Surprise Ceasefire at Hoskote

I headed out recently for a birding walk around Hoskote Lake, even though it wasn’t the best time of year. Most of the migratory birds had already left, and even the resident ones were few and far between. Still, I took the northwest trail bordering the fields, stopping often to take in whatever turned up.

It was a quiet morning but not without moments. Bee-eaters bickered, an Ibis posed, a Swamphen strutted, and an Openbill waded into a salad. Then came a surprise ceasefire. Not many birds but plenty of stories.

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The Black-headed Ibis, still and statuesque, soaking in the early sun.

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Morning light, open sky, and a stone wall quietly holding its breath.

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A Grey-headed Swamphen gave me the full catwalk, with strut, pose and a dramatic exit.

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Spotted one contemplative Asian Openbill stork, surrounded by way too much salad.

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Saw two Asian Bee-eaters on one branch with zero patience, obviously.

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Guess who caught the snack? This guy.

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“Wait… are you leaving with it?”

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“Bro you better come back with half!”

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In a shocking twist, Trump emerged like a self-appointed peacemaker from the treetops and declared: "Ceasefire achieved. Tremendous success. The conflict is over. I fixed it. You're welcome."

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Female Indian Robin taking a short break on a low perch.

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Catching the morning light, this Indian palm squirrel pauses mid-climb.

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The Bee-eaters are still unsure if they agreed. The Drongo’s already left. No one knows what just happened.

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Somewhere under the ceasefire zone, beauty fluttered on unnoticed. A Plain Tiger butterfly, blending into the hush.

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Not the birdiest morning at Hoskote, but certainly not a dull one. A bit of action, a splash of color, some mid-air drama, and a surprise ceasefire declaration—plenty to smile about. Sometimes, it’s not the number of birds but the stories they leave behind.

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