Backtracking a few months, we were focused once again on Tigers of India. Easily one of my favourite animals on the planet, the sight of one of these amazing cats in its natural habitat still makes my adrenaline flow like nothing else. Reports were surfacing and sightings had been very good leading up to our arrival. We were psyched to get the jeep moving as soon as we could. We entered the park shortly after day break... within the first hour we had our first tiger. It was a young female and judging by the smell she had a kill nearby.
This female and her brother have recently left their mother. They still remain in her territory, but now they hunt for themselves... well the young female does. Her brother has a fraction of her hunting skills and relies heavily on his sister's kindness and shares in her kills. Also, he is bigger and stronger than her and apparently takes what he wants. The next day we had great encounter with the brother. We first spotted him out in the open and on the move.
He seemed to be searching for something, constantly raising his head and smelling the air. Was it his sister? His mother? Or a fresh kill made by a new tiger? We followed him for 2 hours as he marched along, only stopping to cool off in a few watering holes.
In the end it was his lovely sister, but unfortunately for him she had no food.
A short time passed and his sister started to move. She slipped into a dense patch of grasses and her brother was close behind. A small lake on the other side of the grasses was a common drinking spot for a range of wildlife. We repositioned our jeep near the lake and waited. A small herd of spotted deer cautiously made their way to the waters edge. At this point we did not know exactly where the young tigers were. Then in a startling burst the deer bolted.
Big brother made an appearance, but spooked the prey and they fled. Unfortunately, he was too far away to have a chance at a take down.
So he walked over to some shade and had a little roll around. Time to wait and see what sis can do.
Over the next few days we had a few brief sightings and heard numerous alarm calls. Our luck changed with another great sighting. Now it was mothers turn to show off her beauty. Over 3 hours we patiently watched her positioned by a muddy watering hole. As the sun set the light became incredible.
Another great adventure filled with great new inspiration for my work. No matter how often we go to see tigers in the wild, I am always left completely amazed at their beauty. Until next time.
Up next...Whale sharks and Sea Lions of Mexico.
Up next...Whale sharks and Sea Lions of Mexico.
