African Lions are keystone spices in African Savanna and also playing a vital role for eco-system. Africa is a dream of every wildlife Photographer to visit. In Africa you can find mammals, serpents, birds, miniatures, macros, water animals and many more. In Africa most people in the world visit Masai Mara National Park. Masai mara is the biggest wildlife National park in Kenya to visit. During June to August month the National park is full of tourist to see the migration of wild beasts. Also you heard about Big Five Africa that includes the major 5 animals of Africa. In Big 5 African Animal includes Lion, Leopard, Buffalo, Rhino and Elephant. Africa is very famous for Lions and Elephants too. In Masai Mara Safari timing is early morning and evening can do also you can go for full day safari about 6 hours with packed lunch. I found lions and also pride of lions in early morning safari.
Facts About African Lions :
- African lion is a spices of Pantherian Cat.
- It has deep chested body and round head and ears.
- African Lion total length is about 208 cm from head to tail.
- Group of femali Lions hunts together.
- Adult male Lion have prominent mane.
- Lions found in grassland and savannas.
- Population of Lions in African countries decline about 43% since 1996 so they put Vulnerable on IUCN red list.
- In zoos lions breed with tigers for hybrid spices. Hybrid spices called Liger. It is bigger than Lion and Tiger.
- Lions are only cats that lives in Group.
- A lion's roar may heard around 8 km away.
- Lions mark their territory with their wee and create a border.
- African lions bite force is around 600-1000 PSI.
- Lions are most intelligent cats.
- Lions gestation period around 3-4 months. They deliver 2-6 cubs generally. Cubs stay with mother around 18 months.
- African lions lifespan is around 15-18 years.
- As per African wildlife report lions can sleep 20 hours in a day.
In Kenya there are lots of wildlife Sanctuaries to visit like Masai Mara National park, Amboseli National Park, Tsavo National park, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasa etc. Among them Masai Mara National Park and Amboseli National Park are most favorite for Lions and Elephants. In Masai mara national park you can see all major animals at one place so it is most favorite place for wildlife photographer. During migration time the Masai Mara National Park is full of tourist. There are many resorts inside of Masai Mara National Park so it is better to do best experience in the wild. During migration time resorts and hotel prices are too high.
Park fees For Masai Mara National Park :
From 1st Jan 2024 park fees for Masai mara national park is revised and increased too.
For Non resident adult fees is 100 $ per person per day. Child from 9-17 years fees 50$ per person per day. These fees are applicable from 1st January to 30 th June.
From 1 st July onwards fees for Masai Mara National Park is 200 $ for non resident adult per person per day. For child fees remains same.
Lions are most social big cats. They living in pride which include females, cubs and one or two males. Lions are predators and they hunt together with teamwork to take down prey. Population of African Lions are significantly decline due to habitat loss, poaching , conflict with humans etc.
African Lions Vs Asiatic Lions :
- African lions are bigger than Asiatic Lions. African Lion weight around 500 pounds of male and 350 pounds of female. Asiatic Lion weight 450 pound of male and 350 pound of female.
- Male African lion have thick and full mane while Asiatic lions have shorter and sparser mane.
- Both lions live in pride but African Lion pride have one or two males while Asiatic lions have only one male.
- African lions live in various savannas and grasslands in Africa while Asiatic lions have only one forest Gir National Park.
- African Lions hunts large prey like wildebeest, zebra etc while Asiatic lions hunts small prey like Antelope and deer.
- Both Lions spices are Endangered. African Lions face habitat loss and conflict with humans while Asiatic lions face restricted habitat in Gir National Park.
Lions are big mammals and while in safari if you see them you definitely scared. It is really a great experience to see African Lion too close and contact eye to eye. My hands are shacked while clicking photos because if Lion jump on my van then i would be his breakfast definitely. Overall great experience in Masai Mara and also at Amboseli National park in Kenya to watch lions with their cubs and family.
Photos Taken at Masai mara National Park and Amboseli National Park in Kenya
Gear Used : Canon 6 D with Canon 100-400 mm lens.
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Baboons are Old world monkeys. In Kenya and Eastern Africa yellow baboon and olive baboon monkey spices found mostly. There are total 6 spices of baboon monkeys as below.
