A distant mountain road,On other side of the valley;Covered in mystic clouds,Surrounded with forested alley. It called me from afar,To explore the unexplored;I believed and stepped forward,And my aspirations soared!! Followed the trails on the hills,Rocks and boulders, so bold;Thickets and bushes and thrills,Until I reached the road. And I went along the mountain road,Didn’t know where it lead;But every bend and every turn,Surprised me and my thoughts freed!!! Thank you!!! https://www.facebook.com/Dr.ChandrimaDebi/ https://www.instagram.com/debichandrima/ https://youtube.com/shorts/1AhFwI7Sia4?feature=share https://www.facebook.com/SumanMitraPhotography https://www.sumanmitra.com/ @chandrimadebi©All images and content are subjected to copyright © 2019 – 2021 chandrimadebi.com
Clouds in the sky!!!
It was an usual day during lockdown and I was gazing at the sky saddened by the agony of lost lives and pain due to pandemic. Suddenly, these clouds appeared and instilled new hope and faith in me. Thought of painting on canvas but few words slipped through my pen… Clouds in the sky, lifted spiritsWhen I was weighing down,Under heavy cloud of thoughts;Come lift me again,And take me abodeTo some place;Which my soul, Always sought. These mystic clouds can tingle creative corners of mind. These clouds sometimes play hide and seek between manifold layers of mountains, they rise up go down swirling along the curves, edges in the valley as if they are dancing alongwith the wind. These clouds often march into the valley like a troop and suddenly recede away, slowly fading into the clear evening breeze. Be it dawn or the dusk, these clouds create picturesque panorama in the canvas of sky. Again, they remind of few lines of a poem by Rabindranath Tagore “Clouds come floating into my life, no longer to carry rain or usher storm, but to add colour to my sunset sky.” ~ Rabindranath Tagore, (Stray Birds) The northern breeze sometimes carries these clouds through the conifers creating a mystic bluish haze which can sweep someone away off their feet. Sunlight entering through the mist in the forest can make one spellbound as if almighty is pouring in rays of hope from the heavens. May these winds take away the agony and bereavement from million suffering lives. Thank you!!! https://www.facebook.com/Dr.ChandrimaDebi/ https://www.instagram.com/debichandrima/ https://www.facebook.com/SumanMitraPhotography https://www.sumanmitra.com/ @chandrimadebi©All images and content are subjected to copyright © 2019 – 2021 chandrimadebi.com
Biodiversity around me: Landour, Mussoorie
Three years ago, little did I know about the biodiversity in and around Mussoorie. I relocated to this beautiful hillside of Landour just after marriage and was deeply fascinated by the beautiful landscape and rich biodiversity. The whistling Himalayan breeze blowing through the tree leaves endows life and hope in each and every corner of this beautiful hillside. With the changing seasons these evergreen trees always add charm and continue to succor the ecology and biodiversity. Diverse species of flora and fauna have taken shelter in this beautiful hillside. These biodiverse hillside has always inspired and motivated me. So, here I am penning down few of my observations associated with rich biodiversity in the area. Two years ago, I observed fireflies in the area. Landour is located in the Lower Western Himalaya, in the Mussoorie Range. As summers have become comparatively more warmer in Landour, Mussoorie, fireflies were sighted more than usual across the region. During my interaction with the local people in Landour, I found that they have not seen fireflies in the area in recent years. I also noticed, sudden increase in the count of fireflies. There are various reports which show that with the change in the global climatic conditions the ecological habitat and distribution of the fireflies is also changing. These fireflies resemble as ‘Nature’s Lanterns’ to me. The article got published in a national science magazine (Down to Earth). https://chandrimadebi.com2020/10/25/natures-lanterns-are-dimming/ While hiking in the hills nearby, I observed unusual high count of Yellow coster butterfly in and around Landour, Mussoorie. The Yellow coster butterfly is found mainly along foothills, but high pollution levels and ecological disturbance of their habitat in Dehradun valley might have compelled these creatures to migrate to lesser Himalayas. Yellow coster’s life is surrounded with many dangers during their entire life cycle due to predation. One of the common predator of Yellow coster is spider. They often use entrapment by weaving web to trap butterflies who get struck in their sticky net and slowly succumb to death. During field observation I found the chrysalis as well as adult butterfly entangled in spider web in wired fencing. Despite having green cover, the larva of Yellow coster chose wired fencing to metamorphose. Eventually, spiders must have discovered them and wove spider nets around them and ultimately causing death of butterflies. I tried to capture the spider through lens but unable to identify the species. There are many