An early morning long drive took me to Muthanallur lake. It was a satisfying trip despite the length and traffic complexity of the route.
Here are the pics…
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It was quite lovely to see the misty surroundings…
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Almost immediately I saw a Red-vented Bulbul…
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An Ashy Drongo made an appearance in the mist...
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It disappeared as quickly as it appeared…
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In the awkward light, I saw a Chestnut-tailed Starling…
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I met Dr S, a friendly plastic surgeon, who commits his weekends to birdwatching. He took me to an area where he had clear sightings of Red Avadavats the previous week.
On the way, we saw a macro photographer who had spotted a beautiful Golden Tortoise Beetle. Here’s a shot with my telephoto lens…
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A Rose-ringed Parakeet couple in the misty morning…
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We stood near the reed area and waited for the light to improve and the elusive Red Avadavat to appear…
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The Red-whiskered Bulbuls were in a joyous mood and invited our attention by singing continuously…
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The birds were rousing themselves for a hard day's work. A female Indian Robin posed for our cameras…
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I followed a Clamorous Reed Warbler who flitted and darted here and there. It put up quite a show…
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A male Pied Bushchat warmed up to us and came closer…
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We saw several birds while discussing the recent incredible reconstructive surgeries Dr S had been artistically executing. A Red-whiskered Bulbul too seemed to be involved in the construction of a nest…
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A White-throated Kingfisher flashed its cobalt blue and brown colors…
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A White-browed Bulbul looked cute with some yellow on its chin and mustache…
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There were no signs of the Red Avadavat yet. Few birdwatchers joined us for the much anticipated arrival of the Red Avadavat. I got a tad impatient and moved ahead to explore other areas. I saw a Little Grebe making its frequent dive for food…
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I came upon a perfect spider web and its owner, a gentleman called Oriental Spiny Orb-Weaver…
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A large Blue Tiger butterfly posed to give a glimpse of its blue tinged upper wings…
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I saw a wild sugarcane thicket. These plants exhibit exceptional resistance to biotic stresses such as nematodes, fungi, bacteria and other pests and diseases. They are ideal nesting materials for Red Avadavats…
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Soon, a male Red Avadavat made a quick visit to collect nesting material. He didn’t come out in the open…
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I waited for his next visit. This time I got my reward…
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I got a call from Dr S saying he could spot the Red Avadavat. I walked back to the spot and found the Strawberry finch in all its glory. Looked like he was just back from slapping a coat of white paint on the walls of his nest…
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I returned home delighted with my morning out. Hope you liked the post. Please post your thoughts in the comments section below…
I have nothing to say only to express my deep thanks for still showing these beautiful creatures for everyone to see. Keep them coming please.
ReplyDeleteA wonderful series of images but the parakeets in the mist really does it for me. It looks like something Robert Bateman might have painted.
ReplyDeleteMagnificent. It makes me pause to think about how fortunate these creatures are to have a safe space in which to live and how fortunate you are to be able to observe them and how fortunate we are to get to see your photos.
ReplyDeleteThat WAS delightful! Amazing colours. We are so muted now in winter!
ReplyDeleteIncredible photographs of these exotic (to me) birds. I love the macro of the tiny golden beetle.
ReplyDeleteyour birding photos are always stunning!
ReplyDeleteThe Golden Tortoise Beetle is interesting. Never seen anything like it. I also really like the photo of the singing Red-whiskered Bulbul.
ReplyDeleteI've never heard of a golden tortoise beetle before - so shiny gold like jewelry.
ReplyDeleteGreat shots.
ReplyDeleteThat Strawberry finch is my favorite today! Or, that amazing golden beetle!
ReplyDeleteWow! Glad you had that closeup of red munia. Your post has tempted me to visit the lake sooner. This ecosystem seems to be flourishing with avian creatures
ReplyDeleteAmazing photography, Great series
ReplyDeleteDelightful!
ReplyDeleteWat een geweldige foto's van je ochtend fotograferen.
ReplyDeleteDe Roodbuikbuulbuul is echt fantastisch.
Groetjes Irma
It was clearly worth the trip. Another wonderful collection.
ReplyDeleteexcellent shots of Red-vented Bulbul
ReplyDeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteWhat a great outing, yes it was worth the long drive. The Golden Tortoise Beetle is new to me, interesting insect. I love all the birds, the Red Avadavat is beautiful. The Pied Bushchat is a cutie and the Kingfisher is pretty too. Beautiful collection of photos. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, have a happy weekend! PS, thank you for leaving me a comment.
once again it’s a great pleasure to go birding with you, and I love all these highly unfamiliar species. I may never get to see them, but it’s so neat to see your photos.
ReplyDeletebest… mae at maefood.blogspot.com
Hello Shiju, I don’t think I will ever get tired of looking at your blog. Every new edition is filled with fascinating photos. The Strawberry Finch … wow! That’s a first timer for me. The Blue Tiger butterfly image … you have an award winner there! Absolutely love your first image … Muthanallur Mesmerizes Again … Cranium Bolts by Shiju Sugunan … in the news! Great post, Shiju, take good care and have happy days ahead! John
ReplyDeleteThe Golden tortoise beetle sure is an odd thing. It really doesn't look real so how neat to get that good photo. Love the colorful birds you see and that little Orb weaver! Enjoy your weekend. And thanks so much for your kind comments on my blog. They mean a lot to me!
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness - I have not visited your blog for a while - and now I remember your spectacular photography. A feast for the eyes - one treasure after another. Thanks for sharing this glory and these unique (to me) birds! (And thanks for your recent visit to my blog!)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful outing. Beautiful birds!!
ReplyDeleteHave a terrific week ahead and thanks for linking up.
Another super day out Shiju. You certainly saved the best until last with that cracking Red Avadavat. No wonder all the birders want to see one.
ReplyDelete...the misty image is my favorite.
ReplyDeleteHave a beautiful weekend
ReplyDeleteSublime series of photos, Shiju!
ReplyDeleteHave a great week ahead!
Absolutely stunning photos, beauty for the eyes. Thanks so much for sharing these with us. Have a wonderful week.
ReplyDeleteExcellent captures. We are beginning birders in the Northeast United States and it is wonderful looking at your birds.
ReplyDeleteWorth drive ~ such magnificent and professional photos of nature's gifts ~
ReplyDeleteWishing you good health, laughter and love in your days,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)
I love the mist. Great captures of the beautiful birds and insects.
ReplyDeleteAmazing photos as always perfectly captured loved the misty one too very atmospheric :-)
ReplyDeleteHave a mistytastic week 👍
You always share such stunning photos - these are no exception. Thanks for joining the party at https://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2022/12/a-continuation-from-last-weeks-post.html
ReplyDeleteYour nature photos are impressive. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteLots of colour here in this collection: red tails, red whiskers (so cute! :D) and the Red Avadavat! The Red Avadavat sure look like it just returned from a holi party. :)
ReplyDeleteInteresting!
Great shots, as always, Shiju.
Your photos are stunning. I was going to pick a favourite but it's impossible. I love them all.
ReplyDeleteAll your images are outta this world - I can't possibly choose a favorite!! Good "seeing" you back! Hope your December is good:)
ReplyDeleteOn each visitI learn so much about ... it`s fantastic. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteGreetings from Bavaria
These are some really good photos! I'm not so interested in birds so the spider and the butterfly and the grasses are my favourites, but your bird photos are really good. It's difficult to photograph birds - I haven't even tried yet!
ReplyDeleteSo good you have fellow bird watchers/photographers who share where the birds are! Thanks for being part of the Wednesday’s Words and Pics group with your post this week. It’s the last link up for 2022 next Wednesday, 21 December, and I hope you get to add a post again! The link up returns on Wednesday 4 January 2023. Warmest wishes, Denyse.
ReplyDeleteYour pictures never fail to delight. The grey heron with the fish is the stand-out one for me!
ReplyDelete...Shiju, your images are a wonderful gift, thank you.
ReplyDeleteAs always, love your photos. Beautiful birds.
ReplyDelete