Sunday 23 September 2018

Asante Sana Kenya – Not only Big Five



Hello everyone thanks a ton for the overwhelming response, amazed with the love shown towards the Kenya trip, request you to continue to shower blessings on BT Wild Art. We have completed 3 phases of Kenya trip where we saw the best part of African continent but the big game is yet to come which will be revealed today. Yes, as promised I will take you on the journey of Big Five and other lovely animals in an uncommon way so fasten your seat belt for the takeoff. So enjoy the last phase of the trip to the fullest.

Down the memory lane

Like a car is incomplete without its any of the wheel similarly trip is incomplete without its fourth wheel I mean animals, I know you are eagerly waiting to see them so now delivering the same in a big way. I will not take more time so taking you directly to the core zone where the forest welcomes us in a style. To begin with, it gave us the glimpse of Lioness, Eland, Zebra, Giraffe, the migration specialist Wildebeest and many more, this was like delicious starter food for our camera but the main delicacy started from the second day, see how the next three visits were rewarding in the next section.

Serval – A Magical Cat 

The way we things were coming to us it’s like nature has planned everything in a systematic way, first day it started with glimpse, next day opened up with sighting of Cheetah brothers, group of Hyena, lioness with sub-adult cubs, Elephants, Giraffe, Zebra and most magical and rare at the same time the Serval Cat. Take a tour of “Dil Se DSLR” to see the charm of the magical one. While we were discussing of rare sighting possibilities we got surprise of life, guess what! Serval Cat jumped in front of our car to say “Jumbo” to us. We hardly had time to react but we grabbed it like Rahul Dravid taking a catch in a slip. Niin Sir was the smartest one to take full video while we were busy in managing the pictures. The way we were getting the sightings we were demanding more and more now we were expecting shots with a kill, Leopard, Cheetah more closure to us, Cap Buffalo, Wildebeest migration pattern, Crocodile etc, see whether we got them or not in next para.

Chatur Cheetah – Lighting Leopard

Of course, not a single wish remained unfulfilled, here another day started with three Cheetah bothers very close to us in search of hunt; the atmosphere was set for a kill, large numbers of Zebra and Wildebeest in an alert mode continuously watching movement of Cheetah brothers, at the same time three brothers strategically taking different direction to confuse them. The whole drama lasted for around 20 minutes where finally Zebra managed to escape, I am posting the shot of the said setup so as you can also feel that you are right there at Masai with us. 

After such a wonderful sight, we were just about to review our shots, the lighting Leopard wanted to say “Jumbo” it was so immediate that it was difficult to digest that we are seriously so lucky. Leopard was walking ahead of us for 10 minutes and crossed our vehicle very closely, the walk between the golden grass in the morning where the Sun was on hide & seek mode with heavy clouds, the Leopard was shining like anything, it was the closest sighting ever. See what next on cards, our demand we getting bigger and bigger or I can say we were becoming greedy, see the result of our greed in the next section. 

Pride of Lion - the herd of Elephants – Roadies by the beest of Wildebeest

The group of greedy people moved further for road crossing moment and long wishlist. The Morning started with Lioness feasting on Zebra with her crewmembers I mean the pride group. The aggression and copyright over the Zebra body were clearly visible in eyes of charming Lioness, we both were enjoying the moment as she was busy eating and we were busy in enjoying every expression offered by her. At the same time, the pride group was playing on the other side our car, it was challenging for us to decide where to focus, we don’t want to miss anything of it. We spent almost 30 minutes and captures everything over there and then moved ahead to take chance with other animals. 

The next in line was a herd of Elephants; there were with baby Elephants hence the elder one were alert and taking due care of them. The juniors were naughty and were having the best time playing and fighting with each other so as we too had the best of our life. it was a real treat to see babies on a role under the flagship of elders, certain things need to feel with pictures as well so don't miss out on DSLR section, I have put a variety of pictures to ensure you feel the nature along with us. 

I am opening the cards slowly for you so as you don’t have to suffer from indigestion. The next on card is roadies, while we were on route to return to the hotel we saw a huge number of Wildebeest crossing the road toward Mara River, this was the real game for which people travel to Masai. The pattern of crossing, the sound of huge numbers together, the lovely clouds around with sun rays coming out of clouds, everything was too perfect to enjoy which is difficult to describe in limited words, will surely put a separate blog on migration in some time, for this blog will leave you with some pictures in the DSLR section. 

