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!