Bird Nest

A bird nest is the spot in which a bird lays and incubates its eggs and raises its young. Although the term popularly refers to a specific structure made by the bird itself—such as the grassy cup nest of the American robin or Eurasian blackbird, or the elaborately woven hanging nest of the Montezuma oropendola or the village weaver—that is too restrictive a definition. For some species, a nest is simply a shallow depression made in sand; for others, it is the knot-hole left by a broken branch, a burrow dug into the ground, a chamber drilled into a tree, an enormous rotting pile of vegetation and earth, a shelf made of dried saliva or a mud dome with an entrance tunnel. The smallest bird nests are those of some hummingbirds, tiny cups which can be a mere 2 cm (0.79 in) across and 2–3 cm (0.79–1.18 in) high. At the other extreme, some nest mounds built by the dusky scrubfowl measure more than 11 m (36 ft) in diameter and stand nearly 5 m (16 ft) tall.

Not all bird species build nests. Some species lay their eggs directly on the ground or rocky ledges, while brood parasites lay theirs in the nests of other birds, letting unwitting "foster parents" do the work of rearing the young. Although nests are primarily used for breeding, they may also be reused in the non-breeding season for roosting and some species build special dormitory nests or roost nests (or winter-nest) that are used only for roosting. Most birds build a new nest each year, though some refurbish their old nests.  The large eyries (or aeries) of some eagles are platform nests that have been used and refurbished for several years.

In most species, the female does most or all of the nest construction, though the male often helps.In some polygynous species, however, the male does most or all of the nest building. The nest may also form a part of the courtship display such as in weaver birds. The ability to choose and maintain good nest sites and build high quality nests may be selected for by females in these species. In some species the young from previous broods may also act as helpers for the adults.

Biyyam Park

Biyyam Kayal is a green fringed waterway situated near Ponnani in Malappuram District. A boat race held in its extensive stretch of water during Onam draws a large number of people from far and near. Women rowers also participate in the race. Now developed into a tourist center, the lake has a water sports facility set up by the District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC). There is a rest house on the bank of the lake complete with all the facilities for the tourists to enjoy a comfortable stay.

Eagle

Eagle is the common name for many large birds of prey of the family Accipitridae. Eagles belong to several groups of genera, not all of which are closely related. Most of the 60 species of eagle are from Eurasia and Africa. Outside this area, just 14 species can be found—2 in North America, 9 in Central and South America, and 3 in Australia.

Pic : Sudha lakshmi

Eagles are large, powerfully built birds of prey, with heavy heads and beaks. Even the smallest eagles, such as the booted eagle (Aquila pennata), which is comparable in size to a common buzzard (Buteo buteo) or red-tailed hawk (B. jamaicensis), have relatively longer and more evenly broad wings, and more direct, faster flight – despite the reduced size of aerodynamic feathers. Most eagles are larger than any other raptors apart from some vultures. The smallest species of eagle is the South Nicobar serpent eagle (Spilornis klossi), at 450 g (0.99 lb) and 40 cm (16 in). The largest species are discussed below. Like all birds of prey, eagles have very large, hooked beaks for ripping flesh from their prey, strong, muscular legs, and powerful talons. The beak is typically heavier than that of most other birds of prey. Eagles' eyes are extremely powerful. It is estimated that the martial eagle, whose eye is more than twice as long as a human eye, has a visual acuity 3.0 to 3.6 times that of humans. This acuity enables eagles to spot potential prey from a very long distance. This keen eyesight is primarily attributed to their extremely large pupils which ensure minimal diffraction (scattering) of the incoming light. The female of all known species of eagles is larger than the male.

Eagles normally build their nests, called eyries, in tall trees or on high cliffs. Many species lay two eggs, but the older, larger chick frequently kills its younger sibling once it has hatched. The dominant chick tends to be a female, as they are bigger than the male. The parents take no action to stop the killing.

Due to the size and power of many eagle species, they are ranked at the top of the food chain as apex predators in the avian world. The type of prey varies by genus. The Haliaeetus and Ichthyophaga eagles prefer to capture fish, though the species in the former often capture various animals, especially other water birds, and are powerful kleptoparasites of other birds. The snake and serpent eagles of the genera Circaetus, Terathopius, and Spilornis predominantly prey on the great diversity of snakes found in the tropics of Africa and Asia. The eagles of the genus Aquila are often the top birds of prey in open habitats, taking almost any medium-sized vertebrate they can catch. Where Aquila eagles are absent, other eagles, such as the buteonine black-chested buzzard-eagle of South America, may assume the position of top raptorial predator in open areas. Many other eagles, including the species-rich Spizaetus genus, live predominantly in woodlands and forest. These eagles often target various arboreal or ground-dwelling mammals and birds, which are often unsuspectingly ambushed in such dense, knotty environments. Hunting techniques differ among the species and genera, with some individual eagles having engaged in quite varied techniques based their environment and prey at any given time. Most eagles grab prey without landing and take flight with it, so the prey can be carried to a perch and torn apart.

