Lost in the Beauty of Hoskote

I had a great time at Hoskote Lake last weekend! The weather was perfect – sunny but not too hot. I saw some pretty birds and took lots of pictures.

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Maybe the Brahminy kite was really hungry or caught a really good fish.  It began devouring its breakfast mid-air.

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The common kingfisher was much more patient than the Brahminy kite. It seemed like it wasn't as hungry.

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The grey heron was even more patient than the kingfisher. It stayed still for a long time. I saw a painted stork in the background.

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The painted stork, a colorful addition to the scene, was clearly focused on its hunt. It waded through the water, its beak probing the mud, but unfortunately, it couldn't seem to catch anything.

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There were a lot of grey-headed swamphen. I watched one of them.

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The birding path was so peaceful and beautiful.

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When the sun started to feel warmer, the sunbirds became more active. I saw a purple-rumped sunbird flitting around.

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A Brahminy kite was looking at something interesting from a tall tree.

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A purple-rumped sunbird flew close to me. I took pictures of its acrobatics.

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A large group of spot-billed pelicans was a beautiful sight.

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A Black Drongo with its iridescent feathers shimmering in the sunlight, marked its presence.

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A red-vented bulbul looked very pretty. It was probably wearing its best clothes to find a mate.

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The black-winged stilts I saw last month are now adults. They are fishing very gracefully, their long legs perfectly suited for the task.

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I was surprised to discover a Marsh Sandpiper lurking among the black-winged stilts. It had blended in so perfectly that I hadn't even noticed it while I was taking pictures.

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I saw a Eurasian spoonbill next.

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A rustle in the nearby cornfield caught my attention. I spotted a male Baya weaver, feasting on the sweet corn tassels.

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A rose-ringed parakeet also was enjoying the sweet corn tassels.

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A red-wattled lapwing saw me and looked like it was about to scream. I moved away quietly to avoid startling it.

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The marigolds were in full bloom, their bright yellow petals a feast for the eyes. 

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I saw a Dark Palm Dart butterfly on a marigold flower. It was the first time I've ever seen one.

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I went back to the cornfield to see the Baya weaver birds.

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There was a female Baya weaver bird too.

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I saw a black drongo before I left.

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I hope you enjoyed reading about my morning at Hoskote Lake. Any birds you really liked? Let me know in the comments.

Exploring Muthanallur Lake

 After a brief hiatus due to a pesky viral fever, I'm back in the blogosphere. I made a recent trip to the other side of Muthanallur Lake. Accompanied by a friend who had been there before, I'm grateful for his guidance. Had I followed the Google Maps suggested route, I would have found myself stuck on a narrow, 2-foot path. The pleasant weather and serene lakeside scenery made for a perfect birding experience. Here are the pics.

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The mist-shrouded landscape of Muthanallur Lake was a breathtaking sight. The flat terrain, a mix of farmland and woods, invited exploration.

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In the hazy condition, a rose-ringed parakeet spotted us before we could even realize it was there. I managed to get a shot of it taking off.

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While I was lost in the beauty of the surroundings, my friend raised his telephoto lens, eager to capture the birds he had spotted.

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A pair of brahminy kites, perched high above, were surveying the area with keen eyes.

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A solitary white-throated kingfisher was seen in the distance.

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My first close-up subject was a Common hawk cuckoo. It flitted through the foliage of a ficus tree, teasing my camera's focus.

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Early risers, damselflies and dragonflies were already buzzing around. I spotted a Senegal Golden Dartlet damselfly.

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A Ruddy Marsh Skimmer stood out from the other insects.

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The area was teeming with birdlife. I could hear countless bird calls, and my friend was struggling to get a close-up shot of an ashy prinia, which was determined to remain elusive.

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A grey-headed swamphen displayed its impressive backside.

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The two rose-ringed parakeets were clearly captivated by something.

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A juvenile black kite was resting on a tree.

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A green bee-eater was sitting on a fence.

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The dry trees in the water, a distinctive habitat for birds, also created a beautiful landscape that was perfect for photography.

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A little cormorant was drying its wings in the sun.

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I caught a brief glimpse of a Plain Prinia flitting through the trees.

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A tiny Common Kingfisher was flitting from tree to tree, looking for a suitable fishing spot.

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The reflection of the skeletal trees in the water created a surreal and otherworldly atmosphere.

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A Jacobin Cuckoo, perched on a nearby tree, caught our attention with its sudden movement.

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A few dead trees stand starkly against the green trees.

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A small blue-tailed damselfly was flying around.

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Despite our patience, the pair of pied kingfishers refused to budge from their perch.

And so, our birding adventure at Muthanallur Lake came to an end. I hope you enjoyed this virtual journey through the beautiful countryside. What are your thoughts on the beauty and diversity of Muthanallur Lake? Leave a comment below!
Linked to Thursday Tree Love