AFTER A FREEZING MORING IN OPEN jeeps Bablu’s sharp eyes spotted a pair of Great Indian Bustards in the tall grass of the Thar Desert. At 150 meters they were difficult to see and impossible to photograph. We found another pair—or possibly the same ones—later in the day and managed a few photos as they came nearer.
You need Big Guns for long-distance photos
Pair of protected Great Indian Bustards
Demoiselle Cranes were an easier target yesterday. About 1800 of them winter at a waterhole in Keechan where the locals put out grain for them to eat. The air was full of cranes struggling into the air or gliding for a landing among the crowd while others seem to be ready to march in formation.
Forward . . . March!
The long twisting drive to Mt. Abu would have been a waste of time in our opinion—we had been here before—except for the fabulous accommodations. The Connaught House was once a summer retreat for Royals—the Duke of Connaught was the third son of Albert and Victoria—and is decorated with furniture from the colonial era, polo photos and a portrait of Her Majesty. Unfortunately we stayed for only one night and never got a good look at our target bird, the threatened Green Avadavat.
Our Sweet Suite—one night only
Connie, Rob and Her Majesty
