Driving through the BRT Tiger Reserve in November 2018 was an experience marked by the quiet anticipation that something extraordinary could appear around every bend. The crisp air and dappled sunlight set the stage for unexpected encounters with the wild.
While I was hoping to spot and photograph elephants—majestic denizens of these forests—I only caught fleeting glimpses as they melted into the thick bamboo and teak, a reminder of their elusive nature. Elephant herds can often be spotted near the bends and waterholes, their silent, stately movements a testament to the untamed spirit of BRT.
Despite missing out on elephant photos, my camera found plenty of willing subjects. A Grey Hornbill called out from a high perch, its distinctive profile silhouetted against the sky. The Greater Coucal, silent and secretive, emerged just long enough for a photo. Indian Palm Squirrels provided moments of whimsy as they skittered along branches.
Other memorable captures included a White-bellied Drongo showcasing its agility, the understated beauty of a Common Woodshrike, and the serene elegance of Spotted Doves on morning forays. Spotting the Tawny-billed Babbler and the vibrant Chestnut-headed Bee-eater brought color and energy into the day. The highlight, however, was the rare sighting of a Dhole—India’s wild dog—moving purposefully through the undergrowth, along with the striking Grey Junglefowl gracing the track with its vivid plumes.
Even without the iconic elephant photo, every visit to BRT Tiger Reserve offers its own rewards, from the common to the rare. It’s these unrepeatable moments that keep drawing me back, lens at the ready, for the next story the jungle wishes to share.
Grey Hornbill
Greater Coucal
Indian Palm Squirrel
White-bellied Drongo
Common Woodshrike
Spotted Dove
Twany-billed Babbler
Chestnut-headed Bee-eater
Dhole