- Chacma Baboon – Found in Southern Africa
- Guinea Baboon – Far western Africa
- Hamadryas Baboon – Southwestern Arabia and Horn of Africa
- Olive Baboon – Savanna or North central Africa
- Kinda Baboon – Central Africa
- Yellow Baboon – Eastern Africa and South Central Africa
Well during my trip to Kenya I found Yellow Baboon monkey at Amboseli National Park and Masai mara National Park. I also found Vervet Monkey which is also a family of Old World Monkey too.
Yellow Baboon :
In Greek Yellow Baboon spices mean DOG HEAD as it has dog like shape of head and muzzle. Yellow Baboon found in Savanna , Kenya, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Botswana and light forest in eastern Africa.
- Yellow Baboon has long arm and legs. It has slim body.
- It has yellowish brown hair so its called yellow baboon.
- Male yellow baboon can grow 84cm approx. and female around 60cm.
- Tail is almost as long as its body.
- Lifespan of Yellow baboon is around 15-20 years.
- They live in a group of 8-200 individuals.
- As yellow baboon is omnivorous they eat plants, fruits, leaves, seeds, warms, fungi, spiders, insets and small mammals.
- Male yellow baboon leads the group and females and and baby stay in center.
- Baboons are very strong. Weight of baboon monkey is almost 35 kgs.
- It has sharp teeth as long as lions.
- Yellow Baboon is in Least Concern in IUCN list.
- Yellow Baboon is a family of Cercopithecidae.
During morning safari at Amboseli National Park I found Yellow Baboon monkey family. They were too far but I catch them with my camera with good quality pictures. I shoot alone Yellow Baboon and also I take a picture of Yellow Baboon with Kid on his back. Baby looks very cute.
Vervet Monkey :
- Vervet monkey is also a old world monkey.
- It has black face and body hair color is grey.
- Vervet monkey have been noted for having human like characteristics.
- Weight of vervet monkey around 3 to 9 kgs.
- Vervet monkey range from Southern and east Africa, south Sudan to down south Africa.
- Vervet monkey killed by Pythons, eagles, leopards and baboons mostly.
- Vervet monkey is omnivorous so they eat fruits, flowers, vegetable , grains, seeds etc.
During my trip to Amboseli national park I found vervet monkey at my hotel play yards. They are cute and very friendly to humans until you do not disturb them. We stay at Ol-tukai resort at abmoseli national park. Good resort to stay and good hospitality. In amboseli National Park there are also huge number of African Elephants you can find. A group of elephants easily found in the Amboseli National Park. Also if weather is clear then you can see Mount Kilimanjaro during safari. I also wonder a shot of elephant with Mount Kilimanjaro but weather did not support me.
Gear Used : Canon 6D, Canon 100-400 mm lens.
Location : Amboseli National Park , Kenya , Africa
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Every wildlife photographer's dream is to visit Africa. Also African Bush Elephant lovers has lots of places to visit like Amboseli National Park,Botswana etc...In Africa lots of wildlife sanctuaries You can visit but the most tourist attractions is Masai Mara National Park .The Giants suits to African elephant because of their large body thick skin and legs and big teeth and elephant large ears. African Elephant teeth weight approx. 5kgs per teeth.There are also different species like African bush Elephant and African forest Elephant. Here i saw you some cool photos of African elephant taken at Amboseli national park and Masai Mara National Park.
In Big 5 Africa animals elephant is one of them. African Elephant is really good subject in Wallpaper photos . Also African Bush Elephant is good for portrait or closeup photos too. The Elephants are travel in a group and they are dangerous when they are with their babies. Just stay away good distance to them. Elephants also looks good in black and white.
African Elephant Facts :
- African Elephant is the world's largest land animal.
- African Elephant Tusks are actually their teeth.
- They have very thick skin.
- Their trunk have some good skills.
- African Elephants are continuously eating every time and eat up to 150 kg per day.
- Elephants never forget things.
- African bush elephant height 3.2 m
- African bush elephant weight approx 6000 kg and African forest elephant weight around 2700 kg.
- Lifespan of African bush elephant and African forest elephant is 60-70 years.
Difference of Asian elephant vs African elephant :
- Asian elephant is smaller than African elephant.
- Asian elephant ears are also smaller then African elephant ears.
- Tusk is in only male of Asian elephant. In opposite male and female African elephant both grows tusks.
