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Old 23rd February 2011, 13:34   #31
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Re: Red Baron :Bombay-Uttarakhand-Delhi-Bombay:24 Dec 2010 - 6 Jan 2011, 3877 kms of

>>>

Apologies for the delay; a short professional trip and the planning going into it and the review /post mortem took the better part of three days. Will upload the panthera tigris tigris pics tomorrow. Other pics will follow.

deky,

You are absolutely right. The couple of hours that we managed to spend in Corbett, in the midst of nature and wildlife was such a refreshing change from our weary urban existence. A pity that we had planned for a complete days' safari but a bout of Delhi belly suffered by the children ensured that we spend just half a day. But what a half -a-day for us!

Regards, drive safe
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Old 24th February 2011, 12:55   #32
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Re: Red Baron :Bombay-Uttarakhand-Delhi-Bombay:24 Dec 2010 - 6 Jan 2011, 3877 kms of

>>>

The following snaps (# 48 to 73) were taken by my daughter when we were careening in the Gypsy following the tiger, as you will see.

The problem was that there were other Gypsys too, and some of the drivers and the guides were a little too aggressive and enthusiastic for my taste (they wanted to ensure that their customers got their money's worth in seeing the tiger, in the manner that one goes to 'see' matinee idols in a movie, as if by right); these Gypsys were jockeying to get ahead to give their customers' a lion's share of the view (pun unintended).

There had been some blurred sightings by others moments earlier, everyone was in a heightened state of expectation and all the Gypsys were scrambling to get to a vantage point, in trying to cut off its path.

Bad.

In any case we got to see this most magnificent and majestic of beings, for close to ten minutes as it walked along the path in search of a mate.

The pictures are not of high quality as these were taken on the fly.

Pic # 48 :
Red Baron :Bombay-Uttarakhand-Delhi-Bombay:24 Dec 2010 - 6 Jan 2011, 3877 kms of fun-img_1918.jpg

Pic # 49
Red Baron :Bombay-Uttarakhand-Delhi-Bombay:24 Dec 2010 - 6 Jan 2011, 3877 kms of fun-img_1919.jpg

Pic # 50
Red Baron :Bombay-Uttarakhand-Delhi-Bombay:24 Dec 2010 - 6 Jan 2011, 3877 kms of fun-img_1920.jpg

Pic # 51
Red Baron :Bombay-Uttarakhand-Delhi-Bombay:24 Dec 2010 - 6 Jan 2011, 3877 kms of fun-img_1921.jpg

Pic # 52
Red Baron :Bombay-Uttarakhand-Delhi-Bombay:24 Dec 2010 - 6 Jan 2011, 3877 kms of fun-img_1922.jpg

Pic # 53
Red Baron :Bombay-Uttarakhand-Delhi-Bombay:24 Dec 2010 - 6 Jan 2011, 3877 kms of fun-img_1923.jpg

Pic # 54
Red Baron :Bombay-Uttarakhand-Delhi-Bombay:24 Dec 2010 - 6 Jan 2011, 3877 kms of fun-img_1924.jpg

Pic # 55
Red Baron :Bombay-Uttarakhand-Delhi-Bombay:24 Dec 2010 - 6 Jan 2011, 3877 kms of fun-img_1925.jpg

Pic # 56
Red Baron :Bombay-Uttarakhand-Delhi-Bombay:24 Dec 2010 - 6 Jan 2011, 3877 kms of fun-img_1926.jpg

Pic # 57
Red Baron :Bombay-Uttarakhand-Delhi-Bombay:24 Dec 2010 - 6 Jan 2011, 3877 kms of fun-img_1927.jpg

More coming up.

Regards, drive safe
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Old 24th February 2011, 13:27   #33
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Hats off to your daughter's photography skills

Indroneel da I would like to congratulate your daughter for managing these amazing shots of this huge tiger from a moving gypsy. I never attempt these shots and I must appreciate the superb effort of your daughter who not only managed to keep the entire animal in the frame but also get shake free images.

I would like your daughter to write about her experience photographing the tiger&share with me which I can in turn share with the kids who come for the wildlife photography workshops that we conduct.

AG
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Old 24th February 2011, 13:53   #34
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Re: Red Baron :Bombay-Uttarakhand-Delhi-Bombay:24 Dec 2010 - 6 Jan 2011, 3877 kms of

Great going Issigonis! Awaiting your next post.

Looking at the first snap again. Did the big cat pass by your Gypsy at that close a distance or is it zoom at work. Were you and the kids not scared in the sense that the Tiger might have a go at you. As I can see from one the following snaps the Gypsy in front is an open vehicle without protection of any sort and am presuming that the one ferrying your party would be similar.

Last edited by khoj : 24th February 2011 at 13:58.
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Old 24th February 2011, 14:49   #35
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Re: Red Baron :Bombay-Uttarakhand-Delhi-Bombay:24 Dec 2010 - 6 Jan 2011, 3877 kms of

Wow, that Tiger is being so nonchalant! Looks like it was totally absorbed in looking for its mate. Compliments to your daughter on the nice clicks.

@Khoj: Tigers, unless man eaters, are so very uninterested in humans. Also these beasts must have been kinda acclimatized to human presence in Gypsies so much that unless you mess with them, they'll just walk past. During my last visit to Corbett, this is what the guide told me when we asked what if a Tiger comes close to us. Alas, no Tiger sighting for us.
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Old 24th February 2011, 15:25   #36
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Re: Red Baron :Bombay-Uttarakhand-Delhi-Bombay:24 Dec 2010 - 6 Jan 2011, 3877 kms of

Quote:
Originally Posted by abheekg View Post
Indroneel da I would like to congratulate your daughter for managing these amazing shots of this huge tiger from a moving gypsy. I never attempt these shots and I must appreciate the superb effort of your daughter who not only managed to keep the entire animal in the frame but also get shake free images.

I would like your daughter to write about her experience photographing the tiger&share with me which I can in turn share with the kids who come for the wildlife photography workshops that we conduct.

AG
>>>

Abheek,

Thank you for your very generous praise; coming from a guru such as you it is terrific. She will put down her experience and share it with you as soon as possible.

I will also send all the pics for you to check them out.

Quote:
Originally Posted by khoj View Post
Great going Issigonis! Awaiting your next post.

Looking at the first snap again. Did the big cat pass by your Gypsy at that close a distance or is it zoom at work. Were you and the kids not scared in the sense that the Tiger might have a go at you. As I can see from one the following snaps the Gypsy in front is an open vehicle without protection of any sort and am presuming that the one ferrying your party would be similar.
>>>
khoj,

It is definitely zoom at work in the first pic.

In fact she had a tough time trying to keep the tiger in focus and ensuring that the picture was 'shake free' while trying the zoom in some of the shots. As far as I remember, the closest we got to the tiger was about 15 feet (from the rear of the Gypsy where I was stationed, the children were in the row ahead of me and the driver was further up. So, the driver would have been about 10-11 feet from the tiger at the nearest!). All the Gypsys were open to the elements, with grab handles to keep one from toppling over.


Quote:
Originally Posted by lordofgondor View Post
Wow, that Tiger is being so nonchalant! Looks like it was totally absorbed in looking for its mate. Compliments to your daughter on the nice clicks.

@Khoj: Tigers, unless man eaters, are so very uninterested in humans. Also these beasts must have been kinda acclimatized to human presence in Gypsies so much that unless you mess with them, they'll just walk past. During my last visit to Corbett, this is what the guide told me when we asked what if a Tiger comes close to us. Alas, no Tiger sighting for us.
>>>
lordofgondor,

Nonchalant is the word for it. Supreme nonchalance. It was as if he was in a different zone, ignoring us pesky humans squabbling like toddlers over toffee!

In fact I was getting concerned over two Gypsys who had gone ahead to sort of block his progress (quite wrong and dangerous). The drivers of these Gypsys were reversing as the tiger advanced toward them. In fact the tiger did make a faux charge with a series of snarls- his acceleration over just 3-4 meters was quite incredible.

Regards, drive safe
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Old 24th February 2011, 15:32   #37
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Re: Red Baron :Bombay-Uttarakhand-Delhi-Bombay:24 Dec 2010 - 6 Jan 2011, 3877 kms of

How did i not see this thread! Amazing! Thanks for sharing issigonis.

