Back to Hoskote

Returning to Hoskote Lake's old path after a three-year absence, I was thrilled to rediscover its vibrant birdlife. Eager to explore further, I ventured back this week, curious to see what the overcast sky would reveal. By 7:30 am, the lake was alive with activity - butterflies were just emerging as the birds began their morning chorus. Enjoy the photos!

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The once secluded spot seems to have become a popular hangout, even attracting young couples. I couldn't help but notice a heart-shaped arrangement of stones, the handiwork of a hopeful romantic.

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Echoing the stone heart, a grey-headed swamphen proudly displayed its heart-shaped undertail feathers as it frequently flicked its tail.

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The wind ruffled the feathers of a Brahminy kite, giving it a startled appearance.

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A pied bush chat flitted closer.

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A common jezebel butterfly darted frantically from flower to flower, pausing only for a fleeting moment. I managed to capture a few shots between its rapid movements.

 
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I was able to secure a hurried, though not ideal, photograph of the coppersmith barbet.

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A flock of juvenile black-winged stilts soared and dipped, practicing their newly honed flying skills. I settled down to capture their aerial acrobatics.

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A grey heron, seemingly inspired by the stilts' energetic display, began to shift its position frequently.

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A Plain Prinia zipped by.

 

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The first drops of rain signaled it was time to head back. On my way out, a plain tiger butterfly caught my eye in the exact location where I'd previously chased the elusive jezebel. This one posed patiently.

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Hope you enjoyed the post. Let me know if you've spotted any of these feathered friends in your neighborhood.

Hoskote Lake: A Comeback Story

A week of heavy rain in November 2021 transformed Hoskote Lake's familiar birdwatching path into a watery expanse. For nearly three years, I had to walk through farms and deal with guard dogs to see birds on the other side of the lake. But last weekend, the water was finally gone! I could finally use the old path again and saw lots of great birds. Here are some pictures.

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Returning to the old path was exciting. I spotted a juvenile grey-headed swamphen with its mother first thing this morning.

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A regal Purple Heron stood tall atop a tree.

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A male Pied bush chat hunted for insects, darting between branches and the ground.

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I saw a black drongo in flight.

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A Brahminy kite was perched majestically on a high branch.

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A female Pied bush chat was also spotted in the area.

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The birding path brought me closer to the lake, where I spotted a group of painted storks probing for fish amidst a stunning foreground of water lilies.

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I never cease to be amazed by the beauty of the painted storks' pink plumes.

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One stork caught a fish, while others watched, including a Eurasian Spoonbill.

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The lucky stork slowly waddled away with its hard-earned meal.

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A Black-winged Stilt also managed to snag a fish.

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My attention shifted to the Black-winged Stilts as they danced through the water, expertly searching for fish.

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A tiny Zitting Cisticola landed, triumphantly carrying a captured spider.

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The Zitting Cisticola is a perpetual motion machine, often teasing me with its constant movement. This time, after devouring the spider, it offered a cheeky glimpse of its backside.

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My attention remained fixed on the painted storks.

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A grey heron and a painted stork formed an interesting pair.

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A trio of painted storks stood together.

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Two Black-winged Stilts engaged in a balancing act, standing on single legs until one unexpectedly broke the pose with a comical stretch.

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A grey heron stood in serene pose among the water lilies.

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A Eurasian Spoonbill shared the water with an unexpected company: a pair of Spot-billed Ducks and a Eurasian Coot.

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The sky and the landscape.

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Eurasian Spoonbills have a unique style of probing for fish.

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A male Asian koel sat alone, surveying the surroundings.

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Despite being a weed, the common water hyacinth flower displays remarkable artistic beauty.

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The Bronze-winged Jacana was the final bird sighting of the morning.

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Returning to this part of the lake after three years was pure joy. The birdlife was amazing! I can't wait to come back. Your comments are welcome!