Tal Chappar - The Land of Raptors and Blackbucks (Day Two), November 2024

                                                            Tal Chappar Morning

The second day at Tal Chappar began with the gentle chorus of bird calls, waking me before dawn. Stepping out into the crisp, cold air, I quickly retreated to grab my jacket. The sight of the clear blue sky streaked with orange heralded another exciting day. The freshness of the air was a welcome contrast to the polluted environment back home in Gurgaon, and I took deep breaths, feeling revitalized.

 

Dressed in my green attire, I felt a deep sense of connection with the habitat. Wearing camouflage not only helped me blend with nature but also showed respect for the wildlife, ensuring my subjects wouldn’t feel threatened. Ready for the day, I joined Atul and our guide, and we set off in a sturdy 4x4 vehicle, eager to uncover the sanctuary’s treasures.

 

As we entered the sanctuary, its beauty unfolded like a masterpiece. Miles of golden plains with 3-4 feet high dry and green grass stretched out before us, bordered by a lush green tree line and barbed fences. The scene felt like standing on a golden plate encircled by an intricately crafted green ring.

 

The stillness of the morning was occasionally broken by sightings of blackbucks. Atul pointed to the grass, where their majestic horns appeared to glide like shadows. The sun began its ascent, painting the sky with hues of orange and red. Against this backdrop, the sanctuary came alive.

 

The Raptor and the Perch

 

Amidst this golden glow, we spotted a raptor landing gracefully on a perch—a structure thoughtfully placed by naturalists to provide birds with a place to rest in the vast grasslands. Atul guided me to carefully position myself for the perfect shot. Crawling on the ground with my camera, I framed the bird with the rising sun as a backdrop. The fiery red sun, the golden sky, and the poised raptor created a picture-perfect moment.

 

After a few shots, I crawled closer, pausing often to avoid startling the bird. Every adjustment brought a better angle, and each click of the shutter felt like capturing a piece of nature’s poetry. But the peace was short-lived, as the resident birds, unhappy with the raptor's presence, chased it off.

 

Back in the car, I shared my shots with Atul and the guide. Their quiet cheers of appreciation filled me with pride.

 

The Chase and the Harrier

 

After a brief pause to soak in the success of the morning, we set off again. Our exploration took us deeper into the sanctuary, and soon we spotted another raptor on the other side of the track. This time, the sun was in the perfect position, casting its warm light directly onto the bird.

 

It was a stunning Pallid Harrier, perched gracefully on a branch of a kikar tree. The bird was preening, its feathers glinting in the sunlight as it meticulously groomed itself. Its poise and beauty were captivating, and what made it even more special was its apparent ease with our presence. 

 

With the sun casting a golden glow and the bird in its natural behavior, the opportunity was perfect. I raised my camera, framed the shot carefully, and clicked. Bingo.

 

But the peace was fleeting. The small birds around the Harrier grew more aggressive, darting and swooping at it incessantly. Eventually, the Harrier took off, spreading its wings wide as it soared higher and farther away. I tracked it with my eyes until it became a speck on the horizon and then vanished completely.

 

A Meeting with the Black-shouldered Kites

 

As we drove further, a juvenile Black-shouldered Kite caught our attention. Perched on a fence wire, it seemed curious about our movements. From the comfort of the car, with my camera balanced on a beanbag, I captured the young bird’s inquisitive demeanour. Its patience allowed me to switch to video mode, recording its playful yet watchful behavior.

 

Not long after, we encountered an adult Black-shouldered Kite—a vision of elegance. Its bright red eyes, striking black shoulders, and pristine white feathers were highlighted beautifully in the morning light. Through my lens, those ruby-red eyes seemed to pierce through the camera, creating a mesmerizing frame.

 

We spent time admiring this magnificent bird, capturing its essence in stills and videos. The interplay of light and shadow on its feathers was a photographer’s dream.

 

The Crested Lark’s Perfect Backdrop

 

Continuing on, we came across a Crested Lark perched on a small mound. The background—a seamless blend of golden grass and the distant horizon—was perfect for both stills and a short video. The lark’s gentle movements and occasional fluttering made for a serene and captivating subject.

 

First Session Of The Morning Ends

 

Before we knew it, the morning session had flown by. The sun was high, and the activity of the raptors had tapered off. It was time to return to the homestay for a much-needed break.

 

A hearty breakfast of freshly made local delicacies awaited, and I relished every bite. Recharged both physically and mentally, and with camera batteries topped up, we prepared for the next leg of our adventure.

 

The morning had been a treasure trove of unforgettable moments, each one a reminder of the sanctuary's magic and the joy of being immersed in nature.

 

Last Session & My return journey… to be continued