Last but not the least – Wounded Simba – Royal Rhino

I know ending the blog is never easy and that is to the time when we are with such lovely animals. Every day was dramatic and unique for us because the sighting was keeping us on our toes all the time. It was my dream to capture huge male Lion (Simba) let's see how the same got fulfilled. We were on our last tour so I was like I wish if I could end the same with a dream, this was in my heart since the trip was planned, and at the final stage I got the reward. Guess what Simba was right in the front of me when Jogi searched it and hinted me with the finding. the big Lion is sitting under the tree, when we started taking pictures we noticed that there are some marks near the eyes could be because of a territorial fight. He was roaring as if giving a message saying allow me peace of mind and you go from here. Finally, after some pictures, we agree to give him time to relax so we moved ahead in search of another wonder of the park. 

Now we were on last one hour of the trip, the only thing pending was rocking Rhino, we were like this is the only thing left God please have one for us, we need to complete big five, our visit will be incomplete without Rhino, because of so many emotional efforts finally prayer got accepted and we got our darling Rhino right out there, our guide James helped us to find the one to end the journey on high note. I hope you enjoyed every bit of it, please keep reviewing the blog and suggest if you feel you need any improvement, I will be happy to fulfill the same. 

Just get Jealous 

The trip was the best trip we ever had, nothing more you can demand out of it perfection from start to the end, as the heading states the list will surely make you jealous. During the trip we were lucky with Zebra in lovely lights, Giraffe in unique frames, Cap Buffalo, countless Wildebeest, Pride of Lions, Serval Cat, Kissing and fighting Hippos, Crocodiles, Elands, fighting Gazelles, herd of Elephants, Rhino, Leopards, Cheetahs all around, group of Hyena and many more. Do visit the DSLR section for lovely pictures to complete the Kenya journey.


The message of the Day 

Wildlife is Mother Nature’s greatest treasure, To protect it, we must take every measure

Author:

BT Wild Art – Bhavesh Thakkar photographyLife is Safari. Enjoy it.

Dil Se DSLR :

Lioness on the walk

Growing up, the royal look  - African Lion

Wounded Simba - See the marks
 
Lioness enjoying the Zebra feast

My sweetheart  - Serval Cat

Cheetah taking rest

Close watch over Prey base - Hunt mode by Cheetah

Lightning Leopard on the walk

Cheetah - Almost there for a kill

Careful and Watchful Cheetah

Angry young Leopard not so happy with Car 


Black Rhino  - Endangered animal 

Morning walk by Faty   - Elephants on the Walk

Evening time is play time for the juniors

Maintain the discipline - Follow the elder
Cap Buffalo watchful mode on

Hyena a killer look What a style

Wildebeest  - A migration specialist

Don't take Panga  -  Aggressive Hippo

Love Time - Excuse me please - Kissing Hippo 
Preparation for crossing  - Wildebeest in a group

Wildebeest ready for a marathon

Gazzel on a big fight

Zebra having a lovely time  - Group walk

Giraffe enjoying the lovely morning





Sunday 16 September 2018

Asante Sana Kenya – Beautiful Birds



Welcome back lovely people hope you are doing well. I am sure Kenya is making everyone mad, the beauty of the place just cannot be described in limited words hence I decided to provide the information in phase manner so as nothing is left out and I can do justice to each day of the trip. Today I am delighted to present my favorite topic that is birds, lovely creature gifted by the God to us. Trust me birding is more difficult than the capturing wild animals but when you get them in such lovely land the scope of the frame is endless, exactly this is what we got here in Masai. So let us take a flight to the wonderland once again through blog airline which only require blessings and likes, no visa, no ticket only likes 😊😊😊😊

The Bold and Beautiful

Let me start from where we ended, from a wonderful time at Naivasha, which was net practice session for us we moved to Masai Mara with a lot of excitement, till the time we had experienced the Kenyan wilderness only on TV now it was time for live action in the real field so it was difficult to control ourselves. Finally, we reached the temple in the evening time where lovely weather greeted us on a high note.

