Sundarbans Revisited !

               As our boat chugged through the placid river delta amidst the forest cover, a cloud of honeybees began to buzz around constantly.The forest breathed in vibrant colours  indicating the arrival of spring.It seemed like the mangroves welcoming me. I was at Sundarbans again. !

                     The golden rays of sun gradually illuminated the thick foliage cover which grows profusely such along the waterbody such as Sundari, Gewa, Garan, Pasur, Bain, Hental, Golpata, Khamu, Lata Sundari, Keora, Dhundul, Amur, Chaila, Ora, Kankra, Singhra, Jhana, and Khalshi  are among the main plants of Sundarbans. But the tree that is synonymous with the name of Sundarbans is the Sundari tree. 

Our guide Chinmay spotted the fresh footprints of otters on the river bed.We got to find few mud skippers and otters probably but had moved into the mangroves, we too moved ahead.

It was a perfect camouflage. A juvenile fishing cat squatting amidst the tiger palm bushes posed for the camera and dissapeared into bushes at a lightening speed.It seemed like it was near to shore for a hunt or to warm its body in the morning sunlight.

              It is noteworthy that the Fishing Cat is the State Animal of West Bengal. Sundarbans is considered as a Ramsar Site and is of International importance. Fishing cats are found in forested islands of Sundarbans.and as it acts as an important habitat ! acts as an important habitat.

It was good beginning for having sited the cat,which was a lifer for all.

The orchestra of white breasted Kingfisher, Black capped kingfisher,Pied Kingfisher, Small blue Kingfisher, Collared King fisher and though we could not spot a Ruddy kingfisher during the 6 days tour, but its call was alluring.Photographing the restless species was a challenge in the moving boat.But to my dismay all wait and efforts were indeed worthwhile ! 

                  As we moved further looking for pug marks, and movement of striped cats.One interesting facts baffled us, it was the pug marks of Bengal tiger with multiple prints on mud patch which looked fresh.The cats family had passed the canal and our guide was sure of movement and its territory.

It was sure, that Badi Maa, the tigress with 2 young cubs was in movement.A long wait for about 1 hour was fruitful.We could sight all three crossing canal as water level receded.It was really surprising to watch  how these choose the right time and right place for crossover !

We watched the rare sighting Badi maa with 2 cubs and moved away from their territory.

We were in look out for buffy owl, however we could find a pair of Spotted Owlet in its roosting place.It was very hard to find the Jungle cat and other species.

As the sun light diminished,we could sight spotted deers, Eurasian Curlew,Sand Pipers, Greater egrets,Ospreys, Monitor lizard basking in the sun totally camouflaged,Brahminy Kite, Eurasian collared dove, and Perigrene falcons engaged in hunting.

                  A sole hefty wild boar on the sandy bed caught our attention during the return.As we photographed it and just pass 100 metres,we could sight Badi Maa pouncing on it and huge grunting sound made us turn back.The boar escaped jumped soon disappeared into the jungle.

We came to know that Badi maa was on look out in island for hunting to feed the cubs.The tiger moved through the palm and again appeared in the clearing.Which was a sight to behold !

After dark,we walked through the fields of island in search of Collared scops owl, Night jar. Though we could hear their calls,but we couldnt sight them.

All efforts proved to be futile.

It was getting dark,and we had to turn back to bali island.During the next consecutive days we were in search of other species including Lesser adjutant, Crested Serpent eagle.

However on the last day,we made a point to retrace the path and look for the family again.Leaving island by 5;30 am, was a good decision,though but we went on chasing the Green billed Malkoha which was fruitful and were able to capture them in flight.

The bird was not a common sight in Sundarbans in general. Its plumage, reddish eyes and bill was captivating and  enough to motivate us.

The sun sunlight began to brighten.

We moved towards our destination.It was half past 8 am, our guide Chinmay got a message that all 3 tigers crossed the vast water body comprising of grassland. By the time we reached the place it was 8:40 am !.

We missed them in just 10 minutes !

I was elated to know that after a night away from cubs,the mother & cubs united !

However i was aware about the fact that Sundarbans never promises anything & Suprises you all times for sure !

Sonakhali Ferry Ghat 

Though my trip to the Sundarbans was exciting & cherishing one.We were fortunate to spot almost all animals in short duration.A peek into other aspects of life in this part of the country was a revelation. Being a unique habitat for Cats.I am sure I will be back soon to unravel their secretive lives here. All set to go back , it is a promise to come back soon. !

If you are impressed with the narration and will to join for tour of Sundarbans.

Get in tourch with us earliest to know the departure dates.We can customise a trip for you.If required

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