Last day at Bharatpur

Last night we went to a wedding ceremony. Lots of trumpets, whooping, clapping and drum banging for the resplendent groom sitting in his gilded coach pulled by a horse. Members of his family young and old danced in front of the coach and the musicians kept up the drumming and playing.  It was  very much in slow motion as the carriage moved about 5 feet in 30 minutes.

Helen was welcomed by the groom's brother in law to join in the dancing.

It seems the more the merrier. People were throwing money for good luck. 

There was no sign of the bride as we entered a tunnel of fabric and lights which opened out to a football pitch sized field. Around three sides were stalls offering paan, vegetable curries, chicken of different kinds and fizzy drinks. Tables were placed around for informal dining.  We were each offered a tall throw-away clay cup with masala chai and almonds. Very sweet but delicious. In fact we were invited to eat as well but declined since we'd just had dinner. 

At the far end was a stage with seating for bride, groom and parents. The bride was due to arrive about 9:30pm. Rows of seats were set out for friends and family to watch the ceremony. The wedding ceremony, and associated ritual, was expected to last well into the early hours of the morning. The bride and groom are from wealthy families...politicians, landowners, business men. They both live, and work in high powered jobs, in Australia. 

We returned to the park for a final session and the main interest was a glimpse of a black bittern skulking under  a dark, thick tangle of branches reaching over the water. 

 The sad news is that the long tailed nightjar is no more. It was eaten by a jackal. It is such easy prey for any animal with a sense of smell as it roosts on the ground thinking it is invisible. 

Three were some good views of booted eagle, Egyptian vulture, owls and a crested hawk eagle but many of the small birds were hiding from the sun.

We gave Manoj the latest field guide to Indian Birds and he was delighted because he was hoping to purchase it. If you want a calm, quiet, observant, knowledgeable guide in North India he is a good choice.  His name is Manoj Sharma, wildlife escort, naturalist, ornithologist. Manojmudghal@gmail.com mobile 9414376521 or 8387943470 . He will also hire a car and driver for you. He lives in Bharatpur. 

Our hotel is Udai Vilas Palace and is near Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary.  It's used by tour companies. 

Leaving at 6:30 am for long drive to New Delhi.

🎶 All my bags are packed, I'm  ready to go, I'm  standing here right by the door.... 🎶.