African Elephant Habitat :
African elephant live in dense forest of west and central Africa. They found most in grasslands, forests and savannas. They found at many regions around Africa and Asia. So Elephant Habitat has long range from Asia to Africa.
Big 5 African Animals : Well when i was on my trip to Africa I questioned my cousin What are the Big 5 Africa animals ?? He knows the animal names but he don't know why they called Big 5 Africa . After google some words I found that the Big 5 Africa animals are referred to the difficulty of their hunting. Mean This Big 5 African animals are arrange in order to their hunting skills. The Big 5 Africa animals are Lion, Leopard, Rhino, Elephant and African Buffalo. Well Hippo is not in Big 5 Africa bcz hippo is not a hunter as compare to big 5 Africa animals. Lions are the kings of Africa and known as King of the Jungle or King of Beasts.
Are Elephants scared from anyone ?
A huge and heavy body of elephant make scared anyone. But yes An elephant can fear from a little mouse. A mouse is very little in body in compare to An Elephant and it climb over the trunk of elephant.
Elephant can kill Humans ? :
Elephants are very respectable animals till they are not tempered. According to National Geographic article approx. 500 peoples are killed in a year in an elephant attack. But the number worry that far more than 500 elephants are killed by humans every year. So we need to be changed.
Where To stay in Amboseli National Park / Accommodation in Amboseli National Park : We stayed in Ol Tukai Resort and its very nice property. Also there are lots of resorts in Amboseli National Park. All are fine and good hospitality. During migration in Masai Mara and Amboseli time all hotels and resorts are full and high price. So if you planning in migration time then book as early as possible.
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In the canidae family of Jackal there are three types of Jackals.
- Black Backed Jackal
- Side Striped Jackal
- Golden Jackal
GOLDEN JACKAL AT CORBETT NATIONAL PARK
Golden jackal is a carnivorous mammals. Native of Golden Jackal is southeast Europe, southeast Asia and south Asia. Golden Jackal looks like a Indian Wolf but it little bit smaller in size compared to Arabian Wolf and Indian Grey wolf. The Golden Jackal's coat can vary in color from pale. In summer its color pale creamy yellow and dark tawny beige in winter. My first siting of Golden Jackal was in Jim Corbett National Park. I found a Golden Jackal during my morning safari at Corbett National Park. Golden Jackal is from biological family Canidae.
Golden Jackal facts :
- Golden Jackal is similar to Grey wolf but smaller in size.
- Shorter legs, short tail, muzzle is narrow and more pointed and less prominent forehead of Golden jackal in compare to Grey wolf.
- Golden Jackal Male length approx. 70-85 cm and Golden Jackal Female length around 68-73 cm.
- Male Golden Jackal weight around 6-13 kg and female Golden Jackal weight around 7-11 kg.
- Shoulder height for male and female golden jackal is 17-20 inch.
- The skull of Golden jackal is smaller then Grey wolf and also weaker too.
- Golden Jackal develops a horny growth on a skull which is known as " Golden Jackal's Horn ".
- The Jackal's fur is short and golden in color so its called Golden Jackal.
- The Jackal moults twice in a year. Spring Moult and Autumn Moult. The spring moult starts from February or middle March and Autumn moult starts in September mid.
Black Backed Jackal :
During my Kenya trip i accidentally get Black backed Jackal at Lake Nakuru. Lake Nakuru is very famous for Rhinoceros ( Rhino ). Here i found Rhino and also a Black Backed Jackal . Also African Vultures i found in a group.
- Black backed jackal found in Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, South Africa and Kenya.
- It is listed in IUCN least concern spices.
- It is also called Fox.
- Black backed Jackal has two sub spices
1 ) Cape Black Backed Jackal
2 ) East African Black Backed Jackal
Side Striped Jackal :
Till Now i doesn't get side striped jackal but it also found in southern Africa. It is smaller than black backed Jackal. I have no images of it and no more information about it.
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Scientific name of Golden Jackal is Canis Aureus
Camera gears used : Canon 6D with canon 100-400 mm lens
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Cheetah is the fastest animal on earth. It is a large cat of subfamily Felinae. This type cat find in Africa and Iran. It has slender body, spotted coat, deep chest, long thin leg, rounded head, and long spotted tail. Cheetahs are active during day time for hunting. By 2016 global cheetah population reaches 7100 approx.