P.S - the title only reminds me of The Chicago Baron in Jeffrey Archer's Kane and Abel
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Old 24th February 2011, 15:50   #38
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Re: Red Baron :Bombay-Uttarakhand-Delhi-Bombay:24 Dec 2010 - 6 Jan 2011, 3877 kms of

That's one magnificent beast and some awesome photos.
The tiger might be thinking as to "What's wrong with these humans. They come everyday to get a glimpse of me. Don't they have anything else to do"
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Old 24th February 2011, 15:55   #39
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Re: Red Baron :Bombay-Uttarakhand-Delhi-Bombay:24 Dec 2010 - 6 Jan 2011, 3877 kms of

>>>

The re-lived excitement continues in the following pics :

Pic # 58 :
Red Baron :Bombay-Uttarakhand-Delhi-Bombay:24 Dec 2010 - 6 Jan 2011, 3877 kms of fun-img_1928.jpg

Pic # 59 :
Red Baron :Bombay-Uttarakhand-Delhi-Bombay:24 Dec 2010 - 6 Jan 2011, 3877 kms of fun-img_1929.jpg

Pic # 60 :
Red Baron :Bombay-Uttarakhand-Delhi-Bombay:24 Dec 2010 - 6 Jan 2011, 3877 kms of fun-img_1930.jpg

Pic # 61 :
Red Baron :Bombay-Uttarakhand-Delhi-Bombay:24 Dec 2010 - 6 Jan 2011, 3877 kms of fun-img_1931.jpg

Pic # 62 :
Red Baron :Bombay-Uttarakhand-Delhi-Bombay:24 Dec 2010 - 6 Jan 2011, 3877 kms of fun-img_1933.jpg

Pic # 63 :
Red Baron :Bombay-Uttarakhand-Delhi-Bombay:24 Dec 2010 - 6 Jan 2011, 3877 kms of fun-img_1934.jpg

Red Baron :Bombay-Uttarakhand-Delhi-Bombay:24 Dec 2010 - 6 Jan 2011, 3877 kms of fun-img_1936.jpgPic # 64 :

Pic # 65 :
Red Baron :Bombay-Uttarakhand-Delhi-Bombay:24 Dec 2010 - 6 Jan 2011, 3877 kms of fun-img_1937.jpg

I think the excitement that our sighting of the tiger generated here was far more intense than my first sighting of the African lion in a game reserve in South Africa. Not to compare but to me the tiger is a more majestic, more graceful and hence a more charming animal.

The excitement of seeing a tiger so quickly and from such a short range swamped all feelings of dread or sense of danger. I must confess that for some moments thoughts of our security were erased totally on seeing the tiger.

Regards, drive safe
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Old 24th February 2011, 17:32   #40
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Re: Red Baron :Bombay-Uttarakhand-Delhi-Bombay:24 Dec 2010 - 6 Jan 2011, 3877 kms of

Quote:
Originally Posted by issigonis View Post
... In fact I was getting concerned over two Gypsys who had gone ahead to sort of block his progress (quite wrong and dangerous). The drivers of these Gypsys were reversing as the tiger advanced toward them. In fact the tiger did make a faux charge with a series of snarls- his acceleration over just 3-4 meters was quite incredible...
I guess some of the safari drivers are loonies! In Corbett, we'd stopped to observe (from a distance) a lone and huge Tusker who, according to the guide, had recently lost a fight with another Tusker and had been banished from its herd. There was only one gypsy ahead of us at that moment. Suddenly, we saw the Tusker coming in our direction. Once our guide believed that it was getting uncomfortably close, he requested the driver of the gypsy ahead of us to move. That bloody bugger just kept telling our guide that he's getting concerned unnecessarily, the Tusker will go away. To our horror, the Tusker reached within 5m from our position and even our guide seemed concerned. Luckily for us, a few gypsies arrived almost together from the rear and the Tusker moved towards them. Things changed so drastically for us within a minute. From sheer terror, we're now laughing as the approaching gypsies braked and started reversing big time. Then it was time for us, our guide and our driver to give mouthfuls to the other gypsy's driver who'd refused to move. Guess what's the reason he gave us; his guests were clicking pictures of the big elephant.

