My last visit to Kasavanahalli Lake was way back in June 2022. Four years is a long time in the life of a lake, and I had often wondered what the place might look like now.
So, when Sunday morning came around, I had absolutely no motivation to step out. You know those mornings when staying in bed feels like the most sensible plan? This was one of those.
Somehow, I managed to convince myself to head to Kasavanahalli Lake, partly out of curiosity, partly because I had no better plan, and mostly to see what had changed there over four years.
Well, the lake had a story to tell.
There were birds everywhere, some familiar faces, a few pleasant surprises, and plenty of photographic opportunities.
And, as usually happens when the birds decide to cooperate, I came back with far too many photographs.
So, brace yourself for a maxi post.
~~~
As I entered the gates, the lake greeted me with a view that seemed almost perfectly timed. The sun was just making its way above the horizon, casting a warm golden glow across the water and turning the whole scene into a rather spectacular welcome.
~~~
I zoomed in and there it was, a Common Kingfisher perched quietly on a dead branch in the water.
~~~
A little more zoom revealed the kingfisher much more clearly. The light was still a bit soft, so I hoped it would stick around for another encounter once the sun got a little higher.
For now, I was happy to have found it.
~~~
I walked further along the lake, with the rising sun keeping me company.
~~~
A little further along, I came across a group of Spot-billed Ducks quietly making their way through the water. There were quite a few of them, and with the morning light catching the ripples around them, they made for a lovely little scene.
~~~
As the morning progressed, the sun climbed higher and kept putting on a show. I stopped for another frame, this time catching it glowing through the silhouettes of the trees.
~~~
A little further along, I spotted a Black Drongo perched quietly on a branch, its long forked tail giving it an unmistakable silhouette.
~~~
The morning light was getting better by the minute. I came across this lovely view where the sun appeared perfectly framed by the trees, with its reflection stretching across the lake.
~~~
The golden light continued to follow me along the shoreline.
~~~
In the foliage, I noticed some movement and stopped to investigate. It turned out to be a White-throated Kingfisher with a rather ambitious catch. The fish looked almost too big for it, and the bird was having quite a struggle trying to swallow the whole thing.
~~~
After a few attempts, it finally decided to take off, still clutching its rather oversized breakfast.
~~~
Further along, I came across a Common Coot perched on a fallen branch, looking rather pleased with itself.
~~~
I spotted a Black Kite tucked away in the tangle of branches. It was almost perfectly camouflaged, sitting quietly in what looked like a rather chaotic nest.
~~~
The kite didn’t stay hidden for long. It suddenly took off from the nest, giving me a much better look as it spread its wings and glided away through the branches.
~~~
Among the ducks, one particular Spot-billed Duck caught my attention.
~~~
A little later, I found two Spot-billed Ducks swimming together. The morning light was now just right, bringing out the beautiful patterns on their plumage and their reflections in the calm water.
~~~
Further along, I spotted an Asian Openbill standing quietly among the reeds.
~~~
I then came across a little group of Spot-billed Ducks resting among the reeds.
~~~
And then, another White-throated Kingfisher showed up, this time perched beautifully on a weathered tree stump.
~~~
Clusters of vivid pink water lilies rose above the surface, their reflections shimmering around the weathered tree stump.
~~~
The kingfisher was not done yet. After pausing on the weathered stump, it suddenly launched itself into the air.
~~~
A little farther along, a Great Cormorant stood high above the lake on a bare, weathered branch.
~~~
Then, high above the water, I noticed a Brahminy Kite perched on a bare branch.
~~~
On a nearby ficus tree, I spotted a Spotted Owlet tucked among the branches.
~~~
I scanned each branch and tree cavity carefully, and finally found this little peeping tom. A Spotted Owlet was peeking out from a narrow hollow in the trunk.
~~~
And then I found two more owlets sitting very close together.
~~~
Then I reached the water lilies area, where the lake opened up into a beautiful carpet of pink blooms and reflections.
~~~
The calm water created perfect reflections, turning the scene into a natural painting.
~~~
I spotted a Little Cormorant perched quietly on a dead tree.
~~~
A Black Kite settled into the treetop, quietly watching the world go by.
~~~
Then, among the tangled branches, a flash of blue caught my eye. A Common Kingfisher was perched quietly on a slender branch.
~~~
The Common Kingfisher has striking electric blue plumage, vivid orange underparts, and that long pointed bill.
~~~
And then, just as I thought the kingfisher sightings were over, another one appeared, hovering between the trees with its wings spread wide. A beautiful Pied Kingfisher, caught in a fleeting moment before it disappeared into the woodland.
~~~
And the final sighting of the morning was a pair of wetland companions, a Common Coot and a Common Moorhen, quietly going about their business among the floating vegetation.
~~~
Not a bad way to spend a Sunday morning after all.
Hope you enjoyed the post. Do leave a comment and let me know what you think!
