A Hoskote Birding Tale

Last Saturday, I found myself back at one of my favourite haunts: Hoskote Lake.

It rarely disappoints, and this visit was no different. A soft sunrise, a gentle breeze, and wetlands alive with movement.

Cuckoos, swallows, shrikes, openbills… and a mural that had me craving biriyani at 8 AM.

Here’s a glimpse of the highlights.

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The sun climbs quietly through the haze, painting everything warm.

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The sun rose like a slow exhale, brushing the treetops with gold.

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Silhouettes of branches cradled the rising orb, while a lone Pond Heron sat still, taking it all in, just like I did.

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While one end of the lake blazed with sunrise, the other retreated into a hush of green and haze.

Quiet, ancient, and untouched, save for the skeletal ruin and the distant power lines.

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I took a quiet spot by the lake’s edge and watched a Black-winged Stilt forage gracefully, its reflection following each delicate step like a faithful shadow.

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At times, the elegant Black-winged Stilt glides past the lone Wood Sandpiper.

One stepped like it owned the place. The other just hoped not to get stepped on.

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Some birds migrate thousands of miles to find themselves.

This Wood Sandpiper just seems to be wondering why its reflection always looks slightly more photogenic.

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Next, I saw a flock of Asian Openbills. In the hush of the wetlands, their presence feels meditative. A gathering of monks in feathered robes, heads bowed to the water.

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An Asian Openbill launches into the stillness, wide wings catching the haze.

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Four in flight, each tracing its own line through the morning mist.

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Asian Openbills wade through shallow water, searching for snails. 

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An Asian Openbill flies with a snail in its beak. Its special bill, with a gap in the middle, helps it pick snails from their shells easily.

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I watched a group of black-headed ibises fly past, their curved bills showing how well they’ve adapted to life in the wetlands. Their long bills help them forage in wetlands for insects, crustaceans, and other small prey.

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The Wood Sandpiper held my attention by the water's edge.

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I could watch the Black-winged Stilt and its reflection all morning.

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Even from afar, the Grey-bellied Cuckoo with its caterpillar catch was a treat to see.

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The Grey-bellied Cuckoo looked rather smug after its meal.

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A lovely surprise to find fields of common baby's breath adding their airy charm.

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My gaze followed this Black-winged Kite as it surveyed the landscape from its perch.

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An Indian Silverbill flitted about, its movements resembling popcorn in a hot pan.

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Next I spotted this Long-tailed Shrike, another fascinating resident of Hoskote Lake.

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A White-throated Kingfisher, a bit high up for a perfect photo, but a wonderful sighting nonetheless.

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The air buzzed with the cheerful chirping of a swallow, perched gracefully on a wire.

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And finally, this vibrant swamphen.

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On the way back, I gave in to temptation and stopped at one of the many biryani joints that seem to grow like weeds around Hoskote. A biryani breakfast at 8 AM might not win any nutrition awards, but who could resist? The eye-catching mural practically dragged me in by the collar.

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Thanks for tagging along on this Hoskote morning. If a bird, a line, or even that biryani made you pause—I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments.