Last Sunday, I had a long-distance birding trip on the cards, but fate had other plans as a bout of illness forced me to cancel. Fortunately, by morning, I was feeling much better and the urge to get outdoors was too strong to ignore. So I grabbed my gear and set off on a solo visit to Hoskote Lake.
In just two hours, the lake rewarded me with some interesting sightings. Here are the highlights from the morning, captured through my lens.
~~~
The day began with a shimmering surprise. Hanging acrobatically from a cluster of Calotropis flowers, this tiny Purple Sunbird was busy sipping nectar, oblivious to my excitement.
~~~
The wetlands erupted into chaos as a Western Marsh Harrier swooped down with its wings spread wide and talons poised. Skimming the water’s surface, it moved with relentless precision, a striking display of raw power in the wild.
~~~
Perched on a weathered branch, a Black Kite surveyed its surroundings with quiet authority.
~~~
A Common Hawk-Cuckoo sat still, striking a perfect pose with its piercing yellow eyes and barred tail. Often heard before it's seen, this elusive bird finally graced the camera with a portrait-worthy moment!
~~~
Perched with intent, a White-throated Kingfisher was poised for action. With its electric blue wings and dagger-like beak, it was only a matter of time before it dived into the hunt!
~~~
A congregation of Painted Storks stood gracefully in the shallow waters, their pink hues blending with the rippling reflections. A peaceful scene but I knew I would return later. Who knows what new drama might unfold in their world?
~~~
The Greater Coucal perched watchfully, its red eyes and chestnut wings blending into the wild.
~~~
The bamboo canopy looked like a perfect nature tunnel! A great spot to walk through.
~~~
A Pied Buch Chat watching over its little patch of the world.
~~~
Baya Weavers on the corn tassels!
~~~
The Common Myna has something important to say.
~~~
Spotted this elusive Asian Koel playing hide-and-seek in the dry thickets, but that fiery red eye gave him away!
~~~
Perched amidst the thorny branches, this Black Drongo sat like a lone warrior, surveying its kingdom.
~~~
This Common Hawk-Cuckoo looked every bit like its raptor doppelgänger. Those piercing yellow eyes and barred plumage give it the air of a small hawk, a clever disguise that often fools other birds. Its loud, repetitive call—earning it the nickname "Brain Fever Bird".
~~~
I returned to the painted stork congregation and found this dynamic duo striking gold—twice over! Each with a fresh catch.
~~~
Another one hooks a tilapia with precision. Looks like the lake is serving up fresh catches today!
With the morning sun rising higher, it was time to wrap up another rewarding birding session. Hope you enjoyed this journey as much as I did. Drop a comment and let me know your favorite shot!
