Cal of energy per day(depending on the persons weight, frame, degree of physical activity etc these figure varies). If you are eating more than required, it will be converted into fat and gets deposited in the cells, vice versa if you are eating less than required, the deposited fat will gradually converts into glucose and burnt. In all keep check - literally count on what you eat - any nutrition website can approximate calorie per unit you eat.
Typically I needed appx. 2500 K Cal per day for my sedentary life style, I started eating about 1500 K cal per day (remember its balance diet, one should be extremely cautious if diet regime is followed) so balance 1000 K cal appx. was pulled out form the reserves (unwanted) that body had. Fat started shrinking and I lost weight. Other way round what if I eat 3500 K Cal ? it will get stored as fat and gain weight.

What, How and when to eat?

- Eat at regular intervals of small meals (calculated), may be once in 2 hours, don't let your stomach go empty for long time.
- Cut down excess carbs in your diet, this include direct sugar, starchy foods like potato (or most of the roots), polished rice, maida, foods with preservatives, bakery items, fatty food,oily foods.
- But your body needs carbohydrates, eat them in controlled way
- Stick on to whole grains like wheat flour made out of whole wheat, brown rice etc., they are far better than ready made high density carbohydrates.
- In your diet regime, if you start avoiding high calorie food, you are most likely to miss other essential vitamins, minerals etc., this may lead to deficiency. please excise caution if you are in diet. To counter this loss and keep your tummy full (to beat hunger) eat more and more fruits, green vegetables (preferable uncooked), eat lentils - a rich source of protein, eat germinated seeds - these have low carbohydrate contents and its complex process to convert them to glucose.
- Avoid excess ice creams, chocolate and junk foods (don't loose all fun, have them once in a while, this doesn't have much impact on the body if consumed once in a while)
- As much as possible stick to home made food, if at all if it is required to eat, have idly, rave idly, roti dal fry they are the best options.
- Have limited excise (good brisk walk for half an hour would be sufficient), People may be wondering in spite of regular excise for half - one hour is not helping reduce weight, how come?

Believe me excise can help for better metabolism, but the main culprit here is what and how much you eat. If you want to relay only on excise, go spend in gym for 4-6 hrs, (is it practically possible?) diet control is a must!
What I did?

Morning @ 7:45 AM, 2 chapatis (home made mid sized with less oil) or equivalent to them in terms of calorie and carbohydrate contents + a bowl full of boiled lentils - this would fill up your stomach to comfortable limit.
At 10-10:30 AM, a large cup of milk - no sugar if possible (to counter any deficiencies) plus some fruits or chopped uncooked vegetables (or can have diet marie biscuits limited number of pieces)
1:00 PM, 2 Chapatis (or equivalent to them in terms of calorie and carbohydrate contents - this can be upma, boiled wheat vermicelli with vegetables, or cup of boiled rice etc., ) plus lentils or sabji or kosambari etc., eat till you feel comfortable.
3:30 - 4:00 PM again a cup of milk - no sugar if possible with some snacks, again pieces of fruits or green veggies or some corn oil free snacks etc.,
7:30- 8:00 PM dinner, same 2-3 chapatis or equivalent, some sabji. Sleep early, not as early as you finish dinner.
An healthy weight reduction is approximately 1-2 Kgs per month, if you are loosing beyond that, please adjust your eating habits. Its not possible to reduce or gain weight in days, it take months, please be patient.
Disclaimer: This is my experience and without any pre-existing medical conditions, may differ from individual to individual. Please be cautious or extremely cautious while dieting, don't starve your self ! instead fill up your plate with mixed foods like carbohydrates, proteins, green vegetables, some oil (is also required by your body), fruits etc.,
Sustaining this regime is very challenging and results are definitely measurable! As a standard rule, there is always some deviation to the rule itself, the diet regime I followed too had deviations in it at some occasions,
Thanks and best regards,
Swaroop Bharadwaj.
http://swaroopbharadwaj.blogspot.in/

Tuesday 24 March 2015

Indian Pitta

An innocent pitta is a ground dwelling bird heavily camouflaged with surrounding area. They feed on ground insects. These winged visitors are from Northern India. They have a very pleasant call and each time we see it calling, it feels like pampering it. Very difficult to find them even if it is around. It is also called as 6'O Clock bird as it often calls in the early morning. A solitary Indian pitta is also difficult to photograph. Their habitat includes under growth, dense scrub forest, you can even see them in city gardens. This cutie is very famous among birdwatchers and photographers, thanks to its attractive and bold multicolored feathers! Locally it is called as "Navaranga" as it posses nine prominent colours.

Enjoy friends,

Swaroop.G.Bharadwaj



Thursday 19 March 2015

The Forgotten Friend - House Sparrow

Little friends from our childhood and their constant presence outside our doors makes them easy to overlook, House sparrows are the most common birds and are one among the mans oldest living commensals. Today they are facing steep decline in their populations due to various reasons. The future of these tiny friends is uncertain.

It is heart wrenching if we look back the time we spent with these winged beings during our childhood days. These birds are among them who can only leave with humans, nothing concerned with disappearing forests or any destruction of specific habitats as threats faced by other species. But where have the sparrows gone? They need our support for their existence and survival.