reports on spider predation on butterfly. Although I couldn’t identify the species, the region has different species of spiders also. https://chandrimadebi.com2020/09/14/yellow-coster-butterfly-predation/ This hillside is home to many mountain birds. The morning orchestra of the birds greets with a pleasant day. The Blue whistling thrush wishes pleasant good morning through its melodious song, the sunbirds hop from branches and leaf to lead sometimes get puzzled in themselves, woodpeckers, owls, coucals, drongos, orioles and many more. The chorus of the cicadas are also distinctively audible these days. The Great Barbet often comes to sit on the top branches of the Oak trees and sings it’s loud, unmusical call to mark its presence. The jungle cacophony continues till dark when Mountain Scops Owl whistles to its tune and Barn swallows busy making nests. Few days back I heard Himalayan cuckoo singing in the dense thickets. https://chandrimadebi.com2021/02/20/an-ode-to-the-swallows/ Beside birds, different varieties of butterflies and moths also do pay visit. The troop of Langoors and monkeys can often be seen relishing new leaves and acorns. Pine martens secretly hovers around during night. Honey bees also hover around these freshly bloomed flowers.Besides, above mentioned species of birds and animals, Leopard sighting is also common in the area. https://chandrimadebi.com2021/05/02/whose-forests-are-these/ While human beings are under lockdown during corona pandemic, the wildlife is thriving in different parts of the world. This small hillside of Landour, Mussoorie is also bustling with different species of Himalayan birds and animals. One can experience spotting wildlife in most unexpected terrains and mountain tracts. Recently, I found Himalayan Gorals in the area. The Himalayan Goral (Naemorhedus goral) is a member of Bovidae family. They are found in the Himalayan region, at an elevation between 1000 and 4000 m. These social animals live in herds. It is listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List due to declining and hunting. They are also expert climbers and can easily camouflage with the natural environment. Gorals must have ventured the site in search of food and curiosity. https://chandrimadebi.com2021/05/15/bustling-wildlife-amidst-pandemic-himalayan-goral/ Few days ago while hiking, I spotted this little owl camouflaged in the woods. The profused branches stealthed the little bird from casual eyesight. The Collared owlet (Glaucidium brodiei) also known as the Collared Pygmy Owl is the smallest Owl in Asia. This cute little bird of prey can be easily identified by the help of eye spots on each side of the nape. It is also known as “occipital face”. This diurnal bird makes a distinct call, also called as mellow whistling. https://chandrimadebi.com2021/05/18/collared-owlet-collared-pygmy-owl-landour-mussoorie/ While the world is suffering due to high pollution levels and congestion in the cities, this hillside is endowed with refreshing mountain breeze, every nook and corner of this mountain side with bliss and positivity. The hustling leaves, swaying pines and the wild flowers, distant cymbal of cicadas and song of mountain birds. The nature is in perfect tune with the divine rhythm of life. https://chandrimadebi.com2021/05/06/a-bewildered-profusion/ My encounters with diverse geologic terrains and the complex interaction of climate, soils and rocks, water, animals, (including insects and fungi) and plants as the defining elements of a natural forests inspired me to study the biodiversity in the area. https://chandrimadebi.com2020/03/27/geology-around-woodstock-school-mussoorie/ The area around my residence is surrounded by thick patch of mixed Oak and Pine forest with occasional Rhododendron and Maple trees. There is a big Oak tree just outside my window and I am highly influenced and inspired by it. https://chandrimadebi.com2021/01/17/oak-tree-beside-my-window/ The Oak tree is a climax species in the region. Besides being significantly important to ecology, Banj Oak tree supports wide biodiversity. It provides fuelwood, fodder and timber and plays a
Collared Owlet / Collared Pygmy Owl: Landour, Mussoorie
Today while hiking, I spotted this little owl camouflaged in the woods. The profused branches stealthed the little bird from casual eyesight. The Collared owlet (Glaucidium brodiei) also known as the Collared Pygmy Owl is the smallest Owl in Asia. This cute little bird of prey can be easily identified by the help of eye spots on each side of the nape. It is also known as “occipital face”. This diurnal bird makes a distinct call, also called as mellow whistling. Although the natural habitat of the owl is mainly submontane and montane forests, it prefers habitat varying from evergreen forests, forest edges, mixed deciduous-evergreen forests with oak, rhododendron and pine and often in open woodlands with scrubs and sometimes around agricultural lands. They don’t create their own nest but are secondary cavity-nesters. They nest in hollows or chambers created by woodpeckers and barbets. This small hillside of Landour, Mussoorie is bustling with different