The bald eagle is noted for having flown with the heaviest load verified to be carried by any flying bird, since one eagle flew with a 6.8 kg (15 lb) mule deer fawn. However, a few eagles may target prey considerably heavier than themselves; such prey is too heavy to fly with, thus it is either eaten at the site of the kill or taken in pieces back to a perch or nest. Golden and crowned eagles have killed ungulates weighing up to 30 kg (66 lb) and a martial eagle even killed a 37 kg (82 lb) duiker, 7–8 times heavier than the preying eagle.Authors on birds David Allen Sibley, Pete Dunne, and Clay Sutton described the behavioral difference between hunting eagles and other birds of prey thus (in this case the bald and golden eagles as compared to other North American raptors):

They have at least one singular characteristic. It has been observed that most birds of prey look back over their shoulders before striking prey (or shortly thereafter); predation is after all a two-edged sword. All hawks seem to have this habit, from the smallest kestrel to the largest Ferruginous – but not the Eagles.

Among the eagles are some of the largest birds of prey: only the condors and some of the Old World vultures are markedly larger. It is regularly debated which should be considered the largest species of eagle. They could be measured variously in total length, body mass, or wingspan. Different lifestyle needs among various eagles result in variable measurements from species to species. For example, many forest-dwelling eagles, including the very large Harpy eagle, have relatively short wingspans, a feature necessary for being able to maneuver in quick, short bursts through densely forested habitats.Eagles in the genus Aquila, though found almost strictly in open country, are superlative soarers, and have relatively long wings for their size.

Nilambur – Shoranur Railway Line & Malappuram Tourism

Vast forests, unique wildlife, royal residences and colonial heritage draw tourist to Nilambur.If you are game for a journey through the jungle in the rain, pack your gear and head to Nilambur.June – to August is the right time to visit the world’s oldest teak forest protected by the nourishing waters of Kurinji Puzha and Chaliyar river.

The forest in the Western Ghats is less than 200 km from Kochi and can be reached within five hours by road. Do not forget to get permission from the forest department to arrange for a trek or a more adventurous jeep ride into the jungle.

The highlight of the town is a Teak Museum, inside the Bio Resources Nature Park Campus, one of its kinds in the country. At Vadapuram in Conolly plot, just two km from the town, you will find the oldest teak in the world.

Also visist the Chaliyar Forest Guest House, opposite to private bus stands at Chandakunnu for a panoramic view of the Nilambur town and the vastness of the forest stretching beyond. It’s world a halt.

Kurinji Puzha, Cherupuzha, Karimpuzha and Chaliyar are the rivers that enrich the habitat. On the banks of Chaliyar, the fragments of Nilambur Kovilakam that once flourished in the region can be seen, in the form of steps and bathing areas for eh royalty, cut into the rocks.

A 25 km ride into the forest from Nilambur will get you to Nedumgayam and five km further is Maancheri,where once can find the Chola Naikkar,an ethnic group, one of the last remaining hunter gatherer tribes in India, who live in caves.

Elephants are the major attraction, but do not get too close.Deer,gaur,wild boar and porcupines and a wide variety of birds, including Kerala’s own, the Great Hornbill, can be sighted. Watch out for leeches.

Ooty is just 90 km away. So if you are taking a detour, so stop at Adiyan Para, a natural theme park.

The two hour train journey on the 66 km stretch between Nilambur and Shoranur during monsoon is the best opportunity enjoys the nature in all its pristine beauty. Monsoon provides a welcome relief from the sweltering summer heat and this is certainly not a time to be spent at home.Generally, September to March is considered the major tourist season in Kerala. But the monsoon tourism launched in 2004 – 05, has transformed Kerala into a tourist destination round the year. To go on a train journey during monsoon is an awesome experience and the Nilambur – Shoranur route in Particular has amazing views for the travelers.

Nilambut – Shoranur raiway line under the control of the Palakkad division of Southern Railway, is one of the shortest broad gauge railway lines in Kerala with a single track of 66 kms.Several passenger trains and one express train are currently operated on this picturesque and eco friendly route. The terrain comprising hills, valleys and paddy fields receives torrential rains during the South West monsoon. A train journey on this route is one of the best options to enjoy and experience monsoon tourism in Kerala.

