My last birding trip was on March 14. After being homebound for 3 months due to COVID-19 lockdown, I resumed birding yesterday. Hoskote lake again and what a joy to be there and meet all the lovely birds out there. Here's a photo tour...
After a week of overcast conditions, the weather decided to smile. Hoskote lake was as cheerful and inviting as a delicious meal...
A Gray Heron stood stock-still waiting for a fish to pass by. I waited for a while and realized that its patience is far better than mine...
An Intermediate Egret too was focused on fishing...
A Little Grebe emerged with water droplets sticking to it...
An Indian Pond Heron was also focusing with its sharp eyes...
I moved away from the lake and found a Gray-headed Swamphen strolling in the vegetation...
A Paddyfield pipit gulped a worm and I was a bit late to capture the act...
A White-browed Wagtail also moved around looking really busy...
A cute little squirrel was doing Balance Beam gymnastics...
A Red-wattled Lapwing got really agitated on seeing me and started screaming "Pity to do it"....
Then, it flew around screaming aloud...
It came back and sat nearby after a couple of rounds and still screaming. I decided to leave him alone...
It is always nice to see the White-throated Kingfisher...
I saw some activity among the cluster of Baya weaver nests...
A closer look revealed nests at different stages of completion...
A female Baya Weaver turned up after a while, indicating that it has accepted a nest built by a male...
The female Baya Weaver was carrying a strand of grass. The females usually build the interior egg laying chambers...
On the other side, I saw many incomplete nests...
A male Baya Weaver arrived...
He looked around to ensure there's no danger...
An incomplete nest needs attention...
I stood at a distance behind a bush and watched the male Baya weaver meticulously build its nest...
He looks satisfied after a few rounds of touching up...
A Jerdon's Bushlark was singing in sweet whistles...
It was nice to see one more White-browed Wagtail...
A Net-winged beetle...
Back at the lake the Gray heron was still standing still...
An Intermediate egret and a Painted stork almost collided while on their fishing expedition...
Finally, patience paid and the Gray heron got something to eat...
The common water hyacinth is invading a part of the lake and needs weeding. The flowers of the weed are so lovely though...
I saw a juvenile Gray-headed swamphen tailing his mother...
The mother caught a grasshopper and promptly fed the chick...
The Gray-headed swamphen chick looked energized after the small meal...
That was a satisfying birding trip after a long break of 3 months. Hope you liked the post. Please share your thoughts in the comments section below...
