“The wilderness imposes a profound stillness on the river of your soul.”

Robbie John

 

I’ve been awol* (away on leave) again; into the depths of my own wilderness I can claim. Today I bring to you snippets from the wilderness walks that I’ve indulged in; in the past few months. It’s been a while I shared notes from the wilderness.

When I started writing this post it was early autumn. I need not say that now, we are well into winter.

Here’s what circled my senses from about a month and a half ago.

“Autumn is upon us, as are a teeming bunch of winter migrants. The air is rife with sweet, sublime scents. The flowers and trees have been swaying to the wisps of festivities. What better time to celebrate nature than this.”

Present Tense

Things haven’t changed drastically, I must say.

Just that we have been enveloped by a dense smog for the past month or so, which has made it impossible to go out birding. The winter migrants have apparently delayed their journey.

There is a glimmer of hope as I write this.

The winter sun pierces the smog to claim it’s place in the world. It’s such a relief from the dark, dreary, gloomy days from the past few weeks.

The day my 15 year-old went back to boarding school, the sun chose to go on a sabbatical too; as though grieving her absence. The buttercup spent a month and a-half of her autumn break regaling us with her sunny presence.

Today I bring to you a big collection of images from our monsoon-autumn walks.

There is another set of images from our visit to the gorgeous Purbasthali Bird sanctuary, set amidst the hidden gem of an oxbow lake called Chupi Char. I spotted a few lifers there including the stunning Bronze Winged Jacanas. But that’s a “tail” for another day. Given it has such a stunning tail! ♥ 😉

The next few images are from our walk at the Sultanpur National park that’s about 40 minutes, from where we live. All picture credits go to the 15 year-old. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wetlands and More

The next few pictures are from our walk to the expansive Chandu wetlands and around. It was fascinating to chance upon a lone sarus crane busy socialising with a Common Crane, Painted storks and other waders. Some of my own photos here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Monsoon Magic

From another walk by the CRPF camp, at Bhondsi; we were glad to be greeted by the rainbow coloured Indian Pitta. My second sighting in four-five years. The species makes this part of our city, in North India, home for a few months around monsoons; before heading back to South India.

My older one who is no big bird lover joined us for this walk, along with her partner who is a complete wildlife buff. She foraged for fungi, and scanned the ground, while we immersed ourselves looking up. 🙂

 

 

 

The last three images circle back to Sultanpur National Park again and are, yes; photographed by the 15 year-old.

 

 

 

Adieu

It’s wrap up time. These were fun notes to share.

I hope you enjoyed reading and seeing the critters and flora, as much as we did. Recounting those moments were fun, in these Notes from the Wilderness.

 

So long!

Enjoy the final few days of the year, y’all.

Take time to pause and just be.

I know the festivities are in full swing, but a little time to reflect and be grateful for what is and what has been, is great too; while you sip on your cuppa.

Here’s mine from yesterday with a dash of cinnamon and coconut oil, and a homemade healthy, crunchy walnut carrot cake (credits our home chef-Manisha).

Love, Kisses and Laughter xoxo

Natasha ♥

 

 

A Michael Buble’s Christmas playlist,  just for you. Enjoy!

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UTLEKJklMKs