Birding on the Fly

On a whirlwind weekend, my wife and I made a quick 15-minute pitstop at Hoskote Lake for a birding fix. I managed to catch glimpses of some hidden feathered treasures, while my wife happily scored fresh veggies from the nearby farm. See our mini-adventure in pics!

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A Rosy Starling, one of about 50 migrants gracing the lake with their presence.

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Our birding luck continued with the sighting of a Long-tailed Shrike.

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A Blyth's Reed Warbler, flitting from one precarious perch to another. This little Houdini kept me on edge, but I managed to snag a snapshot – just enough to confirm its identity.

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A Coppersmith Barbet, as if aware of our time crunch, graced us with its presence! Perched perfectly in the open, it allowed me to take these three quick snaps.

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"Aha!" I exclaimed, spotting a lone Wood Sandpiper. It strutted gracefully in the shallows, practically begging to be photographed.

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An awkward teenager of a bronze-winged jacana, caught between chick fluff and adult elegance, teetered on the shore.

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Sentinel of the marsh, a grey heron surveyed its domain.

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A unique rock pigeon, not grey like its kin, sported a fascinating pattern. Abandoned pet or generations in the wild? Nature is full of wonders.

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Talk about saving the best for last! My birding blitz ended on a high note with a dazzling purple sunbird. 

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My wife, ever the green thumb, couldn't resist the allure of fresh, farm-grown vegetables. We spent the remaining minutes filling her bag with plump chayotes and flat beans.

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Sure, we didn't compile an extensive bird list or fill our cart to overflowing. But in those fleeting 15 minutes, we traded city noise for birdsong, and returned home with a renewed sense of calm and a bag full of goodness. 

The city whispers secrets if you listen closely. What tales has nature told you in unexpected places? Share your thoughts in the comments!