When Hoskote Calls

Weekend mornings have become a little ritual.

Wake up early, pack the camera, skip the overthinking, and head to the place that feels right. This weekend, Hoskote Lake was an easy choice.

I was happy to find the Greater Flamingos still there. I'd seen them during my last visit nearly a month ago, and I was convinced they would have moved on by now. They don't usually stay this long, so it was a pleasant surprise to see them still wading through the lake.

Alongside the flamingos were plenty of familiar birds and a few exciting sightings that made for a wonderful morning in the field.

Here are a few of my favorite shots from the morning.

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The erratic monsoon has begun to breathe life back into Hoskote Lake. Pockets of water have returned, while the exposed lakebed has turned into a lush green grassland.

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A group of Great Cormorants made a low pass across the lake.

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My first stop was the Greater Flamingos. Three of the five juveniles from my previous visit were still there, methodically sweeping their upside-down bills from side to side through the shallow water as they filter-fed. It's a mesmerizing routine that looks more like a choreographed dance than a search for food.

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Every now and then, one would pause to preen, stretch its wings, or simply stand still before returning to its rhythmic feeding routine.

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After feeding for a while, the trio became far more interactive. They stood close together, gently crossing bills, stretching their necks, and occasionally striking elegant poses. Whether it was social bonding or the beginnings of courtship, it was fascinating to watch.

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The breeding season was evident everywhere. After watching the juvenile flamingos, I came across a juvenile Pied Bushchat. Still wearing its mottled juvenile plumage, it made short flights into the grass in search of insects.

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The transformed lakebed has created ideal hunting grounds for a Tawny Eagle. A species that favors open grasslands and scrub, it patiently watched from a dead tree before taking off.

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It seemed to be a morning for young birds. Not long after the juvenile Pied Bushchat, I came across a juvenile White-browed Wagtail. Unlike the striking black-and-white plumage of the adults, this youngster was dressed in soft shades of grey with a subdued white eyebrow.

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One of the more intriguing sightings of the morning was a pair of Red Avadavats collecting nesting material from a recently burned patch. Interestingly, the pair seemed to prefer burnt twigs. Some birds are known to select nesting materials with antimicrobial properties, although it isn't known whether Red Avadavats do this or whether the charred twigs simply happened to be the most accessible choice.

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Breeding activity continued elsewhere as well. A Red-whiskered Bulbul repeatedly visited a fruiting shrub, plucking berries before disappearing into the foliage. It may have been feeding itself, or perhaps delivering food to hungry chicks hidden nearby.

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My focus shifted back to the water, where a pair of Black-winged Stilts caught my eye. They flew low over the surface in perfect synchrony.

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Another welcome sight was a pair of Fulvous Whistling Ducks. Named for their distinctive high-pitched whistling calls rather than the usual quacks, they glided peacefully across the lake, never straying far from one another.

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Before heading back, a White-throated Kingfisher perched quietly among the branches. Despite its name, this adaptable hunter is just as likely to be found away from water, feeding on insects, lizards, frogs, and even small rodents.

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My last sighting of the morning was a male Purple Sunbird in eclipse plumage. Unlike its glossy breeding attire, the eclipse plumage replaces the iridescent purple with olive-brown tones while retaining a bright yellow underside and subtle metallic blue on the wings. The eclipse plumage is a transitional stage between breeding and non-breeding seasons.

As always, Hoskote Lake delivered more than I expected. With the monsoon reshaping the landscape and birds making the most of the season, it was another memorable morning.

Thanks for reading! I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.

Frames from Mulluru Lake

A leisurely morning at Mulluru Lake with CA rewarded us with a wonderful mix of wetland birds, woodland species, butterflies, and an Indian Rock Agama. Here are some of the highlights from the morning.

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The birding began right at the entrance, where a leafless tree packed with Black-headed Ibises was the first sight to greet us.

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As we watched, the ibises went about their morning routine, preening, stretching, and occasionally hopping between branches.

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The ibises weren't the only ones using the tree. A pair of Common Mynas shared it, seemingly unfazed by their much larger neighbours.

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It was a pleasant surprise to find a Red-rumped Swallow resting quietly in the open.

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The roadside wires doubled as perfect perches for Asian Green Bee-eaters. We watched one patiently scanning for prey before returning with a freshly caught dragonfly.

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We first heard the rhythmic "tuk...tuk...tuk" before spotting a pair of Coppersmith Barbets perched near the top of a bare tree.

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Among the lake's regular residents, the Eurasian Coot was hard to miss. One paddled quietly past us, its crisp white shield mirrored perfectly in the still water.

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A pair of Indian Spot-billed Ducks had claimed a lone rock in the middle of the lake. One stood balancing comfortably on a single leg while the other waited nearby.

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After a while, the roles reversed, with the resting bird slipping into the water and its companion stepping up to take over the coveted perch.

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Sandwiched between two branches, the Red-whiskered Bulbul offered a beautifully framed portrait.

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Another Coppersmith Barbet made an appearance.

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The White-cheeked Barbet played a game of hide-and-seek, peeking from behind the branches before revealing itself just long enough for a photograph.

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The Red-rumped Swallows kept us entertained, alternating between quiet perches and graceful take-offs.

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A Rose-ringed Parakeet arrived in style, flaring its wings as it landed on a bare branch.

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There was certainly no shortage of Little Grebes at Mulluru Lake. Singles, pairs, and loose groups dotted the water, constantly diving beneath the surface before popping up somewhere unexpected.

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This colourful Common Jezebel butterfly was a delightful find among the flowering lantana.

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A Common Moorhen ventured out from the reeds.

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The date palm hosted an entire Baya Weaver colony, with nests in various stages of construction and occupancy. Several males were simultaneously weaving, calling, and displaying around their nests.

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Another pleasant sighting was an Ashy Woodswallow, perched calmly on a utility wire.

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We also watched a Jerdon's Bushlark busily collecting nesting material.

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The bird repeatedly gathered dry grass and other fine plant material before flying off to its concealed nest, making several trips back and forth between the nesting site and nearby patches of vegetation.

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The Morning Glory vines were in full bloom, draping the lakeside vegetation with delicate violet trumpets.

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An Indian White-eye offered an extended photographic opportunity as it moved through the foliage, pausing to inspect leaves, flowers, and berries.

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A Glossy Ibis foraged through the shallows while a Common Moorhen looked on from the tangled branches behind.

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A Black-winged Stilt patiently scanned the shallows for its next meal.

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The morning ended with a juvenile South Indian Rock Agama, its cryptic patterning making it almost invisible against the stone.

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Having completed a full circuit of the lake, we found ourselves back at the entrance. It had been a thoroughly satisfying morning of birding and photography, with plenty of memorable sightings along the way. I hope you enjoyed this post. 

Do share your thoughts in the comments below.