Several African countries take many steps to improve population of cheetah. In Masai Mara sometimes Cheetah climb on safari van or car. I found cheetah in Amboseli National Park and also in Masai Mara/ Maasai Mara. Unfortunately i cant shoot at Amboseli National Park because its too far form us. Cheetah is not include in Big 5 Africa animals.
Facts About Cheetah :
- Cheetah body length is around 3.5 to 5 ft.
- Cheetah can reach 112 Km/h in short time.
- Height of cheetah is around 25-35 inch at shoulder.
- Cheetah has three groups : Female cheetah and cubs, Male and solitary male.
- Cheetah mostly active on day time.
- Cheetah hunts small size approx 35-40 kg mammals.
- Breeding season of Cheetah through out a year.
- Cheetah cubs are highly attacked by large mammals like Hyena and Lions.
- In Hindi Cheetah called Cita ( चीता ).
- Cheetah also called hunting leopard.
Is African Cheetah Endangered ? :
After survey and counting of African cheetah there are only 7100 Cheetah left. From Africa only cheetah vanished 90% of its population. In Africa Kenya has large population of cheetah around 1200 adults. Namibia has the largest population of Cheetah around 3500 till now. Due to lost of habitat and vulnerability to humans cheetah populations going down day by day. One interesting thing about wild cheetah is there is no record of cheetah killing humans.
Masai Mara Safari : During my trip to Masai Mara Kenya day 1 first safari and within 5 minute v got couple of cheetah on road. They are looking for hunt and v stay for some time to see kill but v r not lucky that much. but v see some beautiful moments of cheetah. From my van cheetah family just some feet's away. Both cheetah helping each other to clean their skin. I don't know either they male or female but that moment I see is beautiful. We do one day half half morning and evening safari and another day we go for full day safari and went to mara river side where we see crocodiles, Hippos too. There is an option of Lunch or breakfast in the middle of Jungle at extra cost if you want. That is unique experience but its expensive too. Also balloon ride in masai mara national park is at 450 $ per person approx. Also direct chartered flight options available who do not want to go by road.
Park fees in Masai Mara national park for foreigners : Well for non resident or foreigner park fees are 80 $ for adult and 45 $ for child. If you stay inside masai mara national park then fees are 70 $ per adult and 40 $ for child.
Both cheetah in photo looking for hunt for a long. We are waiting for their hunt and waiting for live kill of cheetah but unfortunately we are not lucky much. But its thrilling experience for me.
Masai Mara Hotels : All resort and hotels are really good at masai mara national park. For migration time some resorts are giving fantastic view from room so book accordingly while travel to masai mara migration time. For cheap trip to masai mara go in January to March. All hotels and resort hospitality is awesome and price worthy. I stay in Mara leisure camp resort. Resort is very good and neat and clean tent. Also big size tent too.
Location : Masai Mara National Park, Kenya.
Camera : Canon 6d with 100-400mm lens
Read moreIt is the largest species of Flamingo bird family and also a most widespread species of flamingo family.It is found in India ,south east , middle east and Africa. It is migratory bird. They also breed in India. In Gujarat they breed in Rann Of Kutch , Little Rann of Kutch also found in Thol Bird Sanctuary. I often visit Thol sanctuary so got good shots of them. Best time for shoot them is may-Jun at Thol bird sanctuary bcz of water level is too low . It is been recorded that some flamingo birds are resident in Gujarat at many places like LRK, Khijadia sanctuary, Nalsarovar and Thol Sanctuary. They also breed here and stay for all seasons. So you can find greater flamingo birds in all seasons in Gujarat at many places.
Flamingo bird facts and description :
- Greater flamingo bird is the largest living spices of flamingo.
- Greater flamingo has no subspices.
- Flamingo color most of pinkish white in plumage. Wings are red and feathers are black in end.
- Greater Flamingo bird call is like honking.
- The average lifespan of flamingo bird is 30-40 years.
- Main Difference between Greater flamingo and lesser flamingo is height . Lesser flamingo is shorter than greater flamingo. Also Greater flamingo has pale pink bill and black tip. In other case lesser flamingo has dark crimson bill. Lesser flamingo is also more red in color than greater flamingos.
