Pasni Dune – Balochistan

The Sand Dunes at Pasni, Balochistan – A hidden gem of Pakistan.

These reddish yellow sand dunes are located at the mere edge of the town. Of course, it is a small desert that cannot be compared with the two humongous deserts, the mighty Sahara Desert and the Empty Quarter (the Rub’ al Khali) desert. Altogether, it looks like a wonderful desert, depending on how you take the pictures and perspective.

Our friend, Mr.Aziz from Shimshal village – the valley of Mountaineers far north of Pakistan – climbing up the sand dunes and making a full smile.

Our staff member, Mr. Adnan with a baffled look on his face said, “It looks like I am in Morocco?”.

And our first ever Japanese group to Balochistan! They were escorted by the local Makrani people and the Baloch policemen. All in all, the group enjoyed the exquisiteness of the landscapes of Balochistan and the hospitality of the locals of the region.

Photo & Text : Mariko SAWADA

Visit : Feb 2019, Pasni -Balochistan

Category : - Pasni > ◆ Balochistan
Tag : , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Grey Francolin -Balochistan

A Grey Francolin, which lives in the courtyard of a local guesthouse in Kund Malir. For a moment I was bewildered, when I heard a loud voice, she was just so close to me. It seems that this courtyard is the territory of this Grey Francolin couple, so no matter whether a person or a car is passing by, they do not care at all.

Grey Francolin lives in the dry flat area of the Indian subcontinent. It is a wild bird deprived of the place to live due to the land development.

In Haryana State of India, I went to observe Grey Francolin early in the morning. Particularly, at that time I thought Grey Francolin is a very shy bird who would not approach towards any human. Nonetheless, I was slightly surprised at how Grey Francolin is walking around the courtyard freely.

・・・Grey Francolin, rubbing her body on the ground. It was a very lovely moment to gaze at.

Photo & Text : Mariko SAWADA

Observation : Feb 2019, Kund Malir, Balochistan

Reference : Birds of Pakistan, Birds of Indian Subcontinent(Helm Field Guide)

Category : - Wildlife of Balochistan > ◆ Balochistan > ◇ Birds of Pakistan
Tag : , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Egyptian Vulture -Balochistan

Egyptian Vulture sighted at the Makran Coast in Balochistan, Pakistan.

Egyptian Vultures are broadly spread from the Iberian Peninsula across North Africa and India. In Pakistan, it breeds amid the summer season in the Balochistan province. They more often feed on carrion – rotting flesh of a dead animal – and sometimes prey on small birds and reptiles. These vultures were once a common bird in Pakistan, but its number has been decreased drastically due to the loss of habitat because of infrastructure development. Consequently, it has become very rare to sight Egyptian Vulture.

Upper wing of Egyptian Vulture; It is 60 cm to 70 cm in size, smaller compared to the other vultures. Not to mention, these magnificent creatures have their own distinct features. For instance, they have a small and pointed head with a bare yellowish face, dull white feathers, and black flight feathers.

Down wing of Egyptian Vulture. An Egyptian Vulture flying over the lively fishing village of the picturesque Makran coast, Balochistan, Pakistan.

 

Photo & Text : Mariko SAWADA

Observation : Feb2019, Makran Coast, Balochistan

Reference : Birds of Pakistan

Category : - Wildlife of Balochistan > ◆ Balochistan > ◇ Birds of Pakistan
Tag : , , , , , , , , , , , , ,