In the Company of Hoskote Birds

Hoskote lake remains a source of continuous wonder, even in the off-season when migratory birds are absent. My recent visit last Sunday was no exception, I managed to capture some lovely birds, bugs and landscapes. Check out the photos!

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Once again, I arrived at the break of dawn, and the sun emerged with a flawless, crisp presence.

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I tried to get a clear shot of the bright sun but couldn't capture the flying birds very well.

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On the branches and leaves, I noticed raindrops from the previous night. Each droplet reflected the sunrise scene in reverse.

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I spotted a large number of barn swallows perched on the electric wires. 

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I tried to get photos of the barn swallows while they were flying.

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I spotted movement on a small plant in the flooded lake, and it turned out to be a pair of common kingfishers.

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I watched the couple closely. The male on the right attempted to strike up a conversation, but the female appeared uninterested.

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After a while, the female made an effort to get the male's attention, but he seemed to be purposefully ignoring her.

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The female kept on trying, but the male wouldn't budge after the initial rejection.

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Then she moved closer to him, but it seemed the male's ego had been stirred, and he quickly flew away.

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Another female kingfisher was watching too, and she quickly flew away, ruining my chance to get some fishing photos. It appears kingfishers might need a refresher on their pick-up lines!

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I spotted a ladybug, but I couldn't identify its specific type, so I'll simply refer to it as a spotted ladybug.

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I also came across a common and easily identifiable Ditch Jewel dragonfly.

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A cluster of water lilies added a touch of natural beauty.

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I was initially attracted to a pied bushchat in the cornfield but was surprised to discover a rose-ringed parakeet camouflaged among the leaves.

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Minutes passed as I maintained my position, hoping to catch a glimpse of the rose-ringed parakeet's next action.

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Then, it suddenly fluttered, revealing the stunning colors of its wings.

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A flock of cattle egrets flew past.

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A paddyfield pipit, feeling like a bit of a misfit without any paddy fields around, chose the next best thing – a cornfield, where it foraged.

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Then, a brown shrike came into view, emitting a call that sounded like a malfunctioning electric razor. Its tail looked quite disorderly.

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A large grey babbler had a stern appearance with its bright yellow eyes, as if it were in a foul mood.

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However, a pied bushchat appeared plump and adorable.

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Seeing the tawny coster butterfly after a five-year hiatus was a pleasant surprise.

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Two female baya weavers looked nice side by side.

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There were plenty of young scaly-breasted munias around, and they were boldly exploring, seemingly oblivious to the camera-wielding predators.

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Adult scaly-breasted munias undergo a stunning transformation from their rather unimpressive juvenile appearance.

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Tricoloured munias were also lively in the morning.

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The last thing I saw that day was a female baya weaver.

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I made my way back to my car parked amidst the world of birds.

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I hope you enjoyed the post. Feel free to leave a comment and share your thoughts!

Linked with Mosaic Monday