Greater Flamingo birds In Thol Lake : Thol sanctuary is often i visit. Flamingo birds are stay here all seasons. I got good numbers of Greater flamingo and lesser flamingo bird images in a group when i visit Thol. This is my best time with flamingos. Also i got some beautiful pictures of flamingo birds with group and also in duo with some masti. Flamingos looks very good in frame bcz of their color. Thol lake is good place for birders because more than 150 birds spices found here. Also some mammals like Blue bull and black buck also found here. Lots of water birds and tree birds found here. Also sanctuary is not so big so you can find all birds in around 6 sqkm area. Best time to visit thol lake is November to March. All migratory birds are visit in winter so that is best time. Early morning is best for birders.
Timing And Fees of Thol Sanctuary :
Thol Sanctuary open at 6 AM in morning and close at around 5 PM
Fees of Thol Sanctuary is 50 INR per person and camera fees are 200 INR. Car fees are 500 INR.
Weekend fees may change that actually i don't know about it.
Two flamingos with little egret in between of them with down head all. The images of flamingo bird making a good frame. Because of its color flamingo birds images are very attractive and also their grouping make a perfect frame of flamingo bird picture.
A morning pared time for flamingo birds. A beautiful Greater flamingo birds are in a raw make image nice and show their unity.
Perfact wingspan of Flamingo bird looks great. Pink Wings make image more attractive.
Solo Greater flamingo bird
Some masti time for two flamingo birds .
Above image shows the discipline of Flamingo Bird and looks like a morning pared they are doing .
https://youtu.be/9dVBrR9NSOo
A group of Flamingo Birds at Thol Lake make your frame awesome.
Location : Thol Lake, Gujarat
Thol lake is just 25 km approx. from Ahmedabad. You can visit one day for Thol lake is enough. Also you can find another migratory birds like pelicans , bar headed goose, river tern and many more resident spices.
Ahmedabad to Thol lake distance about 25km
Thol bird sanctuary is located in Kadi Taluka in Mehsana District near sanand Gujarat. It is an artificial lake located near village Thol. In 1912 thol lake was built and it was declared as a Sanctuary in 1988. The main use of lake is use of water for irrigation. The Thol Bird Sanctuary or a Thol lake wildlife Sanctuary India is a habitat of more than 150 spices of birds. Also it is famous for migratory birds Flamingos and Sarus Crane which breeds here.
About Thol Lake / Thol Bird Sanctuary
Thol lake is located near Thol village and its area around 38000 acres. Lake faces all season winter , summer and monsoon. During winter temperature goes to 8 degree and in summer temperature goes to 43 degree. Thol lake is under control of Forest and Irrigation department of Gujarat. Thol lake water storage capacity is around 84 million cubic meters. Thol wildlife sanctuary is declared as Eco Sensitive Zone .
Flora and Fauna Thol Sanctuary :
Thol lake has many vegetation plants like Zizyphus, Acacia nilotica, Ficus, Capparis, Azadirachta indica etc. There are also some mix flora of Marshy and Aquatic plants reported in Thol Lake.
Thol lake is protected area and it is very good habitat for water birds. In thol bird sanctuary there are more than 150 spices of birds found . Among these more than 60 % of birds are water birds. Flamingo bird is most prominent bird of Thol Lake. Also Sarus Crane nest in large number here.
Famous Migratory Birds of Thol Lake
• Flamingos
• Sarus Crane
• Great White Pelican
• Mallards
• Bar Headed Geese , Grey Headed Geese
• Waterfowl
There are also some spices reported here like Dalmatian Pelican, Indian Skimmer, Greater Spotted Eagle, Indian Vulture and white rumped Vulture etc. In Mammals Bluebull, Blackbuck and Golden jackal reported here.
Thol Lake Timing and Fees :
Thol lake open everyday at 6 AM in morning and close at 5.30 PM in evening. Entry fees for Thol Lake or Thol sanctuary is 50 INR for per person. Also Camera fees extra at 200 INR and if you go via car then car fees also 500 INR. Foreigner fees are 10 $ per person.
