Birding Surprises at Hoskote

Some birding trips are good, some are great, and then there are those rare mornings that feel magical where every turn of the trail reveals something spectacular. 

The Western Marsh Harrier soared with precision, a Peafowl dazzled in mid-flight, and a Greater Coucal flaunted its fiery wings. Spot-billed Ducks, Kingfishers, Sandpipers, Cuckoos and a hidden Warbler kept the excitement alive. 

Here’s a glimpse of the magic that unfolded at Hoskote last Sunday!

~~~
An excited-looking Purple Heron kicked off the morning. Moments later, the reason was clear. A Sunday special rat breakfast!

~~~
I tracked a Greater Coucal as it flew across the lake, weaving through the landscape. After a brief chase, it finally landed on a tree near where I was standing.

~~~
This Cattle Egret wasn’t in the mood for the usual bug chase. It just plopped onto a cow and called it a day. No rush, no effort, just the best seat in the grasslands. The cow looked like it had seen it all before.

~~~
A Western Marsh Harrier swooped in menacingly, turning every head and sending a wave of panic through the neighborhood.

~~~
The harrier created quite a stir among the birds, causing a peafowl to flap her wings and swoop down to protect her young one.

~~~
A flock of Indian spot-billed ducks, also panicked and took off in a flurry of wings.

~~~
I was relieved that a hive pregnant with bees, so close to me, didn’t panic.

~~~
I decided to move along the trail to get into a calmer area.

~~~
I spotted a pied bush chat next.

~~~
Then, on an electric wire, a common cuckoo sat perched, observing the scene.

~~~
It seemed like a day of Coucal sightings. One perched so close to me on the ground, then suddenly flew up into a tree.

 ~~~
To top it off, a booted warbler flitted through the bushes nearby.

 

 ~~~
Far off, a white-throated kingfisher perched on a distant pole, and to my surprise, it flew down and grabbed a bee.

 

 ~~~
The last sighting of the morning was a cute wood sandpiper, adding the perfect ending to the day.

~~~
Hope you liked the post! Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section!