A Tortoise With A Mind

A quick and keen tortoise

This tortoise literally sprung out of the bushes as I was photographing a flowers and headed straight for my camera and self, pushing me back farther and farther down the path. And all I could think during this sudden bounty, hopping backwards as I was, was to take a clear picture...just the one shot...and a video. Quite a juggle it was given the bloke was a speedy joe. And purposeful too.

Sharang thought he might take a quick picture of him to use as a screensaver for his mobile camera and the tortoise halted and stopped to have a look at his camera.



Speedy Tortoise stops to check out the Mobile Gadget

That gave me few precious seconds to gather myself and take the clear shot above.
Photo taken at Pushkar, Rajasthan, India.

Camera used: Nikon D5100 DSLR with AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR Lens.

March 2013

Gray Langurs

Gray Langur
(Semnopithecus dussumieri)



 

Gray Langur or Hanuman Langur belongs to the genus Semnopithecus. Out of the seven species of in this genus, this is a photo of a family of Southern Plains Gray Langur or  Semnopithecus dussumieri.^{[ 1 ]} Belongs to a group of Old World Monkeys or Cercopithecidae.

 

Photo taken at Nakki Lake, Mount Abu, Rajasthan, India.

Camera used: Nikon D5100 DSLR with AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR Lens.

March 2013


Water Snakes

Water Snakes

Water snakes coming to the surface to catch the heat from morning sun to arm their bodies. I couldn't identify the species.

 

Photo taken at Nakki Lake, Mount Abu, Rajasthan, India.

Camera used: Nikon D5100 DSLR with Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR Lens.

March 2013

Indian Flap Shelled Turtle (Lissemys punctata)

Fresh Water Turtle

This fresh water turtle was dozing in the morning sun and was perhaps startled by the two blue-bodied dragonflies hovering around its head. Or maybe us.

Photo taken at Nakki Lake, Mount Abu, Rajasthan, India.

Camera used: Nikon D5100 DSLR with Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR Lens.

March 2013

Update: 6th July 2013

I have tentatively identified this turtle as Indian Flap Shelled Turtle (Lissemys punctate).

Door's open for suggestions though. Thanks.


Pekin Duck

Pekin duck
(Anas platyrhynchos domestica)

Pekin Duck (Anas platyrhynchos domestica ) with its duckling swimming by.

 

Photo taken at Nakki Lake, Mount Abu, Rajasthan, India.
 

Camera used: Nikon D5100 DSLR with Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR Lens.

March 2013



Red Wattled Lapwing

Red Wattled Lapwing
(Vanellus indicus)

Red Wattled Lapwing (Vanellus indicus)  standing on one leg made for a great pose. These birds are found even near watering holes in the desert.
  

Photo taken at Nakki Lake, Mount Abu, Rajasthan, India.
 

Camera used: Nikon D5100 DSLR with Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR Lens.

March 2013

Blue Billed Heron

Blue Billed Heron



I haven't been able to identify this bird. Any help in correct identification and nomenclature will be appreciated.

 

The bird stands up to 3 feet, has blue legs and paws with are yellow-brown. Could be that that is lake mud sticking. The bill is blue. White feathers and a floppy plume hanging back from its head. There is also a chest hair of fine feathers and one on its rump...

 

Snapped in the shade on the banks of Nakki Lake, Mount Abu, Rajasthan, India.

 

Camera used: Nikon D5100 DSLR with Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR Lens.

 

March 2013

Indian Cormorant

Indian Cormorant
(Phalacrocorax fuscicollis)

 

Indian Cormorant (Phalacrocorax fuscicollis) also known as Indian Shag sunning itself. yellow and white cheek and bill feathers.
 

Photo taken at Nakki Lake, Mount Abu, Rajasthan, India.
 

Camera used: Nikon D5100 DSLR with Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR Lens.

March 2013

Indian Cormorant Swallowing Catfish



Indian Cormorant
(Phalacrocorax fuscicollis)

 

Indian Cormorant (Phalacrocorax fuscicollis) also known as Indian Shag.
 

Snapped at feeding time at Nakki Lake, Mount Abu, Rajasthan, India.
 

Camera used: Nikon D5100 DSLR with Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR Lens.

March 2013