- A BIT TOO MUCH IS HAPPENING
- Bhigwan Wetlands | India
- DD-WBST2018-1
- 1/1250 sec. f/11 400 mm ISO 400
- Nikon Gears
- A very busy morning at the tranquil vast Bhigwan wetlands about 100 kms from the city of Pune in India. The congregation of birds here is massive and hence, the action gets quite busy often. Here, Norther Pintails, Greater Flamingoes, a Common Coot are all rushing in to do their morning rituals.
- A CLOSE EXAMINATION
- Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve | India
- DD-WBST2018-2
- 1/320 sec. f/4 310 mm ISO 200
- Nikon Gears
- Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve is one of India's prime Tiger habitats. It never disappoints provided on is patient. The topography of this forest has great variety and is home to some of India's rarest mammals. Photographed last winter; here a Tigress called Choti Tara was out on patrol of her territory along with her two young boys. Because of the presence of her cubs she was extra careful and was watching us closely.
- A DREAMLAND THAT STILL EXISTS
- Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sanctuary | India
- DD-WBST2018-3
- 1/640 sec. f/8 400 mm ISO 400
- Nikon Gears
- Up North-West in the Indian state of Rajasthan is the legendary wetland of Bharatpur. This was a beautiful winter morning with the denizens of Bharatpur enjoying their carefree lives that we humans find beautiful but can never replicate. In this image; a female Blue Bull presented a beautiful perspective as she scanned the wilderness around for any threat to her security while enjoying her morning grazing session.
- A WORLD FREE OF GREED AND MALICE
- Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sanctuary | India
- DD-WBST2018-4
- 1/640 sec. f/11 400 mm ISO 400
- Nikon Gears
- Bharatpur is home to a large population of Blue Bulls - India's largest antelope specie. The male is a distinct dark greyish blue while the female is fawn colored. Across the vast open wetlands of Bharatpur; herds of Blue Bull are often seen galloping across presenting stunning opportunities for photography. The males are often solitary or in a small band of brothers.
- A YOUNG MAN WHO IS NO MORE
- Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve | India
- DD-WBST2018-5
- 1/25 sec. f/4 290 mm ISO 200
- Nikon Gears
- What a handsome young male Tiger at the legendary Jim Corbett National Park of India! Alas…this young dude is no more. He was the son of Sharmili and thanks to the distinct P mark on his face; I had named him Pandit - a name which became popular immediately. Pandit's untimely death caused me enormous grief.
- BLESSINGS
- Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve | India
- DD-WBST2018-6
- 1/100 sec. f/4 200 mm ISO 200
- Nikon Gears
- "A family reunion was taking place right in front of me. It was amazing. Such bonding, bonhomie, expressions, the hugs, the nuzzles and then the oldest and the wisest stepped ahead to bless the entire family.
While human beings are fast breaking apart the family structure; it was fabulous to see the love and joy of the Elephant families.
Their EQ is certainly far more than us."
- CAT WALK
- Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve | India
- DD-WBST2018-7
- 1/250 sec. f/5.6 340 mm ISO 500
- Nikon Gears
- It was a hot afternoon but the alarm calls of Langurs and Antelope made it promising. Somewhere around was the Tiger. But there was no way to find out where other than by careful scanning of the jungle and keeping a track of the alarm calls. And then it happened! From across an old stone wall; a young Tigress emerged and leapt on it as we watched awestruck. On the parapet, she walked like a princess while every now and then she paused and purred in an attempt to call and tell her brother – who was still on the other side - that it was time to go home.
- COMMANDER IN CHARGE
- Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve | India
- DD-WBST2018-8
- 1/100 sec. f/4 200 mm ISO 200
- Nikon Gears
- I saw the Commander early one morning last week scanning the grasslands for infiltrators. In the morning sunlight and in the green grasslands; he presented a stunning sight.
- COTTON BALES
- Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sanctuary | India
- DD-WBST2018-9
- 1/125 sec. f/9.5 380 mm ISO 200
- Nikon Gears
- I have often seen Pelicans in sizeable groups and segregated as one can see in this picture. To me it seems like they have strong family structures and they always hangout together.
- DESIGNED FOR STEALTH
- Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve | India
- DD-WBST2018-10
- 1/400 sec. f/11 200 mm ISO 720
- Nikon Gears
- I photographed Lightning - the Tigress of Ranthambhore one summer afternoon as she was coming down a hillock towards a water body to cool herself. Lightning is the daughter of Krishna, a prominent Tigress of Ranthambhore. Recently, Lightning was relocated to another Tiger reserve where the competition for space and prey is lesser.
- FLAMINGO AIRLINES
- Bhigwan Wetlands | India
- DD-WBST2018-11
- 1/1250 sec. f/11 400 mm ISO 400
- Nikon Gears
- Flamingos are delicate yet big and docile birds. They are highly gregarious and always communicating with each other. Flamingo feathers obtain their wonderful rosy pink color from pigments in the organisms they eat. The flamingos’ feathers, legs, and face are colored by their diet, which is rich in alpha and beta carotenoid pigments. In this image I noticed a Flamingo take off like an airplane after a short run almost as if on instruction of its family. The rest of the flock continued feeding.
- FOR THE LOVE OF FLYING
- Bhigwan Wetlands | India
- DD-WBST2018-12
- 1/800 sec. f/11 400 mm ISO 400
- Nikon Gears
- Featured in this photo are the marathon flying experts - the Bar Headed Geese. These migrants visit many parts of India and fly down from Tibet and parts of China for 7 to 8 hours non-stop crossing the Himalayas on the way. The duration of their non-stop flight has been recorded by reseach scientists. Highly gregarious Bar Headed Geese make lovely photography subjects. This image was shot at Bhigwan.
- HIGH RISK PHOTOGRAPHY CLIENTS
- Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve | India
- DD-WBST2018-13
- 1/320 sec. f/6.3 310 mm ISO 200
- Nikon Gears
- Photographing 5 Tigresses together in a remote part of a forest can be risky especially on a hot summer day. I had the great fortune of watching them come together in this man made pool of water and then play and cool themselves for almost 3 hours during which I shot many frames of their fun and games and family interactions. The 4 female Tigresses now reside in different areas of Tadoba. The 5th being their mother.
- IF LOOKS COULD KILL
- Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve | India
- DD-WBST2018-14
- 1/40 sec. f/4 310 mm ISO 200
- Nikon Gears
- She is so gorgeous that I found it mighty difficult to focus and capture her lovely pose! A great representative of the many wonders that nature has bestowed upon this planet. Each time I meet one of these gorgeous animals; I am reminded of the absolute importance to conserve our natural assets. Without nature, we will be finished too.
- IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE
- Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve | India
- DD-WBST2018-15
- 1/200 sec. f/4 400 mm ISO 200
- Nikon Gears
- "Another day in the paradise called the jungle. Wish we humans could learn life lessons from animals. Humans have turned this planet into a an orgy of violence.
There could have been so much more peace and love around only if we knew how to live in harmony with the Earth.
Alas...we have not !"
- LIVE LIVELY
- Bhigwan Wetlands | India
- DD-WBST2018-16
- 1/1250 sec. f/11 400 mm ISO 400
- Nikon Gears
- Water birds are generally gregarious and live in large flocks. Whiskered Terns are no exceptions. They are fun loving, noisy and often love to perch in a single file on a cable or rope. Here they are scrambling to find space to perch on an old abandoned telecom cable pole. They can be seen in large numbers here in Bhigwan during winters.