The teak trees are the prime attraction of this scenic route. The rail line passes through the eastern region of the Malappuram district and one can experience the natural beauty and greenery of the teak forests on both sides of the track. The journey offers soothing experience foe travelers.

There are four rivers, several streams and cascades on this evergreen route.The line cross Kunthipuzha between Kulukkalloor and Cherukara.Velliyar River, a principal tributary of Kadalundi, crosses between Pattikkad and Melattur.Olippuzha, another tributary f Kadalundi, crosses between Melattur and Tuvvur stations and Kuthirappuzha,a tributary of Chaliyar,lies between Vaniyambalam and Nilambur road stations.

Apart from these four major rivers, several streams also flow parallel to the rail line especially during the monsoon season. The view of the rivers and cascades from the rain window during rains is a charming sight. The route provides opportunities to see vast green paddy fields ,water birds,peacocks,plantain and agriculture fields.Beside,it also offers to view the village life in its true colors and allure. If lucky, cone can see peacocks, running through the pathways of the paddy fields near the tracks during mild rains.

10 tiny eco friendly railway stations on this route are truly charming and each of them is covered by shady trees. Waiting for trains at stations when it rains is an opportunity to romance with the nature.Angadippuram is the major station on this route. Giant trees extend their branches to cover the platform and the track.When the trains halts at a station it s best to come out and experience the intensity of the rains.

The months from June to August are the best times to on this route. The tow hour journey in a passenger train during monsoon will be etched in your memory with all the greenery, fresh air and rain drops. Aiming to attract more visitors to local tourist destinations in Malappuram especially during monsoon, the district tourism promotion council (DTPC) is planning to organize a tour exploring the rural landscapes of the district. The highlight of the package includes a train journey from shoranur to Angadippuram through an extremely picturesque landscape. Make a train journey during monsoon season and soak in the charms it offers.

Hill views

special Thanks : rafath


Every #Great_Dream begins with a #Dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.

Umm Al Quwain Beach

Umm Al Quwain (أمّ القيوين) is an emirate between Ajman and Ra's al Khaymah on the west coast of the United Arab Emirates.

pic courtesy : rafath

Umm Al Quwain, one of the 7 members of the United Arab Emirates, covers an area of 800 square kilometres and stretches from the beautiful, lush green coastal mangroves lining the shores of the Persian Gulf, inland across the rolling sand dunes to the fertile oasis surrounding Falaj Al Moalla.

The inland oasis and hinterland town of Falaj Al Moalla lies some 50km from Umm Al Quwain city.

From November to March temperatures are idyllic and average 26oC in daytime and 15oC at night (79oF to 59oF). Temperatures can rise over 40oC (104oF) in the peak of the summer and the humidity levels are high. Rainfall is minimal and averages 42 millimetres a year. The coastline experiences cooling sea breezes during the day.

The name Umm Al Quwain is derived from Umm Al Quwatain, which means "Mother of two powers", a reference to the powerful seafaring tradition of this emirate. The modern history of Umm Al Quwain dates back 200 years when the Al Ali tribe moved their capital from Al Sinniyah Island to its present location in the mid 18th century, when the water supply dried up.

Moonnar hill view

🍃ഓരോ വിജയിക്കും ഒരു വേദനയുടെ കഥ പറയാൻ ഉണ്ടാകും. അതുപോലെ ഓരോ വേദനിപ്പിക്കുന്ന കഥയുടെയും അവസാനം വിജയം ആയിരിക്കും. അത് കൊണ്ട്, വേദനകളെ സ്വീകരിച്ചു വിജയത്തിന് തയ്യാറാകുക. 🍃

Stalls, Chamundeshwari Temple

Toy Stall

I had a happy childhood, with many stimulation's and support from my parents who, in postwar times, when it was difficult to buy things, made children's books and toys for us. We had much freedom and were encouraged by our parents to do interesting things.

Kochi

             To find the universal elements enough; to find the air and the water exhilarating; to be refreshed by a morning walk or an evening saunter... to be thrilled by the stars at night; to be elated over a bird's nest or a wildflower in spring - these are some of the rewards of the simple life.

