Some Hidden Gems from Kannamangala

I returned to Kannamangala Lake after a two-month hiatus. Every rustle in the leaves, every chirp and call, was a new discovery. Here are the pics.

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A heartwarming surprise awaited me today – a young Aylesbury duck! Regular readers might remember my posts about a lone Aylesbury duck, possibly an escapee from nearby farms, that has been residing here for months. In recent months, the duck was even joined by another escapee. This little one brings even more joy and the possibility that the Aylesbury ducks have found not only a mate but also started a family.

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A lone little cormorant, surveyed its domain with a serious expression. 

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The first sighting of the Indian Golden Oriole this season.

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A great cormorant launched itself with a splash. 

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A little egret demonstrated the art of fishing with graceful movements. It had no trouble spotting and snapping up small fishes from the shallow water.

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The Indian pond heron's technique was in a league of its own. Patiently perched on a strategically chosen spot, it struck with lightning-fast precision, snapping up unsuspecting prey in quick succession.

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And look! The Aylesbury duck is no longer alone!  A trio graces the lake now, suggesting the population is on the rise.

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A white-browed wagtail belted out a beautiful song, instantly grabbing my attention.

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A White-breasted waterhen bobbed along the water's edge.

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A female kingfisher, flew to its nest in the mud. A baby bird waited hungrily for food.

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A cacophony of chirps erupted as about a dozen rose-ringed parakeets swooped down on a nearby tree.

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Pointed beak of a Green Sandpiper emerged , delicately probing for its breakfast.

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Far off on a tree, a greater coucal flitted from branch to branch, its movements betraying a sense of nervousness.

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The male common kingfisher also arrived to feed the fledgling.

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A purple sunbird sang with a flash of red inside its mouth.

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An Oriental magpie-robin successfully snagged a spider in its beak.

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A white-browed wagtail probed the water for insects.

As the last rays of morning light dappled the water, I reluctantly turned to leave.  Let's hear your thoughts in the comments below!

Glued to Saul Kere lake

Saul Kere has a way of sticking with you, and not just because of the vibrant green landscape reflected in its still waters. This past trip, I found myself glued to my viewfinder, capturing the incredible sights that unfolded before me. Here are the pics.

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My first sighting was a Common hawk-cuckoo, perched motionless on a branch.  I wished for better light to capture this fascinating bird in all its clarity, but even in the dimness, its piercing yellow eye ring and the beautiful tail held my attention.

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Next, a tiny flash of movement caught my eye. A pale-billed flowerpecker, no bigger than a thumb, flitted among the branches, even landing on a bare one for a moment.

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The morning was perfect. The sun's golden light cast a warm glow on the lush greenery and the still waters of the lake.  It was pure bliss, were it not for the unwelcome intrusion of a nearby construction project.

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The star of the show was a stunning purple-rumped sunbird. This little jewel seemed positively glued to the Tabebuia flowers, flitting from blossom to blossom in a mesmerizing dance for nectar.

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I spotted a Sykes's warbler flitting through the trees!

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An Indian spot-billed duck basked contentedly.

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A grey heron, looking every bit the aloof celebrity, was surrounded by a gaggle of black-winged stilts behaving like overzealous fans.

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However, as I observed their movements more closely, it dawned on me that this might be something more practical – perhaps a particularly juicy fishing tip being shared by the seasoned heron.

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Talking of celebrity, a painted stork sashayed into view. Its every move exuded an air of glamorous indifference.

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A small crowd had gathered around the stork too.  A dozen or so garganeys, ducks and swamphen circled the area.

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Far away, an oriental magpie robin perched on a branch, its black and white plumage gleaming in the sunlight.

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Love was also in the air! A little egret put on a show for its potential mate, complete with bows and flourishes.

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The display seemed to do the trick, for its companion responded by joining in a joyous aerial dance.

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A juvenile white-browed wagtail offered a different kind of charm. Focused and determined, this tiny bird was foraging in the shallows probing the water for hidden insects. 

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A wood sandpiper, flew in and perched on the shore just a few feet away. It seemed unfazed by my presence, offering me a fantastic close-up view of its intricate plumage. 

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I managed to spot another common hawk-cuckoo, this one a bit distant but bathed in beautiful light. While the distance limited the details, one feature remained undeniably captivating - its piercing yellow eyes.

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Speaking of captivating eyes, the jungle babblers, common residents of these parts, boast an equally attractive feature – their bright blue peepers. 

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High above the commotion, a white-throated kingfisher sat glued to its perch. It surveyed its domain with a keen eye. 

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A white-cheeked barbet had discovered a berry patch, and let's just say it was having a berry-eating spree!  Click, click, click went my camera as it devoured one berry after another. 

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I captured some colorful leaves.

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What a fantastic morning at Saul Kere! What was the highlight of your day? Share your thoughts in the comments!