The Secret Lives of Hoskote Birds

On my visit to Hoskote Lake, I found myself surrounded by the usual flurry of bird activity. But as I watched them hop, pose, and squabble on the branches, I couldn’t help but imagine, what if they actually talked?

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I stumbled upon a group of Asian Green Bