Birding Surprises at Hoskote

Some birding trips are good, some are great, and then there are those rare mornings that feel magical where every turn of the trail reveals something spectacular. 

The Western Marsh Harrier soared with precision, a Peafowl dazzled in mid-flight, and a Greater Coucal flaunted its fiery wings. Spot-billed Ducks, Kingfishers, Sandpipers, Cuckoos and a hidden Warbler kept the excitement alive. 

Here’s a glimpse of the magic that unfolded at Hoskote last Sunday!

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An excited-looking Purple Heron kicked off the morning. Moments later, the reason was clear. A Sunday special rat breakfast!

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I tracked a Greater Coucal as it flew across the lake, weaving through the landscape. After a brief chase, it finally landed on a tree near where I was standing.

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This Cattle Egret wasn’t in the mood for the usual bug chase. It just plopped onto a cow and called it a day. No rush, no effort, just the best seat in the grasslands. The cow looked like it had seen it all before.

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A Western Marsh Harrier swooped in menacingly, turning every head and sending a wave of panic through the neighborhood.

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The harrier created quite a stir among the birds, causing a peafowl to flap her wings and swoop down to protect her young one.

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A flock of Indian spot-billed ducks, also panicked and took off in a flurry of wings.

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I was relieved that a hive pregnant with bees, so close to me, didn’t panic.

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I decided to move along the trail to get into a calmer area.

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I spotted a pied bush chat next.

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Then, on an electric wire, a common cuckoo sat perched, observing the scene.

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It seemed like a day of Coucal sightings. One perched so close to me on the ground, then suddenly flew up into a tree.

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To top it off, a booted warbler flitted through the bushes nearby.

 

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Far off, a white-throated kingfisher perched on a distant pole, and to my surprise, it flew down and grabbed a bee.

 

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The last sighting of the morning was a cute wood sandpiper, adding the perfect ending to the day.

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Hope you liked the post! Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section! 

Saul Kere's Colorful Cast

 An overcast sky and a dull, gray morning weren’t exactly the most promising start for a birding trip to Saul Kere. But as I soon discovered, the birds had other plans! From flashes of brilliant blues to striking yellows and reds, the lake’s feathered friends turned the drab morning into a vibrant spectacle.

 Here are some snapshots of the unexpected colors that brightened up the day!

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The sun was a pale white orb, barely managing to pierce through the heavy clouds. It was the kind of morning that makes you wonder if the birds would bother showing up.

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With precise, calculated movements, the Little Egret waded through the shallows, darting its slender beak into the water in search of breakfast. The world around it may have been muted, but the egret was a picture of quiet determination.

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With the birds playing hard to get, I turned my attention to the bougainvillea. Its delicate pink and orange bracts glowed softly.

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After a long, frustrating walk along the lake with no bird sightings, I spotted a white-throated kingfisher. At first, I thought it would be the only bird of the day, so I dedicated a lot of time trying to capture flight shots as it tirelessly attempted to catch fish. These kingfishers use a sit-and-wait strategy before plunging into the water to snatch their prey.

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Saw a couple of spotted doves next. 

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When you're trying to be romantic, but your partner is just thinking about lunch.

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A small, unassuming bird perched delicately amongst the foliage.  Its plumage suggested a warbler species, possibly a Blyth's reed warbler, given the pale underparts, warm brown back, and relatively plain face. 

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A Rose-ringed Parakeet posed perfectly on a dead branch, showing off its beautiful plumage.

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Busy parent! The Parakeet is clearly hard at work tending to its nestlings. 

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An Oriental Magpie-Robin posed beautifully while sharing its melody.

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Spotted this Indian Golden Oriole and thought, 'What a beauty!' Then I realized it was also a foodie, showing off its praying mantis snack.

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A Coppersmith Barbet was busy excavating its nest cavity, clinging to the tree trunk as it carved out its home.

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I lingered a little longer at the lake, hoping for one last bird sighting, and was rewarded with a sighting of an Oriental Honey Buzzard.  Unfortunately, some pesky crows quickly chased it away before I could capture a photo.  

Disappointed but undeterred, I continued my walk and was delighted to spot this pair of Indian Spot-billed Ducks, a perfect ending to my morning.

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Many of you enjoyed the dashcam views of my city in my last posts, so I'm sharing another one!  Come along with me on my morning commute through Manyata Tech Park in Bangalore.  Keep an eye out for the cool murals we pass – they add a splash of color to the daily grind.

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I hope you enjoyed this glimpse into my morning. Do share your thoughts in the comments below!