Kochi  also known as Cochin is a major port city on the south-west coast of India bordering the Laccadive Sea. It is part of the district of Ernakulam in the state of Kerala and is often referred to as Ernakulam. The city has a corporation limit population of 612,343, and a metropolitan population of 2.1 million, making it the largest urban agglomeration in Kerala. Kochi city is also part of the Greater Cochin region and is classified as a Tier-II city by the Government of India. The civic body that governs the city is the Kochi Municipal Corporation, which was constituted in the year 1967, and the statutory bodies that oversee its development are the Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) and the Goshree Islands Development Authority (GIDA).

Called the Queen of the Arabian Sea, Kochi was an important spice trading centre on the west coast of India from the 14th century onward, and maintained a trade network with Arab merchants from the pre-Islamic era. Occupied by the Portuguese in 1503, Kochi was the first of the European colonies in colonial India. It remained the main seat of Portuguese India until 1530, when Goa was chosen instead. The city was later occupied by the Dutch and the British, with the Kingdom of Cochin becoming a princely state. Kochi ranks first in the total number of international and domestic tourist arrivals in Kerala. Kochi has been ranked the sixth best tourist destination in India according to a survey conducted by the Nielsen Company on behalf of the Outlook Traveller magazine. Kochi was one of the 28 Indian cities among the emerging 440 global cities that will contribute 50% of the world GDP by the year 2025, in a 2011 study done by the McKinsey Global Institute.

Kochi is known as the financial, commercial and industrial capital of Kerala. It is the home to Southern Naval Command of the Indian Navy and the state headquarters of the Indian Coast Guard with an attached air squadron, named Air Squadron 747. Commercial maritime facilities of the city include the Port of Kochi, an International Container Transshipment Terminal, the Cochin Shipyard, offshore SPM of the BPCL Kochi Refinery and the Kochi Marina. Kochi is also home for the Cochin Stock Exchange, International Pepper Exchange, companies like HMT, Cyber City, Kinfra Hi-Tech Park, chemical companies like the FACT, TCC, IREL, Petronet LNG, Merchem, HOCL and Kochi Refineries, electrical companies like TELK,[28] and industrial parks like the Cochin Special Economic Zone, Smart City and Infopark. Kochi is home for the High Court of Kerala and Lakshadweep, Naval physical and oceanographic laboratory (NPOL), Indian Maritime University, Sree sankara Sanskrit University and the Cochin University of Science and Technology. Kochi is also home to Kerala's National Law School, The National University of Advanced Legal Studies. Kochi has been hosting India's first art biennale, the Kochi-Muziris Biennale, since 2012, which attracts international artists and tourists

Mysore Zoo

        Mysore Zoo (officially the Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens) is a 157-acre (64 ha) zoo located near the palace in Mysore, India. It is one of the oldest and most popular zoos in India, and is home to a wide range of species (168). Mysore Zoo is one of the city’s most popular attractions.

        While mainly depending on entry fees for its financing, an adoption scheme introduced in the early 2000s has been a success. Celebrities, institutions,animal lovers and Volunteers of various clubs in the zoo have contributed directly to the welfare of the zoo inmates.

    Mysore Zoo was created in 1892 on 10 acres (4.0 ha) of the summer palace of Maharaja Sri Chamaraja Wodeyar, and was originally called the Palace Zoo. The zoo was originally set up by G.H. Krumbiegel, a German landscaper and horticulturist. Over the next 10 years the zoo was expanded to 45 acres (18 ha) with spacious enclosures that are still in use.

         The zoo was opened to the public in 1902, and now includes a bandstand and an artificial lake. It was given to the Department of Parks and Gardens of the Mysore State Government in 1948. The zoo was expanded first with another 50 acres (20 ha), and then another 150 acres (61 ha) with the acquisition of the Karanji Tank (Karanji reservoir), in which an artificial island has been created as a sanctuary for birds.

         The zoo was handed over to the Forest Department in 1972, and was entrusted to Zoo Authority of Karnataka (the first autonomous organization in India to manage a zoo) in 1979.

          The zoo had completed 100 years in 1992. The centenary celebrations were held in 1990 and 91. During the centenary celebrations various developmental activities were initiated such as renovation & modification of entrance gate, hospital building, Walk Through Reptiles, etc. The bust of Sri Chamarajendra Wadiyar, founder of Mysore Zoo was unveiled. The logo of the zoo, centenary souvenir, publication of literature & leaflets, conducting various competitions, preparation of a documentary film were other highlights.

Tiwi, Ash Sharqīyah, Oman

Tiwi is a coastal town in the Gulf of Oman , located in the northeast of the Sultanate of Oman , on the coastal road from Quriyat to Sour . It is part of Ash Sharqiyah region .

Tiwi had 2,189 inhabitants in the first census (1993).

