A Quiet Morning at Hoskote Lake

Last weekend at Hoskote Lake, an overcast sky set the tone for a quiet morning of birding. With no sign of the sun and mostly routine sightings, the day felt unremarkable. Just as I was about to call it quits, a flash of gold caught my eye—and there it was, a stunning Black-rumped Flameback woodpecker. It wasn’t just a fleeting glimpse; this magnificent bird allowed me an up-close encounter, making the entire morning worthwhile. 

Here are the pics.

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Against the grey sky, a pair of Scaly-breasted Munias perched gracefully on bare branches. Their intricate plumage brought a subtle charm to the subdued morning.

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The next sighting was a flock of Glossy Ibises feeding in the grasslands. One of them took flight.

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These two Ibises turned out to be perfect posers.

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The Mimosa Pudica (Touch-me-not), though invasive, added charm to the landscape with its delicate pink flowers scattered across the greenery.

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The female Pied Bushchat stood out against the green background, her soft colors adding charm to the scene.

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A Red-vented Bulbul made an appearance.

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I caught a quick glimpse of a Grey-backed Shrike.

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Perched high in a tree, numerous Rosy Starlings were visible, though quite distant. I focused on isolating these few against the muted background.

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A large Grey Babbler was spotted alone, quite unusual since they’re typically seen in noisy groups.

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The sky remained an endless sheet of grey, but the lake was brightened by a large patch of Common Water Hyacinth blooms.

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Amidst the routine sightings, I tried to catch the birds in more interesting moments. One Common Mynah stood out as it foraged among the corn saplings.

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I increased the exposure to capture a clearer shot of this Spotted Dove.

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A couple of Red-wattled Lapwings were startled by my presence. I quickly snapped this shot and left them in peace.

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This Indian Pond Heron was the last of the routine birds for the day. Feeling a bit frustrated, I even considered heading back.

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I decided to get back on the road, hoping to spot something interesting in the trees lining both sides. As I made my way, a herd of cows and sheep approached. The leader, an ox, wasn’t pleased with my presence. He stopped and gave me a long, steady stare.

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Finally, a Bronzed Drongo appeared. It was the break from the routine I’d been waiting for!

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An Asian Green Bee-eater made a graceful appearance, scanning the surroundings for prey.

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The highlight of the day was this Black-rumped Flameback, deeply engrossed in probing and pecking at the tree bark for worms and insects. So focused on its task, it completely disregarded my close presence, giving me an unforgettable, up-close view.

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The Black-rumped Flameback was pecking all over the bark, and finally, I managed to capture a close-up with the insect it had caught. A perfect moment to end the day!

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A short video of the Black-rumped Flameback in action. Though a helicopter’s hum briefly interrupts, you can clearly see the bird raise its crest in response to hearing another bird. This behavior is a sign of alertness, much like how humans raise their eyebrows when surprised or intrigued. The crest serves both communicative and sensory functions, helping the bird stay alert and aware of its surroundings.

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