Apologies on the onset, this would be a series of posts, I'm trying to share as much as I can but it never seems sufficient...!
After
a wonderful start to my Gujarat sojourn at Velavadar, off we came back to
Ahmedabad with Falguna getting me dropped at the railway station to proceed
towards Chote Rann or LRK. As I was traveling solo, I chose the public transport often
hopping on to the rails and bus services to commute between the places I
intended to visit and I had a gala of a time commuting by public transport
meeting so many unique individuals and witness to the world pass by as the
train chugged along.
Viramgam
Junction is the nearest railway station to Little Rann of Kutch, just about 70kms
from Ahmedabad, and the town Patdi (my place of stay) about 30kms further away from
Viramgam railway station. I chose to stay at Bhavna Resort & Farm, a place
not known to many and surprisingly located very close to the Indian Wild AssSanctuary, the sanctuary I had planned to visit. Also, by choosing to stay
here, I chose to stay away from the regular jaunt of photographers/birdwatchers
that prefer to stay at the Rann Riders / Royal Safari Camp or other places
located a little far away from the sanctuary premises.
I
boarded the Somnath Express and landed in Viramgam Jn at midnight and the
vehicle from the resort was waiting for me at the station to take me to Bhavna
farms at Patdi. With dreary eyes too, I was impressed by the appearance of the
cottage and the interiors in particular, made up very well and I instantly
dozed off after a long tiring day of travel.
Morning
made me appreciate the property I was staying better, especially the cottages,
locally known as Koobas, that were well equipped with a typical traditional appearance
that would make you appreciate the efforts behind it. Geared up for Rann, met
Prashanth, the owner of the property who briefed me about the plans for the day
that sounded very promising. I was to have a jeep with me entirely for the 3
days I would be staying there and Pratap bhai (from the forest department)
would be guiding me around and Pravin was the driver.
Armed
with packed breakfast, all ready with battle gear, off I went on my first
sojourn in the Rann, the Little Rann of Kutch with my permits inside the Wild
Ass Sanctuary to sight new birds, birds and birds, all pumped up and excited.
With
just a little distance inside the sanctuary, the jeep refused to budge ahead
and conked off…! Well, the old Mahindra was showing its age with pomp and glee
and my excited face was now turning into a hot red beacon. We tried to exchange
our vehicle with another (driven by a more experienced person) from the same
resort but will little success as the problem with the vehicle continued for
the entire duration we were inside!
Well,
the best part of the Rann sanctuary is that once you enter, you can stay in for
the entire day without the need to come back and go again in the afternoon that
helps save a lot of time but we chose to go back to the resort for lunch as the
sun was too harsh and the erratic jeep helping no end and even Pratap
suggesting taking a break from the hot sun.
Still,
with the agonizing jeep, I got to see my first sights of the Common Cranes,
Greater Flamingo’s and more than a couple of Tawny Eagle’s and many other bird
species in Rann. Disturbed by the roaring of the sick jeep, we got to see a
Desert Fox run for cover and safety from us.
Trudging
slowly along, revving the jeep continuously, flamingo’s, harriers, kestrels,
eagle’s, Wheatears, Whimbrels, and the star of the Rann – The Indian Wild Ass greeting us all
along, and while close to a water source, got to see a couple of ‘Common
Shelduck’s disappear into horizon (they are considered vagrant and elusive in
Rann as I was told) and to add, the sightings of the Dalmatian Pelicans helped
me regain my enthusiasm and excitement.
I came
back to the resort with mixed reactions hoping the evening session would be rid
of glitches. The food served was good with a menu of authentic Gujarati cuisine
and I enjoyed the hot mouth watering food on all the days I stayed. A quick nap
and I would again be back in the Rann. Evenings are considered more suitable
for the raptors as they come back to roost and if there is good light you could
get some wonderful frames with the setting sun in the background. Alas! The
setting sun was probably miffed with me because for some reason or other, never
got to see the famed view of sunset in Rann as the clouds played spoilsport all
the days I was in Rann.
Again
charged up and with the news that the vehicle was fixed and ready, got into
Rann and the dry desert was buzzing with activity either with the sighting of
birds or the charismatic Wild Ass. Sooner than latter, the jeep conked off
again with now a problem with the oil filter made me go into a frenzy mood
again, but was controlled better and there were no major stoppages for the
evening.
As we roamed around looking for raptors and owls, the highlight of the day was the sighting of the Short-eared Owl at striking distance from the vehicle taking both of us by surprise, it took a few seconds for the birdie to realize and those few seconds were sufficient for me to capture couple of shots and then it flew away into thick growth that was beyond our vehicle’s reach and a ghastly view of bone littered ‘hyaena’ den area marked the end of the day for me as I came back with happy.
Oh yes!, I forgot about the Peregrine Falcon that put in a late appearance after dusk, just as we were racing to leave the sanctuary premises as it was late. I've always been fascinated by this beautiful bird of prey, the fastest flyer and an incredibly powerful bird. I've hardly seen it a couple of times and none have been long enough... awaiting my date with the powerful Falcon soon...
to be continued...