Dubai Frame

The Dubai Frame (Arabic: برواز دبي‎) is an architectural landmark in Zabeel Park, Dubai.It has been described The Guardian newspaper as "the biggest picture frame on the planet", however is also controversial as the "biggest stolen building of all time".

Thuruvanam

Thaneerkond band

Al Sawadi beach

Al Sawadi beach is a special places on the North Shore of Oman. The long beach is surrounded by a group of islands, which create a rocky environment great for snorkeling and diving. The main island has a fort and can be reached on foot during a low tide.

Al Sawadi is also a good departure point for the Damaniyat islands, considered one of the best diving spot in Oman.

Personnaly I decided to visit the beach, because I know it was covered with beautiful shells. Some photos in books had led me to believe it was covered with much more than what I saw, but they were still pretty.​

Qurum Beach - The capital's most beautiful beach

Qurum Beach is Muscat's longest and most beautiful beach. It is situated right in the capital, is very easy to reach and at four kilometres long, offers enough space for everyone. I particularly liked the fine sand on Qurum Beach and the easy access from Muscat.

As is usual in Oman, most beach-goers travel by car. The road lies directly behind the beach, although the noise doesn't cause any disturbance, and there are plenty of free parking spaces along it. If all the parking spaces on the beach front to the east are full there are lots more to the west. Whilst the road connection is practical, it's not exactly idyllic.

The colour of the sand on Qurum Beach is difficult to describe, but light brown-grey suits the fine stretch of sand well. Small shells are washed up on the beach, but not enough to be irritating. The water is very clear with no springs, sea urchins, sharp stones or pieces of glass so you can go in comfortably without beach shoes. The waves are small on Qurum Beach, which lies on the Gulf of Oman, and the tides don't cause any great variations in water level.

Small-scale sports activities like jet skiing, para-sailing and canoeing can be booked at the beach at prices that are standard for the region. Snorkelling trips or dives can also be booked here but they take place in a different section of water.

There's plenty of good food and drink available in the various restaurants and snack bars. To the far west there are some premium resorts. Unfortunately you can't access the beaches belonging to these resorts, but even outside this area there's still plenty of space on the beach to use as you please. Nude bathing should be avoided in Oman.

Quriyat Wadi Al Shab

This wadi is located in Tiwi, part of Sur in Al Sharqiyah South Governorate . It lies 140 kilometres (87 miles) from Muscat on the Qurayat – Sur Coastal Road. Fresh water cascading from tops of the mountains meet the briny sea water on its banks, creating an environmental diversity unique to this wadi, and making it stand on a pedestal of its own when compared with the other wadis (valleys) in the Sultanate.

You’ll doubtless enjoy the adventurous journey through Wadi Shab, as you can only meander through certain areas by boat, or take pleasure in a refreshing hike through this mountainous region.

Photo Credits : shani rafi

Picture of the Week: Stephen Hawking in Zero Gravity

Article by : Joseph Stromberg, SMITHSONIAN.COM , MAY 11, 2012

On January 8, 2007, scientist Stephen Hawking did something special for his 65th birthday—he took a trip up into zero gravity. He rode in the Zero Gravity Corporation’s modified Boeing 727 jet, which traveled up to 24,000 feet over the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Florida and performed a series of dips that let Hawking experience a total of about four minutes of weightlessness. Because Hawking suffers from a degenerative nerve disease related to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a medical support team was on hand to monitor his blood pressure and cardiac readings. But the renowned physicist held up even better than expected, negotiating for two additional 30-second rounds of weightlessness while in flight.

NASA has been using aircraft to simulate the zero-gravity environment of orbit for decades, and in 2004 the Zero Gravity Corporation became the first company to offer the experience to the general public. The sensation occurs as the plane climbs upward with a very steep pitch and then levels out—a little like the feeling you get at the top of a roller coaster—and lasts about 30 seconds at a time. The price tag: $4,950 plus tax.

Hawking took the flight in order to publicize the possibility of commercial space travel. “I believe that life on Earth is at an ever-increasing risk of being wiped out by a disaster such as sudden nuclear war, a genetically engineered virus, or other dangers. I think the human race has no future if it doesn’t go into space,” he said before the flight. Using the force of commerce, he believes, is the most practical way to eventually make mass space travel a real possibility.

After the flight, Hawking was exuberant, and discussed his hopes to someday fully enter earth’s orbit (Richard Branson, owner of the company Virgin Galactic, has said he will waive the $200,000 fee). “It was amazing. The zero-G part was wonderful, and the high-G part was no problem,” Hawking said. “I could have gone on and on. Space, here I come.”