Best Time to Visit Thol Sanctuary / Thol Lake :
Best time early morning for Thol Lake. In winter if you go before sunrise you can see Twilight sky amazing with lake shore and birds sound .During all season Thol lake has its own beauty. Every season you can visit at Thol Lake. But mostly during winter from November to March season is best for Thol Sanctuary visit. Because during winter lots of Migratory birds came here and stay for long time so for birding winter season is best at Thol Lake. Also during summer some of birds stays here like flamingos and pelicans, geese etc. So you can also see them in summer too. Also during summer water level of lake is low so may be the birds you can get in deep or sometimes closer. During monsoon most people don’t visit but if you like macro photography then you must visit Thol lake in monsoon. You can get some excellent macro subjects like waterdrops , Spiders, Insects etc.
What to do and What not to do in Thol Lake / Keep in mind while visiting sanctuary in India :
• Keep silence in sanctuary
• Maintain discipline
• Keep sanctuary clean
• Do not throw plastic waste anywhere in sanctuary
• Protect wildlife
• Observe birds, mammals etc and protect them and identify them
• Follow rules of wildlife protection act -1972
• Don’t disturb birds and animals
• Don’t enter in sanctuary with liquor and inflammable objects
• Don’t make loud noice.
• Enter in sanctuary with permit only and keep receipt till you leave sanctuary
• Don’t feed birds and animals
Where to Stay near Thol Lake :
Well near to Thol Lake there are not good places to stay at night but you can go near to destinations like Kadi, Kalol or Gandhinagar , Ahmedabad where you can get good places to stay at night. Nearest I suggest Kalol around 15-18 km or you can go Ahmedabad around 25 km.
Places to Visit near Thol Lake :
If you are staying at Ahmedabad then go for Ahmedabad Darshan , Pol area of Ahmedabad and Adalaj Ni Vav ( Heritage places ) etc. Also go for fast food test at night at Manek Chauk and SindhuBhavan road there are lots of option for food lovers like Urban Chauk, Freezbee etc.
If you stay at Gandhinagar then visit Mahatma Mandir at Gandhinagar, Sarita udyan , Akshardham Temple etc.
I would suggest Modhera Sun Temple if you had some more time which is around 100km from Ahmedabad. For bird lovers and bird photographer I would suggest visit Little ran of Kutch (LRK) during Winter season, Pariej Lake, Indroda park Gandhinagar, Jessore Sanctuary Banaskantha etc.
How to Reach Thol Sanctuary :
Nearest airport is Ahmedabad and from Ahmedabad thol lake distance is around 30-40 km
Also for Railway station is Ahmedabad because you can get all frequency and destinations from Ahmedabad railway station.
Common Kingfisher is also known as Eurasian Kingfisher or River Kingfisher. It is sparrow size bird with blue color on top of the body. It is widely distributed in North Africa and Eurasia. When rivers freezes in winter they migrate from their. In India common kingfisher also a widely distributed in all over region. They generally found near to the water areas like canals, rivers, river birdges, ponds etc. I took a shot of common kingfisher or Eurasian Kingfisher at Thol bird sanctuary located in Gujarat near Sanand.
Description and facts about Common Kingfisher :
- It is about 16cm long and 25cm with wingspan.
- Its weight around 35-44 gm.
- It has short tail as all kingfisher tail is short.
- It has green blue upperparts and it has green blue neck stripe.
- Juvenile is similar to adult but dull underparts.
- Main flight feathers moult between july to november and it will takes 90-100 days to grow.
- Kingfisher flight too fast on low water.
- It is widely distributed in Europe, Asia and North Africa ( winter visitor ).
- Common kingfisher eats 60% of its body every day.
- Common Kingfisher lays 2-10 eggs which are white glossy in color.
Common Kingfisher in Gujarat :
Common Kingfisher or Small Blue Kingfisher found in Gujarat at many places like Thol Bird Sanctuary, Nalsarovar Bird sanctuary, Velavdar Sanctuary and many other outskirts of Wetlands too. They are very small and cute in look. There are lots of kingfisher bird spices found in Gujarat also.
There are lots of Spider spices in the world. Spiders are good subject to shoot as a macro photo. Actually spiders are everywhere along to home and gardens. Jumping spider are group of spider constitute the family salticidae. This family contained over 600 described genera and over 6000 spices. Jumping spiders are easily identify from other spiders from their eyes and shape. The jumping spiders have faces that are roughly rectangular surface. The eyes are forward looking on flat face. The body length of jumping spider are around 1 to 25 mm. They generally found in forest , desert, scrub lands,temperate forest too. Toxicity of jumping spider is very less for humans. so jumping spider bite is not poisonous. Spiders are not insects because they belongs to family Salticidae and classified as Arachnids.
I found jumping spider during my trip to LRK ( Little Rann Of Kutch ). also its a live photography competition Name WILD CLICKS powered by canon in December 2019. Spiders in macro photography looks beautiful . For Macro Photography you need good light and good camera gears.
Some Facts about Jumping spider :
- The life of jumping spider is around 6 month to 2-3 years.
- Jumping spider are shy but you can easily catch them.
- They have 8 eyes.
- Once you will be familiar with spider then it enjoy your company.
- As per research of Miami university spiders like music.
- Generally they build their web in corners and dense trees , small plants etc.
- All spiders are predators.
- Jumping spider can change sudden blood flow in their body.
- Jumping spider do not use web for hunting.
- Jumping spider can dance also.
- Jumping spider can jump 10-50 times of their body.
- Jumping spider have 8 legs as all spider have 8 legs.
About Little Rann of Kutch :
LRK or little rann of kutch is a Wild ass sanctuary of Gujarat. Sanctuary for Indian Wild Ass but its also very well known for raptors and migratory birds. During winter some migratory birds like flamingos, pelican, bar headed goose, raptors, falcons, eagles, owls are regular visitors. So the sanctuary is more important for wildlife in Gujarat where you can find all birds, mammals and also 360 view of rann of kutch. Also some wetland areas near rann are beautiful for sunset and sunrise. You can also get some good macro photos of insects of rann for making good theme of COLORS OF RANN. I tried to shoot this spider with background of sun but its too hard for me . because it cant steady on one place for a second but got good pictures.
Gear used : Canon 80 D , Canon 6 D ,Canon 100mm Macro , Flash not fired
Location : Little Rann Of Kutch, Dasada
What is HORIZONS ? :: The horizon is the apparent line that separates Earth from sky. The true horizons can observed when it lines on the sea surface. Also many locations this line is made by Lands, Trees, Buildings, Mountains etc.The Horizon line divides all visible directions into two categories : those that intersect the Earth surface and those that don't. The horizon line is horizontal like to feel like end of earth no end of Earth surface . The Images of Horizons or skyline taken at Little Rann of Kutch . I tried to shoot many locations but sometimes not gonna happen that. Little Rann of Kutch is good place for Horizon photography bcz flat surface and 360 degree view. Above photo we passed thorough rann and i saw car trek on ground and line goes end of surface looks beautiful.
Horizon Height and distance calculation :
Well if you want to see horizon then you have to observe from 5-7 feet above sea level. Also you need clear land about 3-5 km distance then you can see clear Horizon line. In cities there are lots of disturbance like buildings, trees, towers etc so you can not see the clear horizons. For horizon line to see you need clear land area or water area. Best area for Horizon line is in between sea. In ocean there is clear Horizon line you can see easily. Also sunrise and sunset time horizons are amazing to see because of Twilight sky colors. Well all of these photos are not taken from 7 feet height and distance may not 3-5 km but its still you can see Horizons clearly. Photos taken from ground level but the rann area is clear so you can see horizons line from ground level.
For calculation of Horizon distance equation is :: Square root ( Height / 0.5736 ) and the result you get distance of Horizons.
Best Place To See Horizon lines :
The best place to see horizons are beaches. Because you can see clear line between Sky and Earth. Well where i live in Gujarat i have also one place name Little Rann of Kutch where i can see clear Horizon line as you can see in photos of Horizons. Little rann of Kutch is best place for me because its very near to me like about 2 hours car drive. Here there are huge number of raptors you can see in winter seasons. Lots of Migratory birds came here and the most important about Little Rann ot Kutch is Indian Wild Ass. Indian wild ass found only in Gujarat in this region only.
All Images taken at Little Rann of Kutch, Guajrat. Little rann of kutch known as LRK also famous for raptors and Indian Wild Ass. Lots of migratory birds coming here in winter. So never miss a change to visit LRK in Gujarat. LRK also very nice place for Star Gazing and Star Trail Photography, Time laps Photography.
Camera used : Canon 6 D, Canon 100-400 mm lens, Canon 50mm lens, canon 18-55 mm lens