Blame it on the modern lifestyle, making deprived  availability of nesting, roosting space, food and other basic need of the house sparrow to sustain. Blame it on the modern architecture with no space for nesting and roosting. Remember the old building, domestic homes had adequate cavities that were the potential nesting areas of house sparrows. Blame it on our modern lifestyle of shopping malls, processed ready foods, mobile communication towers, threshold limits of pollution, excessive and unsafe usage of pesticides and insecticides, blame it on the non availability of nest building materials and the list continues endlessly.

On a positive note, as a silver lining in the dark cloud, an interesting observation is the presence of house sparrows in my locality (Attibele). The residents here are also keen on providing amenities for the sparrow to breed and share the living space along with us.

One in every three house in our area has been put up with a nesting box aiding the sparrows to roost and breed. Be it a professionally made nest box or a simple cartoon box with a hole made on it have become home for several sparrows. Its very simple to keep that small box in an undisturbed safe area inside your compound. Throw some grains near to attract birds, and naturally they make the place as their residence. 

The conservation of these beautiful creatures is very much essential to the success of mankind. 20th March is the world sparrow day celebrated to remember sparrows and spread awareness among people to conserve them. Still a ray of hope is there if we make conductive space for their lively hood around us. 

Think friends, think of a space in your compound to keep nesting box, some water and few grams of food grains. Make a difference and contribute towards helpless sparrows. Live and Let Live.....

Regards,

Swaroop.G.Bharadwaj
     
 Image of innocent and cute House Sparrow.

Simple things to make difference - a nesting facility for them! Already they have occupied the box and built nest with the straws and sticks.

Simple facility using a waste carton box, just hanging in the car parking canopy. The grass and sticks were naturally put by sparrows and they roost here.


Tuesday 17 March 2015

Tickell's Blue flycatcher


As usual, the fly catcher species of birds are very boldly coloured and very attractive. I have more votes to these little birds.

Tickell's blue flycatcher is a very co-operative bird, it first observes the birder or a photographer from its perch. Upon getting confident that we are no harm to it, it engages in its hunting activity, that is where all the joy of observing this little beautiful bird starts!

They repeatedly hunts from the perch. First time I wanted to specifically photograph this bird, decided to go to Nandi hills, yes it appeared, what a joy of being with it? When ever you want to see it, it is there for you, never disappointed. I have seen this bird in Cavery wildlife sanctuary, Nandi hills, Bannerghatta area. They are usually present in dense scrub, canopies, wooded areas, bamboo clumps and have a beautiful call to ! These birds prefer open perches and allow you to get closer like any other flycatcher. One should have enough patience to get beautiful images of this bird, and the bird poses if its feels safe. insectivorous bird.

Sunday 15 March 2015

Green Bee Eater

The Riot of colors, bright green with tinted blue, the bird is rich colored and found in grasslands and thin scrub forest. They prey on insects, more upon flying insects. Green bee eaters hunt from a perch, repetitively flying and perching from the same perch. They are abundant have a wide geographic range. Breeds in open land and bushes. Before swallowing prey, a bee-eater removes stings and breaks the exoskeleton of the prey by repeatedly thrashing it on the perch.


They are seen in a small groups and roost in a large group (few hundreds), by hugging each other in a line on a branch. They are often found taking mud bath to clean feathers.


This fellow in image was preening to keep his feathers in top condition. Almost all birds have a this behavior called preening. Its your luck if you see birds while they are preening. They show up their feathers and the rich color for your joy!


Why do birds preen -


1. To keep parasites at bay from its body.
2. To remove dirt, twigs etc from feathers.
3. To align the feathers the way it should be (Dressing-up)
4. To spread wax like substance to water-proof them self.








Tuesday 10 March 2015

Rosy Starling

The "rosy" as the name indicates the bird has pink plumage. They are native to central asia and eastern Europe. Migrates to India to winter. The are highly social bird and always be in group gathering to go for roosting or to migration. Thousands gather and form a bird cloud which looks like a folk of honey bees (for comparison to get visualization as I don not have a photo of them in group) travelling form a distance.

Quite noisy in their perch. They outnumber local starlings and mynas in india during winter when they migrate.

They are insectivorous and a natural way to control the farm pests as these birds prefer agricultural lands and other open areas. They are "without a second thought" farmer friend.


A small case study on rosy starlings (source Wikipedia) :

In Xinjiang, China, farmers used to use insecticide to eliminate locust, which is costly and polluting. In the 1980s, experts found that rosy starlings which fly to Xinjiang farms and feed on locusts could be used for control instead. The experts begin to build artificial nests to attract rosy starlings, an effort reported to be so successful that the number of locusts was insufficient to feed the birds, causing many juveniles die for hunger. By the 2000s many Xinjiang farms greatly decreased the usage of insecticide.


Think on why to use insecticides and pesticides when many like starlings are on job! They are pollution free and zero side effects....
Hoskote lake on 08.03.2015


Sunday 8 March 2015

Barn swallow

Watching a bird doing areal acrobats, restless flying, maneuvering with high speeds to catch insects is a thrill. 

Barn swallows feed on insects, especially flies. They have a very wide range of distribution and are not threatened species, they depends on human beings and spread across the globe as human beings distributed across timeline.

Bran swallows construct solid nests made out of mud and other natural reinforcements on the man made structure.

They breed in northern hemisphere and winters in south. The winter migrants to India could be from the breeding grounds of china. They migrate in huge folks and can cover upto 11'000 KM. 

They contribute towards eco-balance since they feed on insects and control them. Bran swallows are the natural remedy for mosquitoes, as they feed on mosquitoes and keep deadly diseases at bay !!