Saw scaled Vipers snake also called Carpet Vipers . Its suborder of Reptiles is serpentes. It generally found in dry regions. It found in India, Shri Lanka, Pakistan, Middle East and Africa. Most snakebite death causes by viper snakes. Genus Echis is latin translation of Greek word Viper. My first siting of Viper snake at Jessore sloth bear sanctuary Gujarat. Viper snakes are one of the spices among 4 dangerous spices of snakes in the world. It is one of the Poisonous Snakes Found In Gujarat
Interesting things About Saw scaled Vipers snake :
- Saw scaled viper are small snake.
- The largest spices length is almost below 90cm and the smallest is about 30cm.
- The head is small and short but wide pear shaped and distinct from neck.
- The venom of this viper consists mostly of hemotoxins and cytotoxins.
- Venom toxicity is different among different spices.
- They have characteristic threat display, rubbing sections of their body together to produce sizzling warning sound.
- They eat spiders, worms, scorpions, frogs, reptiles etc.
- Grey skin with black spots on body
Generally most of snakes are non poisonous but Viper snake is not. Venom of Viper snake may cause bleeding anywhere in the body and also hemorrhage. That may cause of death to humans and also animals.
Jessore sanctuary is really a good place to reptiles. Also many other snakes spices found here but i found one only. Well i was unable to watch it but one of my friend recognized it and we have a jackpot. Also at that time i have only my 50 mm lens with canon 6d. if i bring my macro then result will be sharp n clear n closer too. The skin of this viper snake is like black spot on body. Skin color is grey and dark grey or black spot on it.
Gear Used : Canon 6 D body, Canon 50 mm 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
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
Spiti Valley located in Himachal Pradesh. It is a cold desert mountain valley of Himalayas. Spiti distributed in 2 parts Lahaul and Spiti. As per my last post of Spiti Valley Tour Itinerary there are lots of places to visit during spiti valley tour. It depends how many days you want to spend in spiti valley tour so you can much more places to cover in spiti valley. But i think 7 days are enough for Spiti valley tour to cover all major attractions. Most of time you spend in car during spiti valley tour. But definately the route is memorable for all. The view of Himalayas and the scenery is beautiful. Most people take 7 days tour from Chandigarh or from Delhi.
Best Places to Visit in Spiti Valley :
- Chitkul
- Nako
- Tabo
- Dhankar lake
- Kaza
- Chandratal Lake
Well in Spiti Valley Trip there are lots of places to visit but i will suggest you some of them to make shorter your trip. Also most attractions and must visit places i share here. If you want to spend more time then you can visit local village and enjoy village life too. If you want to know about Spiti Valley Tour Cost and Spiti Valley Tour Itinerary then i had written a post of it.
Honey Bee Farming :
From Chandigarh to Spiti you will have to pass Kinnaur District. It is very beautiful route with amazing greenery and scenery. During the route of Kinnaur valley there are lots of people do Honey Bee Farming on road. you can see the boxes of honeybee on roadside. They have different types of Honeybee and have different honey if you want to purchase pure Honey for home. They also saw you how they farming and do all procedure of making Honey.
Chitkul :
Actually we skip Chitkul because its out of our route and spend one more day. But Chitkul is must visit place. It is really beautiful place in the valley of Himalayas. Also Chitkul is known as India's Last village at Indo - Tibet Border. Border is about 90 km from Chitkul. Also civillian movement beyond Chitkul is prohibited. Best time to visit Chitkul is March to June. Also have a cup of tea at Hindustan Ka Akhri Dhaba at Chitkul. They also serve food with Rajma Chaval and roti.
Kalpa Or Rekong Peo :
If you visit chitkul and stay their then kalpa or Rekong Peo you can skip. Or if you do not visit chitkul then stay at Rekong Peo. Good to stay here very neat and clean hotels and also food is good here. Next morning you can see amazing sunrise in between of Himalayan mountains coverd with snow. Stay here for a night and leave next morning or you can visit local village and bazar.
