Children of the neelakurinji

Children of the neelakurinji

Barefoot, these kids are climbing a very special mountainside behind their Ooty village. For the first time in their lives the hill has become purple with…


Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes kunthiana) bloom of 2018

Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes kunthiana) bloom of 2018

Last time these flowers were seen was 12 years ago, and the next time will be in 12 years! During an entire century this species will bloom only 8 times – that…


Neelakurinji bloom in the Nilgiris

Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes kunthiana) bloom of 2018

A spectacular view of the Neelakurinji bloom in the Nilgiris! Last time these flowers were seen was 12 years ago, and the next time will be in 12 years!…


Kannan Devan Hills Tea garden

Kannan Devan Hills Tea garden

Some tea plantations are like artwork, with countless shapes, patterns and variations of green, creating a living gallery of abstracts to the beholder.…


Heliconius sp

Heliconius sp

This was my farwell to Chalalan, and even though it was raining some butterflies were out feeding on urine or naturally occuring salts. Please help me identify…


Echinodorus

Echinodorus sp

There is a group of this plant alongside the pier, and of course plenty more around the Chalalan lake. Help me identify it by leaving a comment.…


Echinodorus

Echinodorus sp

There is a group of this plant alongside the pier, and of course plenty more around the Chalalan lake. Help me identify it by leaving a comment.…


Hoatzin (Opisthocomus hoazin)

Hoatzin (Opisthocomus hoazin)

This hoatzin (Opisthocomus hoazin) was perched in such a nice position and light, as if it wanted me to take a picture. Usually they prefer some distance, and…


Black Caiman (Melanosuchus niger)

Black Caiman (Melanosuchus niger)

This lake is quite far from the Tuichi River and has no stream in or out, but this black caiman (Melanosuchus niger) has found its way to this small and…


Hoatzin (Opisthocomus hoazin)

Hoatzin (Opisthocomus hoazin)

The sun has set and the Hoatzin is prepping for the nocturnal activities. The moon is bright, and that sometimes brings out sounds never heard during the day.…