Hoskote Lake Jewels

The house move is done! Need I say how hard and messy the whole process was? I'm so glad it's all over and we're almost settled in our new cozy place.

This post takes a break from unpacking to share a trip I took with a friend to Hoskote Lake earlier this month. It had just rained overnight, so I was prepared for the little insects that come out then. The sightings were exciting, and you wouldn't believe how excited I've been all these days, anticipating how good the pictures would look once I downloaded them to my laptop.

Apologies for neglecting your blogs lately. Now that I'm settled in, I'll definitely catch up on my visits. Here are some pictures from the trip!

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The predawn scene unfolded dramatically. Pelicans soared against the overcast backdrop, their silhouettes stark against the canvas of grey. The sun strained to pierce the veil of clouds, casting faint hues that hinted at the coming dawn.

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An Asian bee-eater perched expectantly, ready for an early morning bee meal.

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I spotted a giant ladybug lumbering across a bamboo leaf. These beetles are specialist predators of bamboo-infesting woolly aphids. By feasting on these pests, they also help to rid farm crops of woolly bugs, making them a farmer's best bug buddy!

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The aptly named Difficult White-footed Ant proved anything but difficult for a hungry Physiphora fly, becoming an easy meal.

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Ants discovered the rain-kissed leaves and flocked to drink.

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The Scarab beetle was a lovely sight. A beetle shimmering with colors that rival a jewel. This dazzling metallic effect isn't from pigment, but from the amazing physics of a scarab beetle's shell!The scarab beetle's colors come from its shell's many thin layers acting like tiny prisms, reflecting specific colors of light.

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A juvenile pied bush chat, its plumage still developing, perched on a nearby branch.

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I trained my macro lens on a Harefoot mushroom, its delicate details begging to be captured.

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The Asian pintail dragonfly had striking colors.

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A tobacco grasshopper suddenly hopped into view.

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I managed to capture an extreme close-up of a common darter dragonfly.

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After a bit of a chase, I managed to get a close-up photo of a Common Picturewing dragonfly.

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I spotted another Physiphora fly.

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A Small Transverse Ladybird Beetle.

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Hidden amongst the greenery, a tiny dark grass blue butterfly was spotted next.

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I captured the Paddyfield pipit at eye level.

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The red-vented bulbul was a bit shy, but, at least the sky cooperated.

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A common kingfisher perched in the distance, ready to dive for its prey.

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With a full belly, a brahminy kite sat regally on a branch.

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Next up were the Little Terns! These birds were zipping around the pond catching fish so fast, it was hard to get a good picture. See the video to see how quick they are! I took lots of pictures, and finally got a few that look okay. 

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While I was wrangling the terns into focus, a cheeky common kingfisher decided to steal the spotlight! 

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As I retraced my steps, a group of scaly-breasted munias caught my eye. Huddled together and chirping animatedly, they resembled a neighborhood gossip group in full swing.

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The morning sky promised a bright and crisp day.

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Hope you enjoyed this glimpse into my day! Let me know what you think in the comments.