species of Himalayan birds and animals. The rich biodiversity and the natural environment of the area is remarkable and one can experience spotting wildlife in most unexpected terrains and mountain tracts. While human beings are under lockdown during corona pandemic, the wildlife is thriving in different parts of the world. Even the species is under Least concern status of IUCN conservation status, it is facing constant threat from habitat destruction, deforestation, forest fire and agricultural malpractices. Thank you!!! https://www.facebook.com/Dr.ChandrimaDebi/ https://www.instagram.com/debichandrima/ Picture courtesyhttps://www.facebook.com/SumanMitraPhotography https://www.sumanmitra.com/ *https://www.xeno-canto.org/species/Glaucidium-brodiei @chandrimadebi©All images and content are subjected to copyright© 2019 – 2021 chandrimadebi.com
Bustling wildlife amidst pandemic: Himalayan Goral
While human beings are under lockdown during corona pandemic, the wildlife is thriving in different parts of the world. This small hillside of Landour, Mussoorie is also bustling with different species of Himalayan birds and animals. One can experience spotting wildlife in most unexpected terrains and mountain tracts. It happened so, when I had to rush to the market to fetch groceries amidst lockdown. Enroute I could sense that, once busy and congested mountain roadways, now had very few vehicles moving around. I could feel the fresh mountain breeze and was lost in the breathtaking view of the mountains. But time was ticking fast and I had to reach home before the curfew period started. So I took the shortest route possible and headed forward. No sooner the vehicle started an adult Himalayan Goral came galloping from the rocky mountain slope onto the road, in front of the vehicle and hurriedly made its way across the other side. I was startled at the rare sighting of the Himalayan Goral in this busy part of the mountain bypass road. But to my astonishment, I could see another Himalayan Goral waiting patiently to cross the road. The vehicle engine stopped and I could see the Goral from a very close proximity. It was agile and alert and looked at me with its curious doe – eyes. I tried to click some pictures. After somewhile, it followed a small tract in the woods and made sure that there is not any danger on the bypass road and cautiously galloped towards the other side of the woody mountain slope. I was amazed at its calculated and confident jump from the high hills. I hope, it’s companion must be still waiting on the other side. I still couldn’t believe that I could spot a Himalayan Goral in this once busy mountain road. This beautiful moment will always be there in some corner of my mind. The Himalayan Goral (Naemorhedus goral) is a member of Bovidae family. They are found in the Himalayan region, at an elevation between 1000 and 4000 m. These social animals live in herds. It is listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List due to declining and hunting. They are also expert climbers and can easily camouflage with the natural environment. I could see few human settlements on the hillside along the mountain bypass. Gorals must have ventured the site in search of food and curiosity. I was a student of Forestry, when I first came to know about Himalayan Goral. Memories of my visit to Rajaji National Park, Uttarakhand are still fresh in my mind when our mentor showed us one rocky mountain tract near Dhaulkhand Range and told that it was inhabited by gorals. I tried many times to spot atleast one Mountain Goral but was disappointed everytime. Destiny has its own way, today I not only spotted the species from close proximity but also clicked Himalayan Goral. These wild animals are slowly venturing into man-made landscapes in search of food and water which has imposed threat to their lives. Beside with reports on human-animal conflict and poaching, there are cases of road -accidents also. As humans are mostly confined at home, the pollution levels in the urban, turban and rural areas has decreased which is respite to Mother nature to heal. I was pleased to see wild animals exploring uncharted spaces with the less human interference. Nature has its own way to replenish and heal in a matter of time. The wildlife adapts to the changing environment and if left undisturbed it can heal itself. The web of life is a close-knit structure and nature and mankind are interrelated as well as interdependent. The pandemic has opened our eyes and has forced us to rethink values associated with trees and forests. This intricate relationship of man and wild and has provided an opportunity for us to admire, protect and conserve Nature and wildlife. Today’s incedence reminds me of one of famous movie ‘I am legend’ where world is infectrd by a virus, the wildlife has encroached human settlements and the actor attempts to find a way to reverse the effects of the man-made virus by using his own immune blood. With humanity under lockdown, and wildlife sneaking into cities, I hope that the world recovers fast and Himalayan Gorals won’t have to risk their lives. Thank you!!! https://www.facebook.com/Dr.ChandrimaDebi/ https://www.instagram.com/debichandrima/ Picture courtesy https://www.facebook.com/SumanMitraPhotography https://www.sumanmitra.com/ @chandrimadebi ©All images and content are subjected to copyright © 2019 – 2021 chandrimadebi.com
