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!