- MAINTAIN DISTANCE
- Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve | India
- DD-WBST2018-17
- 1/320 sec. f/6.3 300 mm ISO 200
- Nikon Gears
- A unique gathering of Tigresses belonging to the same family at Tadoba...one of India's finest and wildest Tiger sanctuaries. Tigers are royal and majestic. Extremely dangerous too. Hence, always maintain distance.
- MY DREAMLAND
- Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve | India
- DD-WBST2018-18
- 1/200 sec. f/4 400 mm ISO 200
- Nikon Gears
- I was on her trail for a few days and had figured out the regular beat of her territorial patrol. Yet I did not want to photograph her just about anywhere. I wanted the right spot and the right setting for a story worthy frame. So, I planted myself close to a dry river bed which she would use daily for her patrol. And then the moment came. The Tigress broke cover and stopped to look around and scan the jungle ahead of her. The tall elephant grass surrounding her, the shiny pebbles of the dry river bed, the backdrop of the rolling foothills combined to present a frame I will always remember.
- PLEASE PROTECT MY LAND OF DREAMS
- Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sanctuary | India
- DD-WBST2018-19
- 1/800 sec. f/8 200 mm ISO 400
- Nikon Gears
- Sunsets at the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary also known as Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sanctura are special during winters. Photographers from all over the world come here to shoot silhouettes of birds with the sunset and mist as the backdrop. It's surreal. Here in a colony of juvenile Painted Storks hectic activity can be seen as the birds finish their pre-roosting rituals.
- PROVOCATION BEST AVOIDED
- Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve | India
- DD-WBST2018-20
- 1/320 sec. f/8 400 mm ISO 400
- Nikon Gears
- Well….exactly! This gentleman called Mr. X is currently one of the dominant male Tigers of Bandhavgarh - a true Tiger heaven. He is the son of the legendary Bamera male who ruled Bandhavgarh for many years and fathered some equally ferocious progenies. Especially, on a hot summer afternoon a big Royal Bengal Tiger as this guy is best left alone!
- SHER KHAN
- Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve | India
- DD-WBST2018-21
- 1/500 sec. f/9 200 mm ISO 400
- Nikon Gears
- Well…he had a heavy lunch. I was witness to that. The lunch was followed by a luxurious bath in his private jungle pool. He knew I was waiting and waiting. Finally, he stepped out and posed for me in a manner befitting a King. His royal coat, well-built, muscular body, big jaws and his eyes all combined to present to me a truly regal animal.
- THE LONE RANGER
- Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve | India
- DD-WBST2018-22
- 1/500 sec. f/5.6 200 mm ISO 200
- Nikon Gears
- As I was driving towards the grasslands; I spotted this stag standing in the middle of the jungle trail and evidently not in any rush. Perhaps he was tired after a long day. The setting of the scene and the silhouette instantly caught my attention. The tall Sal trees, the long shadows surrounding them and the sunny backdrop made me stop and marvel at a scene afforded only by nature in its own playground.
- THE SUN SETS ON MY DREAMLAND
- Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve | India
- DD-WBST2018-23
- 1/60 sec. f/4 200 mm ISO 200
- Nikon Gears
- "It was the wonderful reunion of two families and Elephants really personify the importance of having a good family. The display of genuine bonding, the joy of meeting dear ones and the togetherness were all on display as the pachyderms headed to the cool waters after a hearty meal.
The grasslands in the majestic Jim Corbett National Park of India are the playgrounds of the many wonderful herds of Asiatic Elephants that reside there.May their tribe increase."
- THE TIGER'S PERSPECTIVE
- Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve | India
- DD-WBST2018-24
- 1/320 sec. f/8 380 mm ISO 400
- Nikon Gears
- This is a favourite haunt of the very majestic and dangerous Mr. X - citizen of Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve. On hot summer days; a Tiger needs little more than a cool pool of water, shady trees and damp mud bed. And hence, Mr. X did not really care much about our presence except giving us an occasional glare!
- THE TIGER'S TRAIL
- Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve | India
- DD-WBST2018-25
- 1/2500 sec. f/4 200 mm ISO 200
- Nikon Gears
- A delightful yet desolate and dangerous forest path through prime Tiger country...not a place for a trek!
- THE WARDEN
- Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve | India
- DD-WBST2018-26
- 1/200 sec. f/4 400 mm ISO 200
- Nikon Gears
- I was on her trail for a few days and had figured out the regular beat of her territorial patrol. Yet I did not want to photograph her just about anywhere. I wanted the right spot and the right setting for a story worthy frame. So, I planted myself close to a dry river bed which she would use daily for her patrol. And then the moment came. The Tigress broke cover and stopped to look around and scan the jungle ahead of her. The tall elephant grass surrounding her, the shiny pebbles of the dry river bed, the backdrop of the rolling foothills combined to present a frame I will always remember.
- THREE MUSKETEERS
- Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve | India
- DD-WBST2018-27
- 1/1600 sec. f/4 400 mm ISO 200
- Nikon Gears
- Crested Pied Kingfishers are magnificent birds and awesome subjects for photography. Shot last week at the picturesque Jim Corbett National Park in India; these Crested Pied Kingfishers were having a great time fishing in a mountain stream.
- TRANQUIL ISLAND
- Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sanctuary | India
- DD-WBST2018-28
- 1/200 sec. f/11 220 mm ISO 200
- Nikon Gears
- A serene wetland with its little reed islands had offered the perfect resting place for a flock of Great White Pelicans one evening. The humdrum led me to this beautiful spot where I found these big birds jostling and trying to find a cosy little spot to become comfortable for the night.
- WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING AT
- Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve | India
- DD-WBST2018-29
- 1/100 sec. f/5.6 400 mm ISO 400
- Nikon Gears
- Question was “What are you looking at?” I almost laughed but I didn’t dare. I had been moving around the whole day without a trace of the King. Finally, I chanced upon him lounging in his private jungle pool. I had a question too – “Why don’t you enjoy in the pool rather than just glare at me?” I pose no danger to you at all.
- WITH AN EYE ON ME
- Harina Vanasthali | India
- DD-WBST2018-30
- 1/200 sec. f/5.6 400 mm ISO 200
- Nikon Gears
- "In a beautiful grassland, outside the city of Hyderabad; I met this Stag grazing peacefully without the fear of a lurking predator.
The filtering of the light, the grassland, the bushes and the shrubs all made me fall in love with the place instantly."
- STARTLED
- Mayureshwar Wildlife Sanctuary | India
- DD-WBST2018-31
- 1/160 sec. f/11 400 mm ISO 200
- Nikon Gears
- India has only one Gazelle specie locally called the Chinkara and formally the Indian Gazelle. This is a typical antelope which can be immediately noticed by the shape and structure of their horns, the shape of their bodies and the colouration. The Chinkara looks similar to the African Thomson's Gazelle. It is essentially a dweller of arid / semi-arid regions. They are very intelligent animals with the ability to put on a variety of expressions like the one here.
- IN A WORLD OF ITS OWN
- Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sancturay | India
- DD-WBST2018-32
- 1/250 sec. f/8 200 mm ISO 200
- Nikon Gears
- The Great White Pelican is a winter visitor to various wetlands in India. These big playful gregarious birds are a photographer's delight. Once in a while one of them will break away from the group to spend some solo time pretty similar to human beings.
- FAMILY MATTERS
- Jim Corbett National Park | India
- DD-WBST2018-33
- 1/160 sec. f/4 200 mm ISO 200
- Nikon Gears
- The Dhikala grasslands of Corbett National Park is the legendary playground of the mighty Asiatic Elephant. As dusk sets in; large herds of the pachyderms can be seen as meeting and mingling like families and then they head to the Ramganga river for a delightful ritual of mudbath, playing, jostling and essentially having a great time bonding as family members. For photographers; this is a great opportunity to capture amazing moments of pachyderm behaviour.
- GENUINELY STRONG
- Ranthambhore National Park | India
- DD-WBST2018-34
- 1/125 sec. f/5.6 145 mm ISO 200
- Nikon Gears
- Sambar is a large deer. One key target of a wildlife photographer is a large sambar stag with great trophy like antlers. Even more amazing is the sight of a large sambar stag raising himself on his hind legs to reach the top of a tall tree. The strength of those hind legs is incredible. The stag is able to stand tall like that for a significant time while enjoying chomping on tenders leaves.
- DOTTY
- Bandhavgarh National Park | India
- DD-WBST2018-35
- 1/800 sec. f/4 200 mm ISO 400
- Nikon Gears
- One of Bandhavgarh's leading ladies; Dotty is a spectacular tigress and a great hope for the future of the Royal Bengal Tiger in India. She is known for being a great poser and a Tigress who kind of loves to get photographed.
- PICTURE PERFECT
- Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sancturay | India
- DD-WBST2018-36
- 1/200 sec. f/8 240 mm ISO 200
- Nikon Gears
- This photograph is a great example of harmonious living in the lap of nature. In a delightful wetland; I saw this wonderful scene of a variety of birds and herbivores co-existing peacefully. The beautiful landscape and the scene of harmony all around made for a picture that I could only call Picture Perfect.
- THE TIGER'S PERSPECTIVE - 1
- Bandhavgarh National Park | India
- DD-WBST2018-37
- 1/320 sec. f/8 400 mm ISO 400
- Nikon Gears
- This huge and dashing young male Tiger called Mr. X hails from a great lineage. He is the son of the legendary Bamera male of Bandhavgarh who was the son of the equally legendary B2 male and who was the son of the dashing Charger in whose memory the Charger point was established in Bandhavgarh. That is how he got his intense looks and imposing presence. I captured three unique expressions on the face of Mr. X that I found amazing. I could not help but wonder what he was thinking while he was looking at me like this.
- THE TIGER'S PERSPECTIVE - 2
- Bandhavgarh National Park | India
- DD-WBST2018-38
- 1/320 sec. f/8 400 mm ISO 400
- Nikon Gears
- This huge and dashing young male Tiger called Mr. X hails from a great lineage. He is the son of the legendary Bamera male of Bandhavgarh who was the son of the equally legendary B2 male and who was the son of the dashing Charger in whose memory the Charger point was established in Bandhavgarh. That is how he got his intense looks and imposing presence. I captured three unique expressions on the face of Mr. X that I found amazing. I could not help but wonder what he was thinking while he was looking at me like this.
- THE TIGER'S PERSPECTIVE - 3
- Bandhavgarh National Park | India
- DD-WBST2018-39
- 1/320 sec. f/8 400 mm ISO 400
- Nikon Gears
- This huge and dashing young male Tiger called Mr. X hails from a great lineage. He is the son of the legendary Bamera male of Bandhavgarh who was the son of the equally legendary B2 male and who was the son of the dashing Charger in whose memory the Charger point was established in Bandhavgarh. That is how he got his intense looks and imposing presence. I captured three unique expressions on the face of Mr. X that I found amazing. I could not help but wonder what he was thinking while he was looking at me like this.
- A PLACE I CALL DREAMLAND
- Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sancturay | India
- DD-WBST2018-40
- 1/100 sec. f/9.5 360 mm ISO 200
- Nikon Gears
- A cold winter day in a large wetland along with fog and mist create a mysterious and strangely colourful homeland for its denizens. The driftwood, the water, the fallen trees, all these elements lend an aura to wetland that makes it such a wonderful biodiversity hotspot.
- DON DRAGONSON
- Bandhavgarh National Park | India
- DD-WBST2018-41
- 1/500 sec. f/5.6 400 mm ISO 400
- Nikon Gears
- A monitor lizard is a unique reptilian. It is a big lizard and is extremely adaptable. I caught up with this adolescent early in the morning at a spot where he was superbly camouflaged and easy to miss. But his armour like leather was shining in the morning sun basking as he was on dead wood. It is indeed a beautiful animal.
- HOW MAGNIFICENT
- Ranthambhore National Park | India
- DD-WBST2018-42
- 1/1000 sec. f/11 400 mm ISO 1800
- Nikon Gears
- Krishna's daughter Arrowhead is part of a legendary lineage of Tigers at the legendary Ranthambhore National Park. Called so because of the distinct marks on her forehead; Arrowhead has taken to adult life more successfully than her sister Lightning. On this afternoon; I chanced upon her all alone and her expressions were of intense hunger - cold and dangerous.
- THE PELICAN HAD LANDED
- Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sancturay | India
- DD-WBST2018-43
- 1/320 sec. f/11 400 mm ISO 200
- Nikon Gears
- The take off and landing of a Great White Pelican are two key moments of Pelican photography. The Great White is a big, heavy and great looking bird. It's wide wingspan makes for spectacular scenes when it comes in to land. Given it's size and weight; it'ss take off and landing resemble that of large passenger aircraft.
- A TRULY ROYAL CAT
- Jim Corbett National Park | India
- DD-WBST2018-44
- 1/100 sec. f/4 240 mm ISO 200
- Nikon Gears
- A classic scene! A big Tiger, a wide open grassland, threat of elephant herds makes a Tiger even more alert and restless while it steps out for patrolling its territory. The Tiger is fully stretched, taut and watchful.
- INTENSITY
- Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve | India
- DD-WBST2018-45
- 1/500 sec. f/8 400 mm ISO 200
- Nikon Gears
- A young Tigress...still an adolescent...was looking for her hidden kill...her very first trophy in the tall grasslands by the Telia lake in the jungles of Tadoba. Her approach and the body language made for a very engaging session of watching the biggest cat of them all getting on with business.
- EARLY MORNING INVESTIGATION
- Bhigwan Wetlands | India
- DD-WBST2018-46
- 1/640 sec. f/11 400 mm ISO 200
- Nikon Gears
- A serene setting where peace and tranquility reign supreme. A Grey Heron can be seen going about with its routine without a fuss completely at peace with its surroundings. Wish human beings too could live and let live.
- THE GHOST AND THE DARKNESS
- Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve | India
- DD-WBST2018-47
- 1/1250 sec. f/4 400 mm ISO 200
- Nikon Gears
- This scene reminded of that legendary movie - The Ghost and the Darkness based on the true story of two man eating lions in Tsavo, Kenya. A young male Tiger was looking at me from underneath a big shady tree. The early morning sun and the shadows cast by the tree created a wonderful mesmerising scene.
- LEADING LADY
- Ranthambhore National Park | India
- DD-WBST2018-48
- 1/1000 sec. f/11 200 mm ISO 1400
- Nikon Gears
- Krishna's daughter Arrowhead is part of a legendary lineage of Tigers at the legendary Ranthambhore National Park. Called so because of the distinct marks on her forehead; Arrowhead has taken to adult life more successfully than her sister Lightning. On this afternoon; I chanced upon her all alone and her expressions were of intense hunger - cold and dangerous.
- STORK ISLAND
- Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sancturay | India
- DD-WBST2018-49
- 1/640 sec. f/11 220 mm ISO 400
- Nikon Gears
- Wetlands become especially alluring during winters. The fog, the mist, the sunrise and the sunset all combine to create an atmosphere which to be experienced to be believed. And it is in this landscape that a variety of birds come in to lay their eggs and bring up their little ones.
- WHEN EARTH WAS FULL OF JUNGLES
- Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve | India
- DD-WBST2018-50
- 1/320 sec. f/6.3 240 mm ISO 200
- Nikon Gears
- A Royal Bengal Tiger walking through a jungle is a sight to behold. The forest, vegetation, foliage and all the beautiful elements that make up a forest come to life because of the presence of such a magnificent animal.
- BLUE BULL SPRINT
- Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary | India
- DD-WBST2018-51
- 1/800 sec. f/11 500 mm ISO 200
- Nikon Gears
- A Blue Bull or Nilgai sprints through a wetland fearing Jackals.
- STAIRING INTO OBLIVION
- Ranthambhore National Park | India
- DD-WBST2018-52
- 1/250 sec. f/4 200 mm ISO 400
- Nikon Gears
- Macho Man T-64 aka Akash shot at Zone 5 of the legendary Ranthambhore jungles. He is the son of T-19 aka Krishna and that powerhouse T-28, the late Star Male. In fact he was born in Krishna's first litter. His grandmother is none other than the very famous T-16 aka Machhali. Thus Akash comes from a great lineage and therefore, it is no wonder that he has such a royal presence. Yet...what is their future? We humans have brought them and ourselves to the cusp of disaster.
- THE MOST REGAL CAT OF THEM ALL
- Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve | India
- DD-WBST2018-53
- 1/125 sec. f/5 340 mm ISO 200
- Nikon Gears
- The Royal Bengal Tiger is the biggest and the most magnificent big cat in this world. It was rightly called the perfect gentleman by the legendary hunter and conservationist, Jim Corbett. Whether as a cub or an adolescent or an adult; a Tiger is a personification of magnificence.
- THIS IS THE GARDEN OF EDEN
- Jim Corbett National Park | India
- DD-WBST2018-54
- 1/160 sec. f/4 200 mm ISO 200
- Nikon Gears
- Jim Corbett National Park is one of the most delightful place of wilderness on this planet. Every evening herds of Asiatic Elephants come down to the Ramganga River that passes through the Dhikala grasslands for bathing, mud splashing and essentially enjoying a good ole family time. The breathtaking landscape on the Himalayan foothills, the interplay of light and shadow all come together to create ambience that photographers cannot have enough off.
- SUCH A BEAUTIFUL WORLD
- Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sancturay | India
- DD-WBST2018-55
- 1/320 sec. f/8 360 mm ISO 200
- Nikon Gears
- Great White Pelicans are big heavy birds. And they are just handsome. Given their size; it is amazing to watch and photograph their take off and landing. It never fails to amaze!
- INTO THE SPOTLIGHT
- Jim Corbett National Park | India
- DD-WBST2018-56
- 1/100 sec. f/4 400 mm ISO 200
- Nikon Gears
- Tigress Sharmili walking out of the cover of darkness and into the light filtering from the cover of clouds presented a never to be forgotten moment.
- ALL MUSCLE
- Bandhavgarh National Park | India
- DD-WBST2018-57
- 1/800 sec. f/4 210 mm ISO 400
- Nikon Gears
- A closeup of the contours of a Tiger's muscular figure gives us an understanding of why a Tiger has strength equivalent to 13 adult humans.
- BEWARE OF THE STALKER
- Ranthambhore National Park | India
- DD-WBST2018-58
- 1/1000 sec. f/11 400 mm ISO 2400
- Nikon Gears
- Sometimes the looks on a predator's face is stone cold like that of a remorseless killer! Add to that the Tiger's stalikng and what you have is a beast whom you should give the maximum respect and from whom you should maintain the maximum possible distance.
- CHERISH YOUR FAMILY ALWAYS
- Bhigwan Wetlands | India
- DD-WBST2018-59
- 1/1250 sec. f/13 200 mm ISO 400
- Nikon Gears
- Flamingoes are another example available in nature of how families can live together harmoniously. While human family system is collapsing all around the world; animals continue to stay true to their nature. Maybe nature made the big mistake of giving too much intellect to human beings. That intellect is unfortunately now the cause of widespread destruction all around the world.
- HIS MAJESTY IN MOTION
- Ranthambhore National Park | India
- DD-WBST2018-60
- 1/400 sec. f/11 400 mm ISO 400
- Nikon Gears
- A Royal Bengal Tiger walking through a jungle is a sight to behold. The forest, vegetation, foliage and all the beautiful elements that make up a forest come to life because of the presence of such a magnificent animal.
- THE MARASCAPE
- MASAI MARA | KENYA
- DD-WBST2018-61
- 1/1600 sec. f/2.8 70 mm
- Nikon Gears
- Masai Mara is a dreamland for every wildlife lover. It is indeed the eternal garden of eden. One can spend days sitting on a chair outside his camp in the Mara grasslands with eyes scanning miles and miles of grasslands and the wondering at the greatness of God and his imagination. Africa and the Mara grasslands are dotted with the widest variety of ungulates anywhere in the world. And these wonderful animals represent the x-factor of the Mara. In this picture a herd of Topi was observed running for miles - quiet curiously - in a single file. Now that is a lesson in discipline too!
- CONCERN OR OPPORTUNITY
- MASAI MARA | KENYA
- DD-WBST2018-62
- 1/125 sec. f/4 310 mm
- Nikon Gears
- The Mara is the kingdom of the majestic East African Lion. No one is out of the lion's crosshair except the African Black Rhino. And it is a smart cat and therefore, lives and operates as a group. That helps the lions work out smart strategies so essential for bringing down big animals - from elephants to giraffes. Always alert and aware of hunting opportunities - as can be seen here - the hunting exercise of lions is a great visual of how to devise and execute hunting strategies.
- A STRANGER ON THE HORIZON
- MASAI MARA | KENYA
- DD-WBST2018-63
- 1/125 sec. f/4 400 mm
- Nikon Gears
- Africa is home to some of the most unqiue animals that can be found anywhere on this planet. Sadly some have been lost and the remaining are under constant threat from the most selfish and insaitable living beings on this planet - humans. This image was made from a level lower than where this Masai Giraffe was standing and closely observing us. It is always critical to stay well out of range of the Giraffe's kung-fu kick one blow of which will surely transfer a person out of this mortal world. Kenya is home is two more Giraffe species - the Rothschild's Giraffe and the Reticulated Giraffe.
- AN INDESCRIBABLE SCENE
- MASAI MARA | KENYA
- DD-WBST2018-64
- 1/1600 sec. f/4 210 mm
- Nikon Gears
- The Masai Mara got its name from the local people who called the land “Mara” which means “spotted”. When you look at the the Masai Mara plains or if you fly to the Masai Mara in a small aircraft, you will easily understand why it is named “spotted land”! The grassland is dotted with hundreds of thorn trees, widely spaced, their crowns far from touching. And on one such tree you might suddenly spot the most beautiful cat of them all - the Leopard. A Leopard on a tree is a sight to behold and a position that all wildlife photographers hope to find a Leopard in.
- GAMES WITH MAMMA
- MASAI MARA | KENYA
- DD-WBST2018-65
- 1/200 sec. f/4 400 mm
- Nikon Gears
- Lions live in big prides with lots of cubs. Now Lion cubs are a lucky bunch with many aunts to look after the little ones other than the mothers themselves. As little kids are; Lion cubs are extremely playful and not only do they rough and tumble amongst themselves; more often than not they involve their mums and aunts in their games and naughty activities. Lion ladies make extremely patient mothers and aunts and are very affectionate towards their little ones and often engage with them in their fun and games which helps strengthen their bonds.
- BLUE EYES
- MASAI MARA | KENYA
- DD-WBST2018-66
- 1/13 sec. f/4 340 mm
- Nikon Gears
- He is a very young Leopard with lovely blue eyes. Hence, the name. He lives in and around the Mara Olapa camp and often makes his way in either to hunt a small prey or to steal eatables. One evening we caught him red-handed intently looking as he was at our camp kitchen. As we flashed our torch light; he looked back most innocently. Such a beautiful cat. Mesmerising.
- THE MARA LANDSCAPE
- MASAI MARA | KENYA
- DD-WBST2018-67
- 1/1600 sec. f/2.8 120 mm
- Nikon Gears
- This image personifies the legend of the Masai Mara grasslands. It has a meditative effect on me everytime I look at it. Its as if one is looking at infinity. The herd of herbivores - in this case a big gathering of the Thomson's Gazelle, the Impala, the Grand Gazelle and Topis - dotted against the horizon adds beautifully to the mood of the image. This is nature at its best.
- TALL BOYS
- MASAI MARA | KENYA
- DD-WBST2018-68
- 1/1000 sec. f/2.8 200 mm
- Nikon Gears
- As I was watching the sun set over the Mara grasslands and my mind was recalling how jungles in India look during the same time of the day; these three Masai Giraffes walked into the scene bathing in the lovely golden light of the sun. Golden light is the best light for photography but is also the one that is available for only a very short period of time. With a backdrop of partially clouded skies and the carpet of grass reflecting the golden light beautifully; I had the opportunity of making this simple but beautiful composition.
- A STALKER ON THE HORIZON
- MASAI MARA | KENYA
- DD-WBST2018-69
- 1/640 sec. f/4 400 mm
- Nikon Gears
- Now this is a composition possible only in vast African savannahs like the Masai Mara. Almost dotted against the horizon was this Lioness stalking grazing herbivores from a distance. From my position I saw the opportunity for creating a signature Mara composition. The vastness of the golden savannah and the blue sky that divided the frame into two almost equal halves creating a wonderful setting on which a Lioness was positioned as a distant dot....well almost!
- LIFE IN A JUNGLE
- MASAI MARA | KENYA
- DD-WBST2018-70
- 1/1000 sec. f/2.8 200 mm
- Nikon Gears
- Kaboso is a beautiful young Leopardess around the Mara Olapa camp in Masai Mara. Here she is out and about with her two young cubs soon after sun rise. She lives in a beautiful habitat though surrounded by the threat of bigger predators who are constantly looking for opportunities to not only kill competitors but also their young. All this is part of natural law where one cat tries to secure resources for its tribe as far as possible. Given a chance; a Leopard too would not hesitate a second before killing even Lion cubs.
- THE PACE MACHINE
- MASAI MARA | KENYA
- DD-WBST2018-71
- 1/400 sec. f/4 200 mm
- Nikon Gears
- Face to face with the pace machine that is the fastest on this planet - a Cheetah. An animal that once roamed the jungles of India but was lost in the 1850s. There are a few left in Iran and the biggest population is in Africa. And even there…this unique animal - an absolute masterpiece - is under existential threat. Hence, I feel extremely lucky to have seen a few with my own eyes in the mesmerizing grasslands of Masai Mara.
- THE KING'S PROFILE
- MASAI MARA | KENYA
- DD-WBST2018-72
- 1/200 sec. f/4 400 mm
- Nikon Gears
- A fabulous model and the regal king of the African jungles - the Lion is the apex predator of Africa and the second biggest cat on this planet after the Tiger. The head shot of an adult male Lion with flowing manes makes for a fabulous photo and portrait. That is the Lion is royal oozes out of such a pose. The bigger the Lion, the longer the manes; the more royal the Lion looks.
- TOGETHER FOREVER
- MASAI MARA | KENYA
- DD-WBST2018-73
- 1/640 sec. f/4 400 mm
- Nikon Gears
- With their long necks; Giraffes stand out as the most unqiue of all animals on the African savannahs. Against the backdrop of the blue sky; one can compose interesting images of Giraffes by focusing simply on their long muscular necks and formations that result when they are in close proximity.
- JUST BEING A JUMBO
- MASAI MARA | KENYA
- DD-WBST2018-74
- 1/1000 sec. f/4 210 mm
- Nikon Gears
- African Jumbos are bigger than their Indian cousins. Their body structure is also a bit odd when compared to the pachyderms in India. Both male and female African elephants have tusks while only male Indian elephants have them. Interestingly, African jumbos seem to be far more patient than their Indian counterparts. I leant this by experience. The female jumbo in this photo was vvery close to my almost open Land Cruiser and was peacefully munching bunches of grass while my DSLR shutter was going tak tak tak. These giants display intelligence far beyond what we can fathom.
- WHEN IT RAINS IN THE MARA
- MASAI MARA | KENYA
- DD-WBST2018-75
- 1/320 sec. f/7.1 95 mm
- Nikon Gears
- Masai Mara is a classic grassland wide open and spread across miles and miles of African mainland. It is a unique ecosystem because of the way it is abruptly dotted with trees and that is what also gives it its unique look and feel. Thus the scenes that emerge when the Mara grasslands are covered with rain and thunder clouds is awe inspiring. Once can clearly see rains pouring over a certain area of the grasslands while the rest is partly sunny and partly cloudy. Rain water creates myriad hues and colours due to the phenomenon of refraction as light passes through the water droplets. The various combinations of light, shade, air, rain water and other natural elements lead to the creation of an unending array of scenes that are both breath taking and awe inspiring.
- SHOW OF STRENGTH
- MASAI MARA | KENYA
- DD-WBST2018-76
- 1/640 sec. f/4 200 mm
- Nikon Gears
- A pride of Lions is a power center in the African savannahs. But they are not the only ones. A much more powerful unit is that of the African elephants. But the Lions are cunning and that is the difference. And that is why the Lions are able to devise strategise and bring down animals as big as elephants and giraffes. the sight of a pride of Lions always unnerves the herbivores. The pride knows this and misses no opportunity for a show of strength.
- ONE INTRIGUING ANIMAL
- MASAI MARA | KENYA
- DD-WBST2018-78
- 1/1250 sec. f/4 400 mm
- Nikon Gears
- Our planet has been home to a mindboggling array of animals - from the most beautiful to the weirdest. Even today Africa is home to the widest range of ungulates compared to anywhere else in the world. Ungulates were formerly a group of animals that covered all hoofed mammals. Modern hoofed mammals comprise three groups: Artiodactyla, the even-toed ungulates (swine, camels, deer, and bovines); Perissodactyla, the odd-toed ungulates (horses, tapirs, and rhinoceroses); and Uranotheria, which includes the orders Proboscidea (elephants), Hyracoidea (hyraxes), and Sirenia (manatees and dugongs). One strange looking ungulate found only in Africa is the Topi. It has highly smooth skin with colour patches that make it stand put from the rest. Its face is also very different with eyes that are very difficult to notice unless very closeby.
- A MASAI FAMILY
- MASAI MARA | KENYA
- DD-WBST2018-77
- 1/100 sec. f/4 240 mm
- Nikon Gears
- A Leopardess has to work very hard to raise a family as she and her family are constantly threatened by Lions and Hyenas. Taking care of two cubs means that much more hard work for the Leopardess. Even Lions are not able to protect all their cubs. Here a Leopardess called Kaboso - who had her residence very close to our camp site - can be seen out and about with her cubs early in the morning. Clearly, their training and education in jungle survival had started. They have to live against all odds.
- SURVEYING THE SAVANNAH
- MASAI MARA | KENYA
- DD-WBST2018-79
- 1/2000 sec. f/4 400 mm
- Nikon Gears
- Predators in the savannah - especially - Lions and Cheetahs - love to get atop a perch to scan the vast open grasslands to track prey movement. Both Lions and Cheetahs chase to catch their preys whereas Leopards hunt by ambush so they are never seen atop perches scanning the grasslands.
- FASTER THAN USIAN BOLT
- MASAI MARA | KENYA
- DD-WBST2018-80
- 1/800 sec. f/2.8 200 mm
- Nikon Gears
- A Cheetah is a work of art. Its all lean and mean. Its also extremely graceful. An animal that once roamed the jungles of India but was lost in the 1850s. There are a few left in Iran and the biggest population is in Africa. And even there…this unique animal - an absolute masterpiece - is under existential threat. Hence, I feel extremely lucky to have seen a few with my own eyes in the mesmerizing grasslands of Masai Mara.
- IN THE LAND OF THE MASAI
- MASAI MARA | KENYA
- DD-WBST2018-81
- 1/320 sec. f/7.1 170 mm
- Nikon Gears
- Why protecting wildlife around the world is of paramount importance is answered by this image. No matter how beautiful a landscape is; it will be deemed lifeless witthout its inhabitants. This image has life and has a story because of the King that dwells in it. Take him away from this photo and you won't have an image at all.
- A CAT ON THE TREE
- MASAI MARA | KENYA
- DD-WBST2018-82
- 1/40 sec. f/4 330 mm
- Nikon Gears
- An expert tree climber - Leopards - have tree climbing skills in their DNA. This little guy in the photo - less than a year old - climbed up the tree like he learnt in the art in his mother's womb! There was never a false step. There was never any fear of slipping and falling. The art of climbing a tree is the most important life skill for a leopard other than hunting. The ability to negotiate a tree swiftly - even with a kill in its jaws - enables the Leopard to not only protect itself but also to save its precious food which otherwise would be snatched by Lions and Hyenas in no time!
- SAFE AMONGST PARENTS
- MASAI MARA | KENYA
- DD-WBST2018-83
- 1/4000 sec. f/2.8 200 mm
- Nikon Gears
- Animal kids are no different than humans. And kids have a knack for bugging their parents especially when the parents want to get a bit intimate. But then we all have been kids at one point in time. This was one of those moments when a Lion couple had to accommodate a nosy little one just about the time they were getting a bit intimate.
- A WALK IN THE PARK WITH THE KING
- MASAI MARA | KENYA
- DD-WBST2018-84
- 1/160 sec. f/4 400 mm
- Nikon Gears
- The King has to walk - to take stock of his territory and the activities of his girls because there are other Lions always around the corner to take over a pride. And Lions cannot live without a family. Pretty much like us humans. And the bachelors or nomads walk around as well - to look for weak spots! Bachelors or nomads are lions who looking around to form a family, generally, by taking over an existing one by force.
- THE GOLDEN GRASSLANDS
- MASAI MARA | KENYA
- DD-WBST2018-85
- 1/800 sec. f/2.8 195 mm
- Nikon Gears
- Endless blue skies dotted with clouds and equally endless grasslands randomly dotted with trees present a picture of natural beauty and simplicity that is very hard to describe in words. But our eyes can see this natural beauty clearly and feel that indescribable connection with our soul. Wonderful. Mesmerising.
- KABOSO
- MASAI MARA | KENYA
- DD-WBST2018-86
- 1/250 sec. f/7.1 400 mm
- Nikon Gears
- What poets say about nature; wildlife lovers say about Leopards. Because the sight of a Leopard mesmerises a wildlife lover each and every time! There is something so wonderful and mysterious about the Leopard that it totally captivates the viewer. That it is the most beautiful cat in Africa is a fact that has stood the test of time. Whether on a tree or on the ground; the Leopard makes for the most wonderful subject for each and every wildlife photographer.
- KIDDY SMILE
- MASAI MARA | KENYA
- DD-WBST2018-87
- 1/320 sec. f/4 400 mm
- Nikon Gears
- That look! It seems to be the one that is innocently displayed when one has been caught with one's hand in the cookie jar. And it’s the same for all kids - human or animal. In this image this little Lion cub was grinning at his mother as if he was caught red handed doing something that he is not supposed to.
- THE SIMBA FAMILY
- MASAI MARA | KENYA
- DD-WBST2018-88
- 1/1000 sec. f/4 200 mm
- Nikon Gears
- Simba families revel in their vast homeland - endless and beautiful grasslands with great prey base. They seem to be living a life of satisfaction but they are under stress from constant encroachment of human beings leading to habitat destruction.
- ENJOYING THE MORNING BREEZE
- MASAI MARA | KENYA
- DD-WBST2018-89
- 1/1000 sec. f/4 400 mm
- Nikon Gears
- What do you when you are the apex predator and the king of the ring? Relax and enjoy the weather. That is exactly what this Lion is doing. He has very little to bother. He is the undisputed king. His wives bring home the food. And there isn't anyone on the African savannah that will directly / indirectly come and challenge him other than a rival male.
- THE MOST BEAUTIFUL CAT EVER
- MASAI MARA | KENYA
- DD-WBST2018-90
- 1/100 sec. f/4 270 mm
- Nikon Gears
- What poets say about nature; wildlife lovers say about Leopards. Because the sight of a Leopard mesmerises a wildlife lover each and every time! There is something so wonderful and mysterious about the Leopard that it totally captivates the viewer. That it is the most beautiful cat in Africa is a fact that has stood the test of time. Whether on a tree or on the ground; the Leopard makes for the most wonderful subject for each and every wildlife photographer.
- AN ABODE IN THE SKY
- Masai Mara | Kenya
- DD-WBST2018-91
- 1/1250 sec. f/2.8 200 mm ISO 100
- Nikon Gears
- What poets say about nature; wildlife lovers say about Leopards. Because the sight of a Leopard mesmerises a wildlife lover each and every time! There is something so wonderful and mysterious about the Leopard that it totally captivates the viewer. That it is the most beautiful cat in Africa is a fact that has stood the test of time. Whether on a tree or on the ground; the Leopard makes for the most wonderful subject for each and every wildlife photographer.
- AN EMPOWERED MOTHER
- Masai Mara | Kenya
- DD-WBST2018-92
- 1/200 sec. f/4 200 mm ISO 200
- Nikon Gears
- Lions live in big prides with lots of cubs. Now Lion cubs are a lucky bunch with many aunts to look after the little ones other than the mothers themselves. As little kids are; Lion cubs are extremely playful and not only do they rough and tumble amongst themselves; more often than not they involve their mums and aunts in their games and naughty activities. Lion ladies make extremely patient mothers and aunts and are very affectionate towards their little ones and often engage with them in their fun and games which helps strengthen their bonds.
- BEING ALERT IS THE KEY
- Masai Mara | Kenya
- DD-WBST2018-93
- 1/250 sec. f/7.1 400 mm ISO 200
- Nikon Gears
- African Savannahs are wide open theaters of action. They no provide little or no cover to anyone to either hide or approach a target stealthily. Therefore, it becomes extremely important to maintain constant vigil. This applies equally to herbivores and carnivores. Thus, one can see the big cats scanning the savannahs for movement - movement that reflects something unusual or presents an opportunity. Movement can also reflect danger. That is what the Leopardess in this frame is doing. She is scanning to note movement.
- BELLYFULL
- Ranthambhore National Park | India
- DD-WBST2018-94
- 1/400 sec. f/11 280 mm ISO 400
- Nikon Gears
- Ranthambhore is a paradise for Royal Bengal Tigers. The history of this wilderness space lends it a different sort of charm and romance. Therefore, every soul that is in love with this magnificent big cat cannot miss visiting Ranthambhore again and again. On this April 2016 afteroon, a dominant male called Akash (T-64) had just finished gobbling up a big Sambar stag. Sambar is one of India's biggest antelop specie. After his massive lunch; Akash realised that it was good to walk a bit to help hasten his metabolism.
- BLISS AND PEACE
- Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sancturay | India
- DD-WBST2018-95
- 1/800 sec. f/8 200 mm ISO 400
- Nikon Gears
- Sunsets at the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary also known as Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sanctura are special during winters. Photographers from all over the world come here to shoot silhouettes of birds with the sunset and mist as the backdrop. It's surreal. Here in a colony of juvenile Painted Storks hectic activity can be seen as the birds finish their pre-roosting rituals.
- DAWN PATROL
- Jim Corbett National Park | India
- DD-WBST2018-96
- 1/100 sec. f/4 240 mm ISO 200
- Nikon Gears
- Now she is one Tigress who is simply called the one from the grasslands. Wonder why? And chances of spotting are high if you traverse through the grasslands of dhikala early in the morning. You will find her busy patrolling her territory.
- FAMILY PLAY TIME
- Masai Mara | Kenya
- DD-WBST2018-97
- 1/400 sec. f/4 400 mm ISO 200
- Nikon Gears
- Lions live in big prides with lots of cubs. Now Lion cubs are a lucky bunch with many aunts to look after the little ones other than the mothers themselves. As little kids are; Lion cubs are extremely playful and not only do they rough and tumble amongst themselves; more often than not they involve their mums and aunts in their games and naughty activities. Lion ladies make extremely patient mothers and aunts and are very affectionate towards their little ones and often engage with them in their fun and games which helps strengthen their bonds.
- GET A GRIP
- Masai Mara | Kenya
- DD-WBST2018-98
- 1/1600 sec. f/4 200 mm ISO 200
- Nikon Gears
- What poets say about nature; wildlife lovers say about Leopards. Because the sight of a Leopard mesmerises a wildlife lover each and every time! There is something so wonderful and mysterious about the Leopard that it totally captivates the viewer. That it is the most beautiful cat in Africa is a fact that has stood the test of time. Whether on a tree or on the ground; the Leopard makes for the most wonderful subject for each and every wildlife photographer.
- HANGOVER
- Masai Mara | Kenya
- DD-WBST2018-99
- 1/1250 sec. f/4 350 mm ISO 200
- Nikon Gears
- A mighty shake of the head followed by few more and that too early in the morning! What happened to Leo? His body language and the repeated head shakes made me wonder if he was having a hangover.
- I LOVE FLOWERS
- Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve | India
- DD-WBST2018-100
- 1/320 sec. f/4 200 mm ISO 200
- Nikon Gears
- A tender moment! This young Tiger was sitting a little away under the watchful eyes of his mother. He was close to the day when he would launch his independent life. But at that moment though he was still a boy and had a tender heart. And that reflected from the way he was admiring the little flower next to him.
- IN THE GARDEN OF THE KING
- Masai Mara | Kenya
- DD-WBST2018-101
- 1/640 sec. f/4 400 mm ISO 200
- Nikon Gears
- A glorious morning in the savannahs of the legendary Masai Mara. But imagine how lifeless this scene would become if the Lion is taken away! And therefore, the importance of conservation cannot be overstressed. The Earth is a small planet and it has lost much of its green cover and along with the green cover; a lot of species have become extinct and the lordly Lion is under massive threat as well. Can we afford to let the Lion become extinct?
- IS THERE SOMETHING UP THERE
- Masai Mara | Kenya
- DD-WBST2018-102
- 1/40 sec. f/4 310 mm ISO 200
- Nikon Gears
- An expert tree climber - Leopards - have tree climbing skills in their DNA. This little guy in the photo - less than a year old - climbed up the tree like he learnt in the art in his mother's womb! There was never a false step. There was never any fear of slipping and falling. The art of climbing a tree is the most important life skill for a leopard other than hunting. The ability to negotiate a tree swiftly - even with a kill in its jaws - enables the Leopard to not only protect itself but also to save its precious food which otherwise would be snatched by Lions and Hyenas in no time!
- IT IS GOOD TO HAVE WORLD VIEW
- Bhigwan Wetlands | India
- DD-WBST2018-103
- 1/1250 sec. f/13 400 mm ISO 400
- Nikon Gears
- A Black Headed Gull can be seen taking a break from its gregarious flock at Bhigwan wetlands - a delightful patch of land and water that still exists for bird and aquatic life to flourish. The Gull hovered above for a while before settlng down again. Gulls are extremely active and spend a lot of time playing with their flocks on the surface of the waterbody they are inhabiting.
- KEENLY OBSERVING
- Masai Mara | Kenya
- DD-WBST2018-105
- 1/800 sec. f/4 400 mm ISO 200
- Nikon Gears
- What poets say about nature; wildlife lovers say about Leopards. Because the sight of a Leopard mesmerises a wildlife lover each and every time! There is something so wonderful and mysterious about the Leopard that it totally captivates the viewer. That it is the most beautiful cat in Africa is a fact that has stood the test of time. Whether on a tree or on the ground; the Leopard makes for the most wonderful subject for each and every wildlife photographer.
- MAD MAX
- Masai Mara | Kenya
- DD-WBST2018-106
- 1/50 sec. f/4 400 mm ISO 200
- Nikon Gears
- How does a true warrior and veteran of many wars looks like? Just look at Mad Max.
- MASTER OF THE GRASSLANDS
- Jim Corbett National Park | India
- DD-WBST2018-107
- 1/125 sec. f/4 220 mm ISO 200
- Nikon Gears
- The Royal Bengal Tiger is the biggest and the most magnificent big cat in this world. It was rightly called the perfect gentleman by the legendary hunter and conservationist, Jim Corbett. Whether as a cub or an adolescent or an adult; a Tiger is a personification of magnificence.
- NATURE'S MASTERPIECE
- Masai Mara | Kenya
- DD-WBST2018-108
- 1/640 sec. f/4 400 mm ISO 200
- Nikon Gears
- What poets say about nature; wildlife lovers say about Leopards. Because the sight of a Leopard mesmerises a wildlife lover each and every time! There is something so wonderful and mysterious about the Leopard that it totally captivates the viewer. That it is the most beautiful cat in Africa is a fact that has stood the test of time. Whether on a tree or on the ground; the Leopard makes for the most wonderful subject for each and every wildlife photographer.
- OH HELL YEAH
- Masai Mara | Kenya
- DD-WBST2018-109
- 1/320 sec. f/4 400 mm ISO 200
- Nikon Gears
- That wasn't exactly a yawn! Rather it was a display of power with the sharp and sparkling white canines sending a message to all the dwellers on the African savannah to make way for the lords of the African jungles.
- PORTRAIT OF ROYALTY
- Masai Mara | Kenya
- DD-WBST2018-110
- 1/200 sec. f/4 400 mm ISO 200
- Nikon Gears
- A King has to look the part. No wonder nature designed the Lion as a power figure and adorned it with regal looks. The posture of this Lion left no doubt that the Lion is well aware of its lordly stature.
- QUEEN KABOSO
- Masai Mara | Kenya
- DD-WBST2018-111
- 1/250 sec. f/7.1 340 mm ISO 200
- Nikon Gears
- Kaboso is a beautiful young Leopardess around the Mara Olapa camp in Masai Mara. She lives in a beautiful habitat though surrounded by the threat of bigger predators who are constantly looking for opportunities to not only kill competitors but also their young. All this is part of natural law where one cat tries to secure resources for its tribe as far as possible. Given a chance; a Leopard too would not hesitate a second before killing even Lion cubs.
- READY FOR A HEAD ON COLLISION
- Masai Mara | Kenya
- DD-WBST2018-112
- 1/500 sec. f/4 400 mm ISO 200
- Nikon Gears
- It was not actually a face off initially but then It aligned itself head on and flattened its ears looking straight at us. The background was beautiful and the little flowers surrounding him provided for a nice contrast. He looked all black and presented quite an imposing sight.
- SAFE WITH MAMMA
- Masai Mara | Kenya
- DD-WBST2018-113
- 1/1000 sec. f/2.8 70 mm ISO 100
- Nikon Gears
- African Jumbos are bigger than their Indian cousins. Their body structure is also a bit odd when compared to the pachyderms in India. Both male and female African elephants have tusks while only male Indian elephants have them. Interestingly, African jumbos seem to be far more patient than their Indian counterparts. I leant this by experience. The female jumbo - with her calf in tow - was very close to my almost open Land Cruiser and was peacefully munching bunches of grass while my DSLR shutter was going tak tak tak. These giants display intelligence far beyond what we can fathom.
- SO SHARP
- Masai Mara | Kenya
- DD-WBST2018-114
- 1/1000 sec. f/4 200 mm ISO 200
- Nikon Gears
- Predators put on a great display of their canines - those unmistakable signs of dominance. That is a key driver in their role as killing machines.
- STRETCHED
- Masai Mara | Kenya
- DD-WBST2018-115
- 1/250 sec. f/7.1 135 mm ISO 220
- Nikon Gears
- African Savannahs are wide open theaters of action. They no provide little or no cover to anyone to either hide or approach a target stealthily. Therefore, it becomes extremely important to maintain constant vigil. This applies equally to herbivores and carnivores. As a result; this Leopardess is stretching to get as close to the ground as possible to make her movement as invisible as possible otherwise her target will spot her much before she gets to attack distance.
- TALL BOY
- Masai Mara | Kenya
- DD-WBST2018-116
- 1/125 sec. f/4 400 mm ISO 200
- Nikon Gears
- With their long necks; Giraffes stand out as the most unqiue of all animals on the African savannahs. Against the backdrop of the blue sky; one can compose interesting images of Giraffes by focusing simply on their long muscular necks and formations that result when they are in close proximity.
- THE TWIN TOWERS
- Masai Mara | Kenya
- DD-WBST2018-117
- 1/640 sec. f/4 210 mm ISO 200
- Nikon Gears
- With their long necks; Giraffes stand out as the most unqiue of all animals on the African savannahs. Against the backdrop of the blue sky; one can compose interesting images of Giraffes by focusing simply on their long muscular necks and formations that result when they are in close proximity.
- UPROOTING A TREE
- Masai Mara | Kenya
- DD-WBST2018-118
- 1/1000 sec. f/2.8 200 mm ISO 100
- Nikon Gears
- This frame creates the illusion of a Jumbo trying to uproot a tree. I happened to notice it in the nick of time and was able to create this frame.
- WATCHING THE DESTRUCTION OF HIS HOME
- Ranthambhore National Park | India
- DD-WBST2018-119
- 1/400 sec. f/11 200 mm ISO 1100
- Nikon Gears
- In order to live in the wild, tigers need water to drink, animals to hunt, and vegetation in which to hide. As the mountains, jungles, forests, and long grasses that have long been home to tigers disappear, so, too, do tigers. Agricultural expansion, timber cutting, new roads, human settlement, industrial expansion and hydroelectric dams push tigers into smaller and smaller areas of land. These forest fragments are surrounded by rapidly growing and relatively poor human populations, including increasing numbers of illegal hunters. Without wilderness, the wild tiger will not survive.
- WHEN MAMMA GETS ANGRY
- Masai Mara | Kenya
- DD-WBST2018-120
- 1/1000 sec. f/4 400 mm ISO 200
- Nikon Gears
- Lions live in big prides with lots of cubs. Now Lion cubs are a lucky bunch with many aunts to look after the little ones other than the mothers themselves. As little kids are; Lion cubs are extremely playful and not only do they rough and tumble amongst themselves; more often than not they involve their mums and aunts in their games and naughty activities. Lion ladies make extremely patient mothers and aunts and are very affectionate towards their little ones and often engage with them in their fun and games which helps strengthen their bonds.
- WHEN SCHOOL IS OFF
- Masai Mara | Kenya
- DD-WBST2018-121
- 1/640 sec. f/4 200 mm ISO 200
- Nikon Gears
- Lions live in big prides with lots of cubs. Now Lion cubs are a lucky bunch with many aunts to look after the little ones other than the mothers themselves. As little kids are; Lion cubs are extremely playful and not only do they rough and tumble amongst themselves; more often than not they involve their mums and aunts in their games and naughty activities. Lion ladies make extremely patient mothers and aunts and are very affectionate towards their little ones and often engage with them in their fun and games which helps strengthen their bonds.
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