So what was the reaction of the gypsy drivers after the Tiger had had some fun with them?

EDIT: Did your guide provide info on this Tiger? Asking cause it looks kinda lethargic (is he old?) and shabby.

Last edited by lordofgondor : 24th February 2011 at 17:41.
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Old 24th February 2011, 18:10   #41
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Re: Red Baron :Bombay-Uttarakhand-Delhi-Bombay:24 Dec 2010 - 6 Jan 2011, 3877 kms of

>>>

lordofgondor,

It was the guides who were more to blame than the drivers, who were hell bent on showing their customers - as if the animals would be performing fleas; most 'customers' also do not have the sensitivity to distinguish between a cinema show and a 'wildlife show'.

This is a young male tiger sauntering casually. The pics do not do justice to it. They never can and they never will.

The faux charge was absolutely stunning - pity that I could not capture it in my video camera. The quick acceleration and the snarls were enough to frighten the daylights of them all. It was just a show by the tiger of course; I shudder to think if he had carried through for another five odd metres.

It would have been a tragedy for the customers.

Regards, drive safe
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Old 24th February 2011, 19:46   #42
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Re: Red Baron :Bombay-Uttarakhand-Delhi-Bombay:24 Dec 2010 - 6 Jan 2011, 3877 kms of

Dada my compliments to your daughter for the snaps. As abheekg pointed out it is not easy to take snaps from a moving vehicle and a gypsy at that! Must have been a great moment getting to see the tiger and that too at such a close quarter.


Quote:
Originally Posted by issigonis View Post
>>>
Not to compare but to me the tiger is a more majestic, more graceful and hence a more charming animal.
My sentiments run along the same line too!

Quote:
Originally Posted by issigonis View Post
>>>
It was the guides who were more to blame than the drivers, who were hell bent on showing their customers - as if the animals would be performing fleas; most 'customers' also do not have the sensitivity to distinguish between a cinema show and a 'wildlife show'.
Unfortunately this happens in all the tiger reserves which have safaris. Mostly it is the customers who are at fault, cos they demand that the drivers and the guides do as they say because they are the ones who are spending the money!
This is a young male tiger sauntering casually. The pics do not do justice to it. They never can and they never will.
How very true!
The faux charge was absolutely stunning - pity that I could not capture it in my video camera. The quick acceleration and the snarls were enough to frighten the daylights of them all. It was just a show by the tiger of course; I shudder to think if he had carried through for another five odd metres.
Now that must have been one hell of a sight!
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Old 25th February 2011, 09:20   #43
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Re: Red Baron :Bombay-Uttarakhand-Delhi-Bombay:24 Dec 2010 - 6 Jan 2011, 3877 kms of

Lovely TL Dada, and great pics too. My congratulations to your daughter for such lovely pics. Coming from you, it had to be a well written essay. Your TL is one more inspiration for me to do a mega-long drive. I have already booked seats with BB (in principle). Please do pour in some more.
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Old 28th February 2011, 19:24   #44
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Re: Red Baron :Bombay-Uttarakhand-Delhi-Bombay:24 Dec 2010 - 6 Jan 2011, 3877 kms of

>>>

The snaps continue..these are the last for the tiger. My daughter snapped some more pics of other wildlife, which will follow in my next post.

Pic # 66:
Red Baron :Bombay-Uttarakhand-Delhi-Bombay:24 Dec 2010 - 6 Jan 2011, 3877 kms of fun-img_1938.jpg

Pic # 67 :
Red Baron :Bombay-Uttarakhand-Delhi-Bombay:24 Dec 2010 - 6 Jan 2011, 3877 kms of fun-img_1939.jpg

Pic # 68 :
Red Baron :Bombay-Uttarakhand-Delhi-Bombay:24 Dec 2010 - 6 Jan 2011, 3877 kms of fun-img_1940.jpg

Pic # 69 :
Red Baron :Bombay-Uttarakhand-Delhi-Bombay:24 Dec 2010 - 6 Jan 2011, 3877 kms of fun-img_1942.jpg

