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.