Nako : Places to visit Nako
Nako village located near Indo-China Border. In Nako you can visit Nako Lake and Nako Monastery. Also you can visit some Buddhist chortens. Nako Monastery is must visit place with beautiful atmosphear at height. The Monastery founded in 11 th sanctuary .Monastery location is amazing where you can see 360 degree view of Himalayan Mountains. Spend some time at Monastery and go for Gue Mummy Stupa in the way to Tabo.
Gue is a village where 500 years old mummy preserved of Sangha Tenzing. Sangha Tenzing was Buddhist monk from Tibet. At stupa the mummy found in sitting position with his skin and hair intact. The road to Gue Mummy is out of Tabo route so you can take extra 1-2 hours time while leave from nako. At evening you reach at Tabo village.
Tabo : Places to visit Tabo
Tabo is a small village on bank of Spiti river in spiti District. Tabo is famous for operated continuously oldest buddhist enclave in Himalaya and India. Most famous attraction of Tabo is Old Tabo Monastery which is 1000 years old and also considered as one of the holiest by Dalai Lama himself. Also another monastery in Tabo in the center of village you can visit. Tabo caves you can visit while visit monastery and if you stay for day more then you can go at river bank to feel nature. That was amazing view of spiti river near to the village and other side the big mountain.
Dhankar Lake and Dhankar Village : Places to visit Dhankar
From tabo to kaza route you can visit Dhankar Village. In the village there is a capital of spiti valley in Himachal Pradesh. It is at 3894 mt height. Here you can visit local village , Monastery and if you want to go for trek about 3 km then go to the Dhankar Lake. Dhankar village total houses are around 65-70 and population around 250-300 .
Dhankar Lake :
Dhankar lake is high altitude lake in himachal pradesh. It is located around 4140 mt height. From monastery you can go to Dhankar lake by trek about 3 km and it will take around 1-2 hours depends on your mountain skills. Trek route is very easy but its at more than 13500 ft height so high wind blows and low oxygen level make your trek difficult. Also here UV index is high so do not go in open skin or use sunscreen lotion. High UV index may damage your skin. At the end of trek you can see a beautiful green color based lake surrounded by mountains and open land. The view of lake is awesome and you can spend more time to make a peace to you mind. Crystel clear water in the lake. We take some photos and get back to village and drink lemon soda from local villager to get energy. Local peoples are so supportive and good nature.
Kaza :
In Kaza there are several places to visit so you visit all in a full day. Also kaza atmosphear is very cold in summer also so enjoy it.
Places to Visit In Kaza
- Sakya Tangyud Monastery : It is one of the highest altitude Monastery in India. It is at 4550 mt height. It is at komik village.
- Kaza Kye Monastery : Kye or Kyi monastery is a tibetian buddhist monastery. It is set on top of the hill and its height aroun 4166 mt. It is the largest monastery of Spiti Valley.
- Langza : Langza village is also known as Fossils village. It is believed that spiti was submerged under the tethys sea so that huge quantities of fossils found here. In Langza there is a 1000 years old Buddha Statue is major attraction. The Buddha statue at Langza located at 14500 ft height. It is serene golden large Buddha Statue. From the Buddha statue at Langza you can see 360 degree view of Himalayas.
- Hikkim : Hikkim is located at 14400 ft height in lahaul spiti district. Hikkim village remains cut off during winter due to heavy snow fall over mountain passes. The Hikkim village has a post office at 14400 ft height. So it is also on of the highest post office in the world.
- Kibber Village : Kibber is famous for Monastery, kibber wildlife sanctuary, the highest post office and the highest motorable road. Kibber is located 19 km from kaza. Kibber is also famous for Snow Leopard. There are almost 25-30 snow leopards In Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Komic : Komic is also one of the highest village in the world located at 15050 ft. It is also connected with World's Highest Motorable Road. So it is known as Highest Motorable village in the world. There is a restaurant their named World highest restaurant Komic. You can take rest have a cup of coffe or tea and have some snake, meggy etc.
