The most interesting "birding" trip I have ever been on ...

... and not because of the birds or the mammals or the landscapes or the culture or the weather - although all of these things were notable - or any other reason why one might go on a birding trip.  Interesting because of the people - not the Indian or Andaman people - but because of the American trip participant people.  I was not prepared for the events that occurred.

Of course, the birds and other notable things I saw will not be neglected.   I returned home just under a week ago and have downloaded and reviewed all of my photos, deleting more than I saved.  As usual, some are good, most are mediocre and others are poor.  I'll try to include only the best of these - for either the photo or the experience.

In the days since my return I have been able to step back from the chaos.  I realize I had the experience and presence of mind to make my trip a truly great experience, despite events that conspired to make it difficult. Risking cliché, I learned so much.

For all photos click on each image to enlarge. 

 

It's March 10th.  We left Bangalore enroute to Mysore, our first birding stop was at Ranganathittu Birding Sanctuary.  The nicely perched Brahminy Kite (Haliastur indus) was spotted.  Common and widespread; nevertheless I think this chunky kite is quite appealing.  

Comical appearing in the photo, Painted Storks (Mycteria leucocephala) were plentiful at this sanctuary.   Ranganathittu was a good first stop. 

In the early afternoon we arrived in Mysore, checked into our rooms, had lunch and again boarded our little bus for visits to Mysore Palace followed by Mysore market.  Both places in Mysore are major tourist attractions.  The relevance and sequelae of our palace and market visits will be revealed.

Relief:  First post completed.