Bird Ballet at Saul Kere

My bird-watching trip to Saul Kere lake last weekend was incredibly rewarding, yielding lots of birds in action. Here are the pictures.

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As usual, the morning sky was covered in clouds, but fortunately, there was no sign of rain.

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Four Indian spot-billed ducks took turns dabbling in the water while the others watched.

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There was a territorial dispute between a Bronze-winged Jacana and a Grey-headed Swamphen. The Jacana was pushy, but the Swamphen stayed calm and held onto its territory.

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While the mom Jacana was busy fighting, a Brahminy kite saw a chance to grab a chick. But one brave chick, just like its mom, yelled loudly when the kite came close.

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The brave chick's fierce resistance made the Brahminy kite abandon its attempt.

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I focused my attention as an Oriental darter was in the midst of its fishing expedition.

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As skilled as it could be, the Oriental darter pierced its beak into an unsuspecting fish.

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A Pied Bushchat.

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I spotted a Red-whiskered Bulbul enjoying some dates.

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Here are two of them side by side.

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I also sighted a Scaly-breasted Munia.

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I spotted a Purple Sunbird in the vicinity.

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After that, I trailed a young Pied Bushchat and managed to capture its flight.

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I noticed a Purple-rumped Sunbird hovering close to an electrical installation.

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The signboard decided to tilt right where the little bird was chilling. Looks like the installation guy thought one bolt was enough for the signboard.

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And here's the sunbird's graceful flutter.

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Then, I came across a Pied Kingfisher. Those photobombing buildings just don't sit well with me.

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I patiently waited for it to take flight, all the while it was focused on a potential prey.

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A trio of Little Grebes swam in unison.

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The Spot-billed Pelicans launched into flight with their impressive wingspan.

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Oriental Darters were also present in the vicinity.

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I spotted a White-browed Wagtail foraging for food.

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There were Egrets and a Red-wattled Lapwing in the distance, yet my inclination towards Black-winged Stilts drew my focus to a solitary one of them.

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A White-throated Kingfisher waited patiently, ready to strike at any unwary fish.

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A gathering of birds perched together, including Cormorants, Pelicans, and Darters.

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The sight of a juvenile Brahminy Kite resembling a Eurasian Marsh Harrier initially delighted me, but I soon realized that the migration season, usually taking place around September and October, had not yet arrived.

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I patiently waited for a considerable time, hoping to catch a glimpse of an Asian Green Bee-eater in flight.

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I eventually captured it with its wings spread wide. Yet, that photo fueled my excitement, leaving me yearning for more captivating shots. Thus, the extended wait carried on.

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Soon after, another bee-eater appeared, clutching an insect in its beak.

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As it broke the insect, I could sense a hint of jealousy in the first bird's reaction.

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Disregarding the common courtesy of sharing, the bird kept its attention fixed on relishing the delightful meal, undisturbed.

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However, the first bird managed to overcome its jealousy and found the inspiration to search for its own meal.

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The bee-eater discovered its food right below the spot where it had been perched all along.

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As is often the pattern, once you gather that initial motivation to give it a shot, the task starts to feel less daunting. The real obstacle is usually in your own thoughts.

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Having reinforced the wisdom from the bee-eater's experience, I came across the symbol of wisdom — a Spotted Owlet.

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The owl is a very smart bird. It knows when to find food and when to rest. The Owl doesn't waste time wandering without reason. It's good at using its time wisely, working and resting at the right moments.

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Next, I spotted a Brahminy Kite.

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The Asian Green Bee-eaters continue to amaze me; here's a dazzling trio together.

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Next, I witnessed a White-cheeked Barbet intently probing inside a tree cavity, seemingly excavating.

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I observed it diligently excavating the nest cavity and then spitting out debris.

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Take a look at the debris suspended in the air around the nest in this image.

I've taken quite a lot of photos already, and I'm reaching my limit, so I made the decision to pack up. The trip was incredibly fulfilling. I hope you liked what I saw. Please do leave a comment!

Linked with Mosaic Monday