A bewildered profusion…
Today morning, I hurried to the local market to pick groceries.The moment we entered market premises, I could sense the caution and fear of the deadly virus in the prying eyes. The shops once bubbling with customers now caters to only few within stipulated time. We somehow managed to fetch our groceries. Meanwhile, the clouds also started to gather and I could hear the distant rumbling. Usually, we take the shortest course towards home, but that day I decided to take the longer course through the less inhabited mountainside. Was it the melancholy or the solitude which wanted to take some time off. While driving, I could feel the cool refreshing mountain breeze blowing through, touching every nook and corner of this mountain side with bliss and positivity. I couldn’t stop myself and halted for a while. The hustling leaves, swaying pines and the wild flowers, distant cymbal of cicadas and song of mountain birds. I felt that the nature was in perfect tune with the divine rhythm of life. It was thundering now, the clouds were rumbling harder and I could see the downpour on the distant hills.The cheerful song of the birds was becoming more distinct and vibrant, as if they were singing and dancing with joy. As I looked up high in the sky, I found few Griffon vultures gliding through the high winds. Although I tried to capture them, but the image is hazy. It gradually started to pitter patter and the moist smell the first rain on the parched earth lingered through the valley. It was now time to head towards home and we rolled down through the steep bends and curves. The dichotomy of mind and heart already started. But my heart and soul was still entrapped in the bewildering profusion and we reached home. While I was still lost in the wilderness thoughts a pair of Red Billed Blue Magpie flew across pine branches. Due to the corona pandemic, curfew and lockdown has again started in different parts of the country. The cases are steepening everywhere with numerous reports of death and bereavement. This corner of the hillside is also not untouched. Still life has to go on. My prayers and good wishes for all. Stay safe and stay healthy!! Thank you!!! https://www.facebook.com/Dr.ChandrimaDebi/ https://www.instagram.com/debichandrima/ Picture courtesy https://www.facebook.com/SumanMitraPhotography https://www.sumanmitra.com/ @chandrimadebi ©All images and content are subjected to copyright © 2019 – 2021 chandrimadebi.com
Nature’s first green is gold!!
Nature’s first green is gold, Her hardest hue to hold. Her early leaf’s a flower; But only so an hour. Then leaf subsides to leaf. So Eden sank to grief, So dawn goes down to day. Nothing gold can stay. By Robert Frost With the changing seasons these evergreen trees always add charm and continue to succour the ecology and biodiversity. Besides, they also help towards conservation of soil and water. But during recent years I have observed deteriorated ecological condition of these beautiful trees in Mussoorie and adjacent areas. The rapid urbanisation and expansion of the cities is paving way for ecological as well as habitat degradation and the adjacent forests and environment are facing challenges. Alongwith the huge influx of tourists, garbage littering has always been a major issue in the hillside. Thank you!!!https://www.facebook.com/Dr.ChandrimaDebi/ Picture courtesyhttps://www.facebook.com/SumanMitraPhotographyhttps://www.sumanmitra.com/@chandrimadebi©All images and content are subjected to copyright© 2019 – 2021 chandrimadebi.com https://www.instagram.com/debichandrima/
Whose forests are these?
Few days back, while travelling down the hills towards city I stumbled upon this majestic Langur sitting on the branches of an big Oak tree. Our eyes met for few moments and then it looked away. The Langur turned his head away looking into the human settlements in the hills once covered with dense forests. I felt as if it was asking me, Whose forests are these? I was left dumbstruck and speechless with a remorseful introspection because somewhere deep down in my heart I knew that these forest belonged to the wild and the wilderness within. Now these wild beings are taking shelter in the dying old Oak trees, surviving on the human litter and pity. Whose forests are these?They are mine;Look!! what you have done to my home. Now, I rest on this old Oak treeAnd look at your civilisation;Through these dry leafless branches andI can say nothing at all!!! Gray langurs, also called Hanuman langurs or Hanuman monkeys, are Old World monkeys native to the Indian subcontinent constituting the genus Semnopithecus. Thank you!!! https://www.facebook.com/Dr.ChandrimaDebi/ https://www.instagram.com/debichandrima/ Picture courtesy https://www.facebook.com/SumanMitraPhotography https://www.sumanmitra.com/ @chandrimadebi ©All images and content are subjected to copyright © 2019 – 2021 chandrimadebi.com
