(IN) Saving birds in Ranganathittu bird sanctuary

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http://www.deccanherald.com/Content/Oct302007/spectrum2007102933030.asp

Shoot at sight

The documentary - Ranganathittu, an Avian Haven - is a rich repository

of information concerning the bird sanctuary, writes Fathima Sumaya Khan.

 

The mystical world of birds has always amused nature lovers. And, which

nature enthusiast could have missed the Ranganathittu bird sanctuary, the

paradise of bird watchers and photographers?

 

Did you know that the best time to visit this sanctuary is between the

months of December and June and that every year close to 25,000 birds visit

Ranganathittu, which is spread across a small area of 0.67 sq km?

These and many such interesting facts were discovered by a brother-duo from

Mysore, R G Srikantha and R G Jayarama.

 

These two photography enthusiasts worked in this sanctuary for over 300

days, observing the various characteristics of birds. This close watch on

birds resulted in a documentary, the first of its kind on Ranganathittu.

Aptly titled 'Ranganathittu, an Avian Haven' this 40-minute documentary

which features 52 species of birds, three mammals and one reptile was

released at the 53rd Wildlife Week celebrations in Bangalore recently.

Shot with aesthetic sense, the splendid audio-visual depicts the fascinating

world of birds like swallows, cormorants, egrets and kingfishers.

 

 

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Amazing visuals of how Indian Cliff Swallows collect clay from river beds

and build their nests, how egrets secure their nesting sites and how

riverterns feed their hungry young ones are captured in this documentary.

Shooting such a documentary is indeed a difficult task. However, this was

made possible with the support of the Karnataka Forest Department, says the

duo.

 

*Winged wonders

 

*R G Srikantha, who works as an Assistant Superintendent with India Post,

was in the city recently and shared his experiences of shooting the

documentary.

 

*What prompted you to come up with a documentary on Ranganathittu?*

 

Srikantha: Both me and my brother R G Jayarama, an accounts officer in a

private firm, have pursued photography as our hobby. Ranganathittu had

always fascinated us. We used to click pictures of the scenic beauties and

birds in the sanctuary and would often come across some interesting facts

which could not be explained with still photography. Later we decided to

shoot a documentary from August 2005 to July 2006 by observing the daily

lives of birds without disturbing their natural activity in any manner.

 

*How do you think this documentary will help the masses?*

 

Srikantha: This documentary has been shot under the banner of Jungle Lore -

Mysore and its DVD is priced at Rs 150. We want this documentary to reach a

large audience and be helpful to students in schools and colleges. These

DVD's have no copyright and they can be made into any number of copies and

screened for educational purpose. The documentary will also be beneficial to

tourists in choosing the right season to visit Ranganathittu.

 

*What were the challenges you faced?*

 

Srikantha: The documentary had to be shot from a boat because the view from

land was not up to the mark. River current and constant shaking of the boat

were big disadvantages while shooting. Movements of the camera too had to be

accurate. We overcame all these difficulties and visited the sanctuary

mostly during early mornings and evenings for over 300 days.

 

*How did the Forest Department help you?*

 

Srikantha: The officials of the Forest Department not only gave us

permission to shoot this documentary at Ranganathittu, but also provided us

with a boat and a boat man at no cost throughout the shooting period.

 

*What are your future plans?

*

*Srikantha:* The Tamil version of 'Ranganathittu, an Avian Haven' will be

released soon. We are looking forward to visit the BRT Wildlife Sanctuary at

Chamarajanagar in the coming days and explore the possibilities of doing

similar work there.