Indian Paradise Flycatcher- Black & White Plumage

[Sabyasachi Patra]

Good to see the bird in its natural surroundings. Difficult to get the black on black ie black eye on black head. However the black eye is clearly visible. The white and dark creates an exposure challenge. These days the modern cameras have better dynamic range so it is a bit easier.

I haven't been to Masinagudi for some time. I have some nice experiences there trekking. I have also seen elephant calf suckling from mom while having morning tea. Same thing with gaur calf as well. However, this was before the boom in resorts. In a later visit, there was a group of dealers celebrating late into the night with loud music and I had to finally threaten them with dire consequence to make them tone down the loud music. Now that many resorts have been forced to close due to the elephant corridor I guess there would be more peace?

[Murugan Anantharaman]

How I wish I could say Yes, but the reality is far from it. We were in Masinagudi on the night of 31st Dec and much to our dismay some families(hotel guests) were celebrating New Year with loud music and alcohol et al. The resort guys couldnt say anything as it was 31st Dec, and for some reason revelers believe its ok to be a nuisance on new year eve. We were rudely woken up at 11.30pm and things slowed down by around 12.45am. Then at 1.30am 2-3 policemen came demanding free rooms and alcohol. The resort owner who was incidentally in house, sent the cops away threatening them due to his political clout,supposedly. Where can one find peace in such situations???