Pic # 70 :
Red Baron :Bombay-Uttarakhand-Delhi-Bombay:24 Dec 2010 - 6 Jan 2011, 3877 kms of fun-img_1943.jpg

Pic # 71 :
Red Baron :Bombay-Uttarakhand-Delhi-Bombay:24 Dec 2010 - 6 Jan 2011, 3877 kms of fun-img_1944.jpg

Pic # 72 :
Red Baron :Bombay-Uttarakhand-Delhi-Bombay:24 Dec 2010 - 6 Jan 2011, 3877 kms of fun-img_1945.jpg

Pic # 73 :
Red Baron :Bombay-Uttarakhand-Delhi-Bombay:24 Dec 2010 - 6 Jan 2011, 3877 kms of fun-img_1946.jpg



This is the last sighting of this tiger, an extraordinary experience for us. A moment later it bounded off the beaten track and disappeared in the undergrowth.

Reminds one of the William Blake poem that one read in school :

Tyger tyger burning bright
In the forests of the night
What immortal hand or eye
Dare frame thy fearful symmetry?

More pics of our Corbett jaunt follow.

Regards, drive safe
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Old 6th March 2011, 21:16   #45
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Re: Red Baron :Bombay-Uttarakhand-Delhi-Bombay:24 Dec 2010 - 6 Jan 2011, 3877 kms of

>>>

Apologies for the longish interregnum.

We continue with our activities on 29th December 2010 in Corbett after our last glimpse of our panthera tigris tigris. Magnificent presence, unforgettable.

Although I did not have any expectations, our guide remarked that now as we had seen something exceptional ( the trailing of the tiger, not just the viewing alone), the rest would be mundane. I disagree. Wildlife has infinite variety and range.

The following snaps capture the rest of the time in Corbett.

Pic 74 :

The chaur (Himalayan grassland) with the jungle beyond
Red Baron :Bombay-Uttarakhand-Delhi-Bombay:24 Dec 2010 - 6 Jan 2011, 3877 kms of fun-img_1947.jpg

Pic 75 :

View of the Kanda uplands
Red Baron :Bombay-Uttarakhand-Delhi-Bombay:24 Dec 2010 - 6 Jan 2011, 3877 kms of fun-img_1948.jpg

Pic 76 :

Tree of life
Red Baron :Bombay-Uttarakhand-Delhi-Bombay:24 Dec 2010 - 6 Jan 2011, 3877 kms of fun-img_1951.jpg

Pic 77 :

Time to satiate the other pang
Red Baron :Bombay-Uttarakhand-Delhi-Bombay:24 Dec 2010 - 6 Jan 2011, 3877 kms of fun-img_1952.jpg

Pic 78 :

Share of the high table?
Red Baron :Bombay-Uttarakhand-Delhi-Bombay:24 Dec 2010 - 6 Jan 2011, 3877 kms of fun-img_1953.jpg

Pic 79 :

Man's social circle?
Red Baron :Bombay-Uttarakhand-Delhi-Bombay:24 Dec 2010 - 6 Jan 2011, 3877 kms of fun-img_1955.jpg

Pic 80 :

Feathered spectator 1
Any idea about the specie?
Red Baron :Bombay-Uttarakhand-Delhi-Bombay:24 Dec 2010 - 6 Jan 2011, 3877 kms of fun-img_1957.jpg

Pic 81 :

Feathered spectator 2
Any idea about the specie?
Red Baron :Bombay-Uttarakhand-Delhi-Bombay:24 Dec 2010 - 6 Jan 2011, 3877 kms of fun-img_1958.jpg

Pic 82 :

An anthill - signs of a thriving ecosystem
Red Baron :Bombay-Uttarakhand-Delhi-Bombay:24 Dec 2010 - 6 Jan 2011, 3877 kms of fun-img_1961.jpg

Pic 83 :

Red Baron :Bombay-Uttarakhand-Delhi-Bombay:24 Dec 2010 - 6 Jan 2011, 3877 kms of fun-img_1962.jpgThe anthill, nearer

More to follow.

Regards, drive safe
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