Lamayuru is one of the most ancient monasteries in Ladakh, the oldest surviving structure dating to the 11 th century CE. What makes this monastery particularly fascinating, is its location, amidst what is today called the “moonscape”, for the spectacular natural rock formations, which truly are “out of the world”! As per legend , there once existed a huge lake in this area, populated only by the Nagas (serpents). It was prophesized that there would be a great monastery built here. This prophecy came true when the great acharya Naropa (756-1041 CE) arrived. He emptied the lake, meditated for many years inside a cave, and built the first monastery here. The present structure is a new one, built around the cave where Acharya Naropa is said to have meditated. This legend seems to fit well with the geological formations seen in the area, which suggest this was a paleo-lake, which disappeared around 1000 years ago. Lamayuru is about 130 km from Leh , and the Indus River flows along th
For the last few days, I have been awakened at dawn by birds instead of the irritating alarm clock. Wondering about which bird is making the noise has proved to be far more effective than waking up wondering about all the things I have to do that day. Anyway, a few days ago, I managed to find out at last the one who was making all that racket at the unearthly hour of dawn - it was a pair of drongoes!
Here are a few pics I have managed to click over the last couple of days.....
and here is a sample of the sound which makes all the noise. They seem to be really perverse birds, making so much noise that I wake up, and then shutting up when I get my camera ready!
P.S. I am out of town and will be back in a few days. Please leave your comments and I shall reply as soon as I get back.
Fantastic Anu!
ReplyDeleteYou may find their nest somewhere nearby.
I am yearning to hear such voices early morning , I hardly see any bird here so the video was a nice treat. Enjoy your travel. Come back with interesting news.
ReplyDeleteLoved the video, should try my hand too. Are you traveling?
ReplyDeletehahaha.. i dont know what i wud do if i saw a Drongo outside my window early morning... probably shoo it away n shout out curses... :D
ReplyDeleteSaw the racket tailed & black drongo recently at our coffee estate.. beautiful
@Indrani: Thanks so much! I have been looking for the nest, but have not managed to find it so far!
ReplyDelete@Chitra: Its really nice to wake up in the morning hearing bird calls... it is quite a surprise that see so many birds here in the city....
@Mridula: you certainly should try it out... esp with the wonderful birds you get to see...
@Aarti: LOL!!!! maybe you wouldnt :)... not if you could write a blog about it :) i have seen lots of racket tailed ones when I have been in the south.... the coffee estate would be a wonderful place for a getaway!
cool captures!
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