- Chicham Bridge : Chicham bridge is highest bridge of Asia. Bridge is located at 13596 ft height. The Chicham Bridge connect 2 village one is Chicham village and Kibber. The bridge is suspension bridge and is situated across a deep gorge around 1000 ft. Chicham Bridge is one of the spectecular bridge in the world.
- Kumzum Pass : While return from Kaza to Manali you will pass through Kumzum Pass. It is one of the best route for enjoying nature very closely. The car speed is very slow due to bad road condition but at Kumzum pass we face fresh snow fall and fell zero degree temperature. Amazing view at Kumzum pass. Also Kumzum Mata Temple located at 4590 mt height. There is a myth about Kumzum mata temple you need to do a circle and after go through your journey to Chandratal Lake or Manali.
- Chandra taal Lake : As per Hindu Mythology Chandra taal is the place where Lord Indra came down with Chariot to transport Yudhisthira in his mortal from to Swarga or Heaven. Also local believed that fairies visit lake at night. Chandratal Lake is open in summer after may end or June start. So if you want to visit Chandra taal lake then plan in June. Also there are limited option for staying at Chandra taal Lake.
Things to know about Spiti Valley Tour :
While you planning for spiti valley tour you did not need to book hotels or homestays. There are lots of homestays and hotels every where. You can also book your homestays and hotels via Spiti Tourism or Himachal Pradesh Tourism. They will help you a lot for entire trip. Local peoples are so supportive and kind nature. They will aslo help and guide you to your destination.
Which Mobile network works in Spiti Valley ?
Most people have a question about network connectivity at Spiti Valley. I will take 2 simcards for my Spiti Valley Tour one is Reliance Jio and one is BSNL prepaid. After kinnaur vally pass all major networks are down but BSNL and Reliance Jio is connected to everywhere in spiti. Reliance Jio has better network connectivity even in internet also. So i suggest take Reliance Jio sim card for your trip. Only it fall down during Kumzum pass route. Otherwise in Kaza, Tabo, Nako all places covered by Reliance Jio network.
Best time to Visit Spiti Valley :
Well the Chandigarh to Kaza route open all year but sometimes landsliding may occer and also some heavy snowfall then it will take 4-6 hours to clear road. Road managed by BRO ( Border Road Organisation ) . Plan during mid of may in spiti valley because there is low crowd in May. But in May there may be return route block via Kumzum Pass and Chandratal Lake. June is more better for Spiti Valley tour to visit all the places. Some bikers may visit spiti valley in December for adventure too.
Road Condition In Spiti Valley :
From Chandigarh to Kaza there is a clear road. At some places road condition is not good but main road is very impressive and no hazitation during the entire trip. Some village route is not good but it will manageable. The Kaza to Manali Via Kumzum pass road condition is not good so you need to travel whole day for Kaza to Manali.
Star Gazing At Spiti Valley : Spiti Valley Night Sky
Well spiti valley is dark area where you can do stargazing verywell. Here you can see milkyway clear during no moon days. For milky way Langza is the best place in Spiti Valley.
Spiti Valley Food Option :
I will recommand The Himalayan Cafe in Spiti Valley for food. Well managed cafe and food options are amazing. Must visit place in Spiti valley.
You can visit my blog http://bit.ly/3zYFdVv about spiti valley tour itinerary and total cost with details. Also provide hotels and homestay options. You can write me if you need any help about spiti valley tour at nirajhack@gmail.com
As per my previous post for Basic composition rules for Photography here i give you some advance rules for photography. Before know the rules first you should know your gear. Whichever camera you use first understand your camera. As there are lots of camera brands in the market like Canon, Nikon, Fujifilm, Sony, Olympus, etc... all cameras have different body types and keys in different area. But whichever brand of camera you use there are same rules applied for composition in photography. The techniques and settings and rules are same for DSLR cameras or Digital Cameras. Also for different types of photography like Abstract, Portrait, Landscapes, Wildlife, Product, Wedding , Fine art, Sports etc the Rules for photography are same. If you want to capture good pictures follow some rules i mention here and it will help you for being a professional photographer.
How to become professional in photography ?
The answer is too hard work. To become professional you should work very hard in any types of photography. Understanding your camera and using basic rules and after that advance techniques helps you lot. Without follow some rules your photos cannot noticed by others. You should try to capture something new and something creative with good composition which attract users to see your images.
Rule Of Third : There is a cross line in every camera in display. If you are new then on that cross lines while shooting. After you can understand off that feature. While shooting photos the position of your subject is on cross lines for better pictures and better look for your photos.
In above image i use a water drop as a subject. if you use grid lines in your camera then you can see the cross lines on your screen is total 4 and you can put your subject on those 4 cross line and leave other space thats the rule of third. Same in below image using bird as a subject in the lower crossline. Thats make your image attractive and perfact if you use foreground apropriate to your subject.
Repetition : Look for repeat subject in a raw . Your object may be pole light, street light, pile of fruits, chain of poles etc. The repetition of subject or object makes image unique.
Repetition is also a good subject like electric pole, walls, roads, trees in line and also a birds of mammals. My image is not perfact in repetition but its gives you an idea for it. repeat your subject at regular interval and space in your frame.
Negative space : Always leave some space with your object in your frame. Some people make closeup shots with crop image but its not looks good . The subject need some negative space to move into. For ex. If you shoot solo bird on tree then you should leave some space in the direction of birds eye. That will make your frame perfact.
Balancing Elements : Balancing elements means balance your background interest with your foreground subject.
Symmetry : Symmetry means Half of your image is a mirror of other half image. Shoot your image like a mirror image or reflection of the subject .
Follow these advance rules for capturing images and i am sure you will definitely get better results. I will give you one more Bonus tips except this 5 rules is
Depth ( Layers ) : The position of your subject in front of and behind of objects to create 3D depth.
Housefly is a small insect which is found anywhere around us. It is most common fly spices. Binomial Name of Housefly is Musca domestica. Housefly is very well known for carry pathogens which can cause serious diseases in Animals and Humans. There are also different flies like fruit fly , Drain fly , Lesser Housefly, Blow fly, Common Green bottle fly etc. It is an insect and it has an important role for ecology for breaking down organic matter. They can carry lots of organisms on hair, mouth and feces. Also they carry parasites with them and cause diseases like Typhoid, Cholera ,Diarrhea etc.
About Housefly : It is the most common fly spices found in the houses. They have red eyes and black in color. They have small hairs on their body and single pair of wings. Females are little larger than Male. Adult housefly length about 6 to 7 mm and 12-15mm with wingspan. They have 3 simple eyes and pair of antennae.
Some Facts about Housefly or Flies :
- Flies multiply quickly
- Flies can spread diseases.
- Flies test with their feet.
- Housefly don't chew
- Flies pollinate plants.
Things to know about Housefly :
- Female housefly mates only once and it store sperms to use it later on.
- It lays eggs on waste food or carrion and lays eggs in 100 of batches.
- After eggs they soon hatch into larvae which is known as maggot.
- After 3 larvael stage they turn into pupae about 8 mm. and then become housefly.
- Housefly generally lives 2 to 4 weeks.
- They feed different liquid, semi liquid substence. They can feed some solid meterials which can soften by housefly saliva.
- Houseflies process visual information 7 times faster than humans.
Life cycle of Housefly :
Female lays Eggs ----- after 1 day 1st instar larva ----- after 1 day 2nd instar larva ----- after 1 day 3rd instar larva ----- after 2 or 3 days Pupae/ pupa ----- after 3.5 to 4.5 days it turn into adult housefly
Housefly is very difficult to catch in your frame. Its flying speed is amazing so you can not catch them easily. You need to stable where housefly repeatatly came and sit. Wait for your shot on tripod or on handheld. Its all about timing. I generally use handheld shots. Also i use flash rarely when light is too low.
How to get rid of Housefly ?
The best spray for get rid of housefly is natural oil sprays like citronella oil, neem oil, peppermint oil, lemongrass oil etc. Get mixing these oils with alcohol or water and spray it in your house .
Gear Used : Canon 80 D , Canon 6 D , Canon 100 mm macro lens.