Cane & Camera

08/08/2026

Stork billed kingfisher - MHTR

02/08/2026

The Indian pitta - MHTR

31/07/2026

The Indian pitta carries food for the fledglings.

17/07/2026

These Ashy Woodswallows arrived around the beginning of the monsoon.

After a brief spell of rain at the end of June and during the first few days of July, this part of western India has experienced a prolonged dry break. Newly sprouted grasses and other vegetation are now beginning to dry.

As natural fodder declines, domestic livestock are concentrating on the remaining patches, increasing grazing pressure. These seasonal grasses and herbs provide important nutrition for cattle, goats and sheep, particularly when many newborn animals are being raised.

Insect activity has also reduced noticeably compared with what is normally observed at this time of year. Several flycatchers that were regularly present in some areas have disappeared, possibly moving elsewhere in search of better feeding conditions. Pittas, flycatchers and swallows are among the birds that arrive in this landscape during the monsoon, and some of them breed here.

A single dry spell cannot, by itself, be attributed to climate change. However, with continued observation, changes in rainfall timing, vegetation growth, insect activity and bird movement are becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. The local ecosystem is under visible stress.

11/07/2026

tailor bird.

11/07/2026

Indian cuckooshrike.

10/07/2026