Live Encounters Magazine Volume One November-December 2024.
Winged beauties of Tadoba, photo feature by Roydon Cerejo.
The Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve nestled in the heart of Chandrapur district of Maharashtra, India, attracts thousands of visitors each year all in the hopes of catching even a glimpse of orange and black stripes. But should you strike out, you shouldn’t be disheartened. Apart from the majestic tiger, the reserve is also a haven for roughly 195 species of birds, including three endangered species. The Andhari river that flows through the range and the two lakes in the reserve provide water all-year round, allowing the diverse wildlife to thrive.
If you aren’t a bird enthusiast, a single visit to Tadoba is enough to turn you into one. Even during the summer months, it’s easy to spot a variety of wetland and grassland birds as you trundle along the forest path in your guided vehicle. Some of the interesting species of birds to look for would be the Indian pitta, Crested treeswift, Black ibis, and peacocks.
The Red-wattled lapwing is a common sighting near water bodies. Groups of Painted storks can be found in shallow water bodies, as they sift through the waters for fish. The White-throated fantail can be found all over Tadoba, while the Jungle babbler has a knack for interrupting your afternoon siestas. Make sure you carry along a pair of binoculars, and a good camera with a telephoto lens for capturing these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
© Roydon Cerejo
Roydon Cerejo is a digital media professional with over 10 years of experience covering consumer tech for some of the leading media houses in India. He is also an aspiring photographer and enjoys capturing candid moments, mostly of his family, with either his phone or digital camera. Wildlife photography is one of his budding interests, and his goal is to explore more of the rich and varied wildlife habitats of India.