Kumily, Western Ghats.
I am up in the mountains. It is a lot cooler and more pleasant. This morning I went for a nature walk at Periyar Tiger Reserve at Kumily, in Kerala. First thing I saw at the guide’s hut was a Golden-fronted Leafbird. Not a bad first impression I am thinking.
Golden-fronted Leafbird (Chloropsis aurifrons)
We were given some leech socks which I have never seen before. They seemed to have worked because at the end of the day I had a couple of leeches in my shoe and a girl had a couple too. But no bites. So they do work.
Great Hornbill (Buceros bicornis)
I was very stoked to see quite a few Great Hornbill fly overhead. I was clicking away madly. That reminds me, I have to add these to my hornbill page.
Malabar Parakeet (Psittacula columbides)
I was trying to photograph the elephants but this male Malabar Parakeet kept popping up near to us, so I had to divert to get him and then back to the elephants. Which you will see later.
White-browed Wagtail (Motacilla maderaspatensis)
I thought these White-browed Wagtails were a couple of Oriental Magpie-robins until I looked at the photos closely. I got the shock of my life. The photo is pretty dodgy – record shot only.
Southern Hill Myna (Gracula indica)
A record shot only. Not seen these Southern Hill Mynas but I have seen the Common Hill Mynas in Malaysia, or have I? Well, actually seen at Kep, Cambodia and Singapore Botanic Gardens.
Jungle Myna (Acridotheres fuscus)
There were a pair of Jungle Myna with a nest near my homestay/lodge. I have seen these before in Jerantut, Malaysia.
Nilgiri langur (Trachypithecus johnii)
A few Nilgiri Langur were feeding in a tree near the trail.
This one is a 20 year old male. There was a 60 year old female there as well. The male here has tusks.
Malabar Giant Squirrel (Ratufa indica)
This is also called the Indian Giant Squirrel. He was way high up in the tree. “The Indian giant squirrel, or Malabar giant squirrel, is a large tree squirrel species genus Ratufa native to India. It is a large-bodied diurnal, arboreal, and herbivorous squirrel found in South Asia.” (Wikipedia.)
Southern Birdwing (Troides minos)
The guide said this butterfly was very rare. I have no idea about butterflies. It may be the state butterfly of Karnataka state.
Periyar Tiger Reserve bird list
Great Hornbill (Buceros bicornis)
Malabar Parakeet (Psittacula columbides)
Southern Hill Myna (Gracula indica)
Golden-fronted Leafbird (Chloropsis aurifrons)
White-browed Wagtail (Motacilla maderaspatensis)
Jungle Myna (Acridotheres fuscus)
Cattle Egret
Indian Pond Heron
Asian Openbill
Woolly-necked Stork (Ciconia episcopus)
Grey Heron
Red-wattled Lapwing
Common Kingfisher
White-throated Kingfisher
Greater Racket-tailed Drongo
Mammals
Gaur or Indian Bison (Bos gaurus)
Sambar
Asian Elephant
Malabar Giant Squirrel or Indian Giant Squirrel (Ratufa indica)
Nilgiri langur (Trachypithecus johnii)
Butterflies
Southern Birdwing (Troides minos)