One has to be lucky enough to photograph the targetted subject in a Focussed trip.
Sundays doesnt get better than getting something like this accomplished.This time the focus was on Photographing the Black Bucks (Antelope cervicepra).
Maidenahalli(Jayamangali) Blackbuck Reserve is the second largest population of Blackbuck in Karnataka, after Ranibennur Blackbuck Sanctuary. It neighbours Maidenahalli, a small village in Madhugiri Taluk, at the north-eastern tip of Tumkur district of Karnataka state. This area is a part of the plains of Deccan plateau and borders Anantpur District of Andhra Pradesh. It is a 839 acre patch of grasslands, a perfect Habitat for Black Bucks. These are one of the most photogenic animals, when sighted in open Grasslands like Maidenahalli.
Climate :--> The climate varies greatly according to the seasons. The temperature varies between a minimum of 8 degree centigrade in winter to a maximum of 43 degree centigrade in summer.The rainy season is from late June to mid October. The average of rainfall is approximately 30 to 35 cm.The vegetation is mainly plain grassland
Flora and Fauna :-->More than 80 species of plants have been recorded from this area. Many of these plants have medicinal value.67 Species of Butterflies belonging to 7 families have been sighted in the area. Most of the species recorded are common throughout the Indian Peninsula and some are typical of the arid regions. According to the census, about 600 Black Bucks were recorded, but are difficult to locate as they travel upto 14 kms around.
The horns of the Blackbuck are ringed with 3 to 4 turns and can be as long as 28 inches. The Adult males can grow as tall as 32 inches and can weigh as much as 95 pounds. In the male, the upper body is black (dark brown), and the belly and eye rings are white. The light-brown female is usually hornless. Blackbucks usually roam the plains in herds of 15 to 20 animals with one dominant male. The Greatest threat to these animals is Poaching. Black Bucks are hunted for Sport, its skin and flesh. Im sorry to say one of my favorite Bollywood Actor is facing a charge of killing this beautiful creature, FOR FUN !! ??Apart from Black Bucks, this place is so rich in Bird Life. About 125 species of birds belonging to 37 families have been recorded in the area, of which 22 are migratory. As expected of grasslands, the area is rich in ground birds, shrikes, larks and raptors. Ive managed to Photograph few of the commanly found Birds of the region ( Bushchats, Shrikes and Starligs )
