Photography by Neville

Neat article here: Top ten annoying things to say to wildlife photographer, I’ve been lucky so far ! I’ve heard my share of such comments but heck what do I know? I’m still learning so maybe until I reach a higher level I won’t be complaining.

Here are a few more interesting articles that I’ve come across this week:

• A very neat piece about bird photography by Vijay Cavale at his blog which you can also download.
• I also found a couple of great sites for bird watchers and photographers  in India. Here’s one I’ve registered and become a member at:  India Nature Watch (http://www.indianaturewatch.net/). Another one is Indian Birds (http://www.indiabirds.com/). Lots of great user submitted shots on both those sites and a lot of great information for all level of photographers
• Since I’ve taken an interest in bird photography I’ve been looking at all the different lenses that I could buy to get closer to the birds without getting closer (Yes, this is just another excuse to buy an expensive piece of glass.) So here’s a nice write up of the pros and cons by Sandeep R. Here is his piece about the different lenses he was looking at buying before he made his purchase: Super telephoto lenses under $1500 for bird photography.

Well that’s about it for today. Hoping to go to Mysore this Wednesday and hopefully everything will be back to normal there. Here is a shot from a lazy Sunday spent at Lalbagh in Bangalore.

Spot-billed Pelican

Living on the edge

Kodaikanal, located in Tamil Nadu is also known as the Princess of Hill Stations. A very popular destination for tourists and locals from the plains especially when the summer months come along.

Silver Cascade through town

The tourism industry is the most important part of Kodaikanal’s economy. Most people have their own tea and snacks joints, taxis or cottages which they rent out to tourists.

A view of Kodai's houses

Kodaikanal is situated around 2,100 odd meters (6,998 feet) above sea level. It is surrounded by mountains which crop up all around you no matter where you go.

Kodai's Lake and Sky

A very popular tourist attraction is Kodai lake. You can take a ride in the pedal boats if you are the energetic type or have some row the boat for a price.

The view from Kodai Lake

Robby's Farm in the plains

There are many organic farms in the plains which grow a variety of vegetables and fruits.

Flowers in Bloom

Bryant’s park has an annual flower show thats worth taking a look at for the variety on display and also for the fair that occurs at the same time.

The looming trees of Kodai

The hill station is covered all over with meadows and Shola forests. A variety of trees like Pine, Eucalyptus can be found here.

Diving into the mountains

Dolphin’s nose is a little cliff that juts out from a mountain and gives the feeling of being on a diving board which is about 2,000 meters (6,600 feet) above sea level.

Over the edge

The view from Dolphin’s nose is one of the best and gives one  a real feel for the beauty of Kodaikanal.

Shrouded in clouds

Dolphin's Nose

Clarity at 6600 Feet

Over the edge of the falls

Vattakanal falls isn’t very far from dolphin’s nose but is a little harder to find and you’ll probably need a local to guide you all the way to it. If you afraid of heights I’d suggest you stay far away from the edge.

Creeping Darkness

Clouded Mountain Vista

Jewels of the Night

Croaker’s walk has great views of the valley below during the day but the view at night is just out of this world. The villages and town below sparkle at night and the name “Jewels of the night” is perfect.

Shining through

Here are the final images of my trip to Ranganathittu almost a month ago. While there I discovered an interest in Bird photography. It was a new experience for me since the birds are so unpredictable and quick in flight.

Basking in the sun

Tending the flock

Stutting

the Kingfisher

The Race

Out on a limb

Searching

The lookout

Hope you all enjoyed the images, as always your comments are appreciated.

More images from my trip to Mysore and Ranganathittu. This time around its the Open Billed Storks that are commonly found at the bird sanctuary.

Open Billed Stork Poses

King of the Tree

Ponder

The Itch

Strike a pose

In Bloom

As always your comments and thoughts are always appreciated! Looking forward to putting up some more of the images that I have of the birds at the sanctuary.