Saul Kere - Avian Awe Always

Last weekend, I experienced avian awe at Saul Kere Lake in Bangalore as always. I saw some incredible bird activity. Unfortunately, the camera settings were a bit off, resulting in less-than-ideal photo quality. Nevertheless, here are a few shots that capture the essence of my birdwatching adventure.

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A Red-wattled lapwing raised an alarm as soon as I reached. I caught it alongside an Indian spot-billed duck, who immediately started to pay heed to the alarm call.

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In the distance, a white-throated kingfisher perched on a branch, its beady eyes scanning the water below, ready to dive in for a fish.

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There were some surprise visitors at Saul Kere. Four Yellow Bitterns were making long sorties covering the entire lake vegetation and briefly stopping at the foot of reeds. I managed to capture them in flight although it was a tour de force.

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A juvenile Black kite was seen perched atop a tree.

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At the lake, I witnessed a small fight between some baby Bronze-winged Jacana birds and a big Grey-headed swamphen. The Jacana chicks were trying to protect their territory, but the swamphen was much stronger. The swamphen eventually won the fight and scared the Jacana chicks away.

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To show who was boss, the swamphen even plucked a few feathers from one of the Jacana chicks.

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This tranquil scene captures the beauty of Saul Kere Lake, with its lush greenery, vibrant flowers, and a glimpse of the nearby city.

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I watched a green bee-eater next.

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A Little egret was actively hunting for prey among the water hyacinths.

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It seemed like the breeding season had been quite successful for the birds. I spotted a juvenile Brahminy Kite perched on a branch before it took flight.

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I caught a glimpse of a Red-vented bulbul flitting through the foliage.

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There were adults too. An adult Brahminy kite was seen perched on a distant tree.

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A white-breasted waterhen, with its sleek plumage and elegant demeanor, looked quite striking.

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A Black-crowned night heron, an unexpected visitor to the lake, caught my attention next.

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A noisy flock of Rose-ringed parakeets caught my attention. It was a pleasure to capture them in flight, their wings outstretched in a vibrant display.

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I also managed to capture an Indian pond heron in flight.

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A white-cheeked barbet, carefully scanned the trees for the perfect spot to build its nest. After a thorough inspection, it selected a dry tree trunk and began the arduous task of excavating a suitable cavity.

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I noticed that many of the trees at Saul Kere were labeled with yellow tags containing QR codes that linked to more information about the tree species on the Flowers of India website. This innovative approach allows visitors to learn more about the different tree species and their ecological importance.

Honge - https://www.flowersofindia.net/catalog/slides/Pongam%20Tree.html

Arjuna - https://www.flowersofindia.net/catalog/slides/Arjun%20Tree.html

Banyan - https://www.flowersofindia.net/catalog/slides/Banyan%20Tree.html

Cluster Fig - https://www.flowersofindia.net/catalog/slides/Goolar.html

Elengi - https://www.flowersofindia.net/catalog/slides/Maulsari.html

Peepal - https://www.flowersofindia.net/catalog/slides/Peepal.html

Silver Oak - https://www.flowersofindia.net/catalog/slides/Silver%20Oak.html

White Silk-Cotton - https://www.flowersofindia.net/catalog/slides/Kapok%20Tree.html

I hope you enjoyed this account of my recent birding trip to Saul Kere Lake. The diverse avian life and peaceful atmosphere made it a truly memorable experience. Please share your comments below!

Linked to Thursday Tree Love

Phone-ography at Lalbagh Flower Show

I’ve missed the last few Bangalore Flower Shows at Lalbagh due to the frustrating camera ban. While mobile photography is allowed, it’s a poor substitute for my DSLR. The flowers were amazing, but I really missed being able to capture the birds with my DSLR. Check out these mobile photos I took. I'm still learning the ropes, but I hope you enjoy them.

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This year's theme was Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. The show featured a huge rose-made Parliament building to honor his work on India's Constitution.

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I kept things simple and stuck with the default camera settings. After a successful trial shot of yellow chrysanthemums, I decided to stick with the same settings for the rest of the day.

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The common zinnias were next.

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The yellow kalanchoe photos turned out a bit blurry. I suspect I might have had trouble with the white balance.

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The Phalaenopsis Midsummer Night orchid was stunning.

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The Victoria Chrysanthemums were a fluffy pink explosion.

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The Arum lilies were elegant and graceful, with their trumpet-shaped flowers.

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More close-ups of the rose parliament.

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A floral replica of Dr. Ambedkar's birthplace memorial was another highlight. 

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A vibrant sea of red, white, and pink chrysanthemums.

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Pink and purple dahlias in full bloom.

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Bright pink zinnia burst.

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A Bromeliad's exotic allure. Its rosette of colorful leaves and striking central bloom create a tropical vibe.

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The purple Calla Lily's trumpet-shaped bloom is a study in elegance.

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The fiery red and soft pink hues of the Poinsettias create a captivating and festive display.

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Pink Dianthus with ruffled petals.

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Pink gerbera: a sunny burst of petals.

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A rare grey hibiscus caught my eye.

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The Flame Calla Lily is a fiery burst of color.

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A patch of white daisies brightened the landscape.

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Ageratum blue mistflower is a captivating plant with fluffy, light purple flower clusters. It creates a dreamy, misty effect, hence its name. 

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Black-eyed Susans, with their sunny yellow petals and dark centers, create a cheerful, vibrant display.

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Common Mallow has pretty, pink or purple flowers with heart-shaped petals.

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With their ruffled edges and contrasting darker veins, the pink and purple petunias are a visual delight.

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The delicate peach color of this Dahlia is absolutely captivating.

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A vibrant pink dahlia, perfectly formed with a golden center.

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I loved the Alpen Cherub Dahlias. Their pristine white petals and sunny yellow centers exude a timeless elegance.

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The Dahlia pinnata was a standout for me, thanks to its vibrant coral-pink petals.

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Red dahlias.

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I was captivated by the Moth Orchids. Their white petals, softly blushed at the edges, and vibrant yellow centers made them stunning.

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Lalbagh's floral display is a vibrant cascade of color.

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Lone purple Phlox stands out.

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The Petunia Mahogany Queen boasts a luxurious, deep maroon hue that shimmers almost black in certain lights. Its velvety petals, gently ruffled at the edges, create an air of elegance.

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Aechmea fasciata, also known as the Silver Vase Plant, in full bloom. 

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The vibrant yellow and red hues of the Plains coreopsis are truly eye-catching, and it's no surprise they're attracting bees. 

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A Mix of flowers, with Phlox drummondii taking center stage. 

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That concludes my mobile photography adventure at the Bangalore Flower Show. It was a delightful challenge to capture the event's splendor through a phone lens. I wish authorities would consider reversing the ban or at least designating specific times for photographers.  Looking forward to your comments.