Embedded Files
Rose-ringed Parakeet at Jaigarh Fort, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India - December 2017
I had seen this incredible bird all over India perching on various trees and soaring across the skies far above my grasp. Located 500 feet above sea level, Jaigarh Fort finally let me get a clear view of these colorful parakeets as the sun was setting.
Ring-necked parakeets in general are known to be an invasive species and have stable populations in more than 35 countries. Most of these invasive populations were transported to Europe from Pakistan and northern India for the pet trade. The results from the cited study show that the parakeets specifically from Pakistan and northern India are more tolerant to colder environments, which allows them to be a successful invasive species across Europe.
Populations Rose-Ringed Parakeets can be size up to several thousands of birds; many of these populations are growing exponentially. Unfortunately, although these birds have spread to various parts of the world, in India their populations are dramatically decreasing. Even now, they are being trapped and exported for the pet trade, severely impacting their native populations.
Birla Mandir at Jaipur, Rajasthan, India - December 2017
After a long day exploring the forts of Jaipur and learning about Rajasthan's history and art, my family and I sat back and enjoyed the setting sun at Birla Mandir. Barefooted on the lukewarm marble tiles with a gentle breeze running over my skin, I felt at peace. I love taking those small moments to reconnect with my family, my culture, and myself. This picture never fails to remind me of that feeling.
I love working with water in my pictures, particularly using reflections to capture unique lighting and angles. However, pictures like this are a reminder that not all reflections come in the form of water. The marble floor of Birla Mandir (mandir is temple in Hindi) provided a unique perspective on the evening sky.
The large, white structure starkly contrasts the dark skyline of the surrounding city. Inside the temple, the marble ceiling is adorned with intricate designs and the walls are home to carved depictions of scenes in Hindu mythology. The temple is particularly known for the sculpture of Laxmi Ji, the Hindu goddess of wealth and prosperity; the sculpture is carved from a single piece of marble. Inside the temple, you will also find vivid stained glass windows. Although Birla Mandir is a Hindu temple, it celebrates a secular atmosphere, featuring carvings of notable figures such as Buddha, Christ, Socrates, and Confucius.
Sources: TourMyIndia & IndiaLine
Blue Eyed Carpenter Bee at Elephanta Caves, Maharashtra, India - January 2018
This large but friendly looking insect caught my eye as it stood out against the grassy brown landscape. I was surprised to see it simply perched on top of a stick, in clear view of any possible predators.
Upon further research, the bee (species: Xylocopa tenuiscapa) may have been a male which was attempting to visually detect potential mates. This species of bees have exceptional vision. Research shows that males can detect a moving female from 20 meters away. This only darkens the visual field of a single optical unit of the bee's eye by 2%!
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