Birds and Butterflies

Children love nature, and need to experience it first-hand. Pretty butterflies and graceful birds make it easy to introduce them to the marvels of the wild.

Bhimodi Lake, close to the Mukki gate of Kanha National Park.

LITTLE WINGS

A thin piece of chocolate appears to be balanced precariously on the edge of the jeep’s bonnet. Within seconds it takes flight, for it happens to be a chocolate pansy butterfly. Soon after, a flying tiger emerges from the tall grasses. A trained naturalist easily identifies the orange-and-black-striped tiger butterfly, another common variety among Kanha’s 125 species. On meandering walks through the woods, like the seven-kilometre Bamhini Nature Trail, kids and adults alike, can learn fascinating facts about these winged wonders.

The eurema hecabe butterfly is also known as the large grass yellow.

Abhinav Kakkar

On a patch of mud amidst trampled grass, I watched butterflies “mud-puddling”. A herd of chital has been through the area and liberally watered the soil. The butterflies trail in their wake, settling on the wet earth from which they absorb essential salts and minerals not available in the nectar they feed on.

A group of white ibis atop a tree near Bhimodi lake.

Abhinav Kakkar

The Singinawa Jungle Lodge has a butterfly habitat, where the butterfly’s lifecycle can be seen played out in real life. Those staying at the lodge can benefit from an expert team of five in-house naturalists who introduce guests to birds, butterflies, and smaller species of the forest on nature walks, both within the property and outside.

Bhimodi Lake is the perfect spot for sighting birds, butterflies, and small insects.

Abhinav Kakkar

BIRDS OF A FEATHER

Binoculars firmly trained on a rock in Bhimodi Lake, I spot a cormorant spread its wings and let the sun’s warmth seep into its feathers. Between the cotton pygmy geese gliding serenely in the water, a tawny-hued little grebe dives in headfirst in search of food. Closer to the banks, red-naped ibises forage for worms. At the edge of the forest, the lake is a tranquil haven of avian activity, an ideal excursion on a morning without a safari.