The first half day safari was there to get the feel of the forest and to get accustomed to the vehicle and other factors so as we can enjoy the forest to the core but during the practice session itself, Mother Nature started throwing rewards towards us. There was a silent message to collect as much as you can, it is up to you how much you can digest but we all were so hungry that everything was consumed appropriately.

During whole journey we came across number birds but here will update you on some wonderful moments we saw with a special type of birds, we saw three types Vultures (White-backed Vulture, Lappet-faced Vulture, and Hooded Vulture) with a good count, which is rare because of its decline ration. The vultures being a scavenger bird were enjoying feast on carcass and at the same time, they were fighting within the group as well as fighting with Marabou Stork to show ownership over the carcass. The way both birds were fighting it was a treat to capture them with such behavior. isn't it the unique behavior of nature to enjoy? yes it is, to get such type of sighting is rare and like a treat of life, tried to display the same through pics as well, do visit the same and share your valuable comments.

After Vulture yet another treat was catwalk by the Secretary bird, if you want to believe James (our guide cum driver) the name is popularly thought to derive from the crest of long quill-like feathers, lending the bird the appearance of a secretary with quill pens tucked behind their ear, as was once common practice. When we saw the catwalk, we had to agree with James, even when you will the picture you will also agree with us. The appearance was such that you don't need any camera just enjoy the style and walk in its natural habitat with real eyes. This is why I love birds the most, they are so colorful and stylish which you will not get with most of the wild animals but still, we forget birds and run behind them, so next time when you visit any forest ensure that you capture birds as well. 


Now next in line is Eagle, we saw a Martial eagle in its typical style in its habitat, an eagle with aggression in eyes was looking around here and there may be searching and thinking of hunt. The way it was behaving and giving us the all kind of expression it was nothing but the right time to capture the frame and enjoy the behavior of this killer bird. We were lucky to get at least 15 minutes which itself is record long time that bird can offer after which it gave us flying shots while flying down for the hunt. 

The list is long so I am updating only on special moments, one more bird I have to mention without which blog is incomplete, the bird is White-bellied bustard, this is rare and is part of an endangered list and hence you cannot end the blog without such uncommon bird. We were lucky to see such a beautiful bird during this visit; it is a very stylish bird with different colors on it, which gives a superb opportunity for frames. The only unfortunate is that the count is declining very quickly which needs a high attention to save this stylish bird else the next generation will be able to see only in record books. 

During our visit we also had super sighting of Collard Dove, Lilac Breasted Roller, Marabou Stork, Superb Starling, Cori Bustard, Ibis, Ostrich and many more. Let me stop here else will continue to write on and on, let me also explain the part of the story through pictures as well. 

Dil se “Ashe”


Experts
Saurabh, Jogi and Team MT

Co-Travelers
Poorva, Deepti, Maria Mam, Chandana Mam, Suhas Kaka, Shripad Sir, Gopi Sir, Ananth Sir, Nitin Sir and Buru

Safari experts
James, Cyrus and Andrew

Hotels
Hotel Santrim

The message of the Day 

Wildlife is Mother Nature’s greatest treasure, To protect it, we must take every measure


Author:
BT Wild Art – Bhavesh Thakkar photography
Life is Safari. Enjoy it.

Photo Tour

White-backed Vulture

The big fight with Marabou and Vultures (Lappet-faced and White-backed)

White-Backed Vultures protecting the kill from others

The Secretary Bird

The famous cat-walk of royal Secretary 

The Angry look - Martial eagle

Ready to attack mode - Typical Eagle style

Fasten your seat belt, it's going to be a bumpy ride

Final call and flight took off

White-bellied Bustard - Male

White-bellied Bustard - Female 

Fighting with each other - White-backed Vultures

Hooded Vulture

OStrich - togetherness

Marabou Stork 

Superb Starling

Lilac Breasted Roller

Collard Dove

Lapwing 















Sunday 9 September 2018

Asante Sana Kenya – Lovely Lake Naivasha


Thank you lovely readers for your feedbacks on Kenya phase - 1 update, now it’s time for me to deliver yet another exciting blog which I had promised to you, this means today it is time to share one of the unique experience of the trip with you. Unique experience because the place itself is unique with lovely species adding to the beauty of the place. Let move to the next section for more details. 


The Lake Safari

Let us continue from the place we stopped, we experienced lovely valley view and moved further towards Nakuru, which lies north west of Nairobi to feel the part of heaven that is lake Naivasha. I would say Kenya is extremely lucky to have such wonder within the Country. Our experts had specially planned this for us so as we don’t miss out visit to the wonderland. Saurabh/Jogi had given us a background of Naivasha as part of itinerary but at the same time kept certain things as a surprise to expose us directly to the heaven. I know you are waiting to know action and Lake Safari experience, so without adding more here let me give take you to the action.

We took evening slot since we had reached the hotel at lunchtime, the evening time proved great for us since the weather was favorable where water and sky color combination was playing with each other due to fluctuating light conditions. We all ready with machines boarded the boat waiting to create frames of life, you know what I have not yet disclosed the main attraction of this lovely lake, now opening the cards for you, the main attraction for this particular safari was none other than Bean Bag, I know you are wondering how can bean bag be attraction? ha ha ha, I mean Hippopotamus. Yes, the main attraction was to capture Hippo in its habitat, they love to be in the water most of the time, and this lake was apt for Hippos. Heavyweights were enjoying water so as all of us watching their activity. Hippos gave us some lovely timing for creating images where we realized why this lake is so good, in my words bean bags were literally playing with us as they used to slightly move out of water and the moment you try to capture they use to dip into water, during  this hide and seek game we managed some lovely clicks.

You know what this was not enough; let me tell you about one more exciting event here about Eagles. After Hippo sighting, we thought we got what we wanted but suddenly we saw African Fish Eagles were flying around for its prey creating wonderful opportunity in mid of water for us, we all were just waiting for Eagle to find something so as we get action. After a long wait, finally, Eagle got fish and it flicked it quickly and fly away in a fraction but at the same time, we were also equally on alert mode with a close watch on Eagle, following its footstep we too clicked on the perfect time to capture the action at right time. These were big events but trust me other birding was equally fruitful, Along with these two key events, we were lucky to capture a number of beautiful birds in African water, do check out photo tour to experience Kenya from home. While ending the blog let me tell you that though this is the end of Naivasha blog and the beginning of the fantastic trip, many more are coming in the next week, keep following the blog space.

The lucky list 

Hippo, African Fish Eagle, Pied Kingfisher, Giant Kingfisher, Yellow Billed Stork, Pelicans, Hamerkop, Cormorants, Egyptian Goose and many more.


Knowledge section

Lake Naivasha is a freshwater lake in Kenya, outside the town of Naivasha in Nakuru County, which lies north west of Nairobi

It is part of the Great Rift Valley. The name derives from the local Maasai name Nai'posha, meaning "rough water" because of the sudden storms which can arise.

Lake Naivasha is at the highest elevation of the Kenyan Rift valley at 1,884 meters (6,181 ft) in a complex geological combination of volcanic rocks and sedimentary deposits from a larger Pleistocene era lake


Apart from transient streams, the lake is fed by the perennial Malewa and Gilgil rivers. There is no visible outlet, but since the lake water is relatively fresh it is assumed to have an underground outflow


Dil se “Ashe”

Experts
Saurabh, Jogi and Team MT

Co-Travelers
Poorva, Deepti, Maria Mam, Chandana Mam, Suhas Kaka, Shripad Sir, Gopi Sir, Ananth Sir, Nitin Sir and Buru

Safari experts
James, Cyrus and Andrew

Hotels
Hotel SOPA resort 

The message of the Day 

Wildlife is Mother Nature’s greatest treasure, To protect it, we must take every measure


Author:


BT Wild Art – Bhavesh Thakkar photography
Life is Safari. Enjoy it.

Photo Tour

Hippo - My Beanbag 

Hippo now trying to dip into the water

Ohh yes I caught him again - Heavey weight champion

African Fish Eagle  - Searching mode

Target finalized, on attacking mode

Oh yes big achievement  - Fish flicked

Time to eat - I am Hungry look 


Pelicans  - 3 idiot mode  - All is well

Couple love mode

Togehter enjoying evening 

Pied Kingfisher

Giant Kingfisher

The giant again

Pied Kingfisher again 

Yellow Billed Stork

Cormorant