(delhibirdpix) PORTRAIT # 031 - The Migratory Passerines - # 19.04 - Globally Threatened - Yellow-eyed Pigeon (Columba eversmanni) - 2015-057

The lure is always great when the Bird is Globally Threatened, Has only isolated records, not

seen in area where you live and then it is Reported in 'Thousands' that represents about 5-10%

of the global population.

One has to then make all efforts to go and chase it.  The Species was not reported for a long time.  Last, it

was mentioned to me by Martin - who had seen them in Harike - in 2003-04 with a suggestion to

look for these at Okhla Bird Park that was my regular haunt for Birding.  No Luck till it was reported

from Tal Chhapar in 2009.  We all dashed there and did get to see.  But, the appetite was not

satisfied even though we did get to see these in 2011 and also 2014 there at Tal Chhapar.

Then came the reports from Bikaner in Rajasthan.  So, WingCo, Vineeta and yours truly decided

to spend a few days there for Yellow-Eyed Pigeons and also Vultures and Eagles that abound there

in huge numbers.  All true.  We were late by a couple of months or we would have seen all in thousands.

As I said, "Lure is Great".  So, it was.  We were not satisfied with 'long shots' but wanted 'Close-ups'

like the one attached here.  So, the chase started.  We would inch to the area where we would spot

these.  And, then 'The Fox' added another dimension.

Lo and behold, we started inching towards the spot.  And, then the consequence.  Drove 'into the soft sand' and got

stuck.

Weather was threatening.  Clouds had been building for some time and it was almost dark at

17.30 when we got stuck.  Lightening seen. Thunder heard.  Light disappearing.  No signs of life

for miles around.

Rescue started.  We gathered all kinds of dry bushes, pulled out rubber mats so the wheels

would get some 'traction'  It was not to be.  With every push and drive, we were getting deeper

in to the sand.

On top came the drizzle first.  Went under a 'tree' - what Vineeta christened as 'Ghost Tree'.

Rajveer, our guide, contacted some on phone (theirs were working while mine - An Airtel - had

Network Problem (change your service provider if you are on Airtel or you may get stuck in a

jungle sometime). None was available to bring a vehicle to pull us out.  Meanwhile, I sought help

from the DCF while WingCo was trying to reach the 'DM's office".

Then, it rained and we bogged down deeper.

The luck changed. 

DCF came good.  There was help coming.  Rain stopped to a minor

drizzle despite there being crackling lightening in all directions, thunder all over and rain was

reported from the city and other areas as real heavy with hail storm.

A Bolero with 4x4 came in.  We had two tow-chains.  The Guy - Hemraj Singh Kumvawat -

decided to use the 'steel chain good for 5 Tonne' as described.  First, the 4x4 Bolero too

slipped and would not pull.  Hemraj made another try.  With one jerk, the 'tow-chain' broke.

(Morals: A. do not buy 'chinese' stuff B. do not buy from Rediff (the delivery took a long, long, time.

C. Modiji please hard-push 'Make in India' movement so we get 'desi' stuff that finally pulled us out)

We were deciding to leave the Car in the wilderness but then Hemraj - a Karmath (Industrious) Guy

did not give up and called for a Tractor. It came, hooked and  One strong pull and we were rolling.

Huge thanks to Hemraj, His Friend and also to the DCF Mr. Ram Nivas who also took the pains to look after us even

though he was not in Bikaner.

Soon, we were in Circuit House and then the heavens broke loose again.

Long day - 03.30 to 22.30, just 19 hours but then that is what 'committed birders' do.

Buoyed by all the luck and the experience we did not give up.  Next day we saw over a thousand of

Yellow-eyed Pigeons and some of them obliged for some close shots.

Images taken on 2nd and 3rd April at Jorbeed Conservation Reserve, Bikaner.  A must visit place

if you wish to shake hands with Vultures and Raptors.

Enjoy.

Anand Arya
353, Sector 15A
NOIDA 201301
INDIA
+ 91 98182 61909
www.anandarya.com
www.okhlabirdpark.com
"This is a copyrighted image. Not to be used for any purpose without prior permission."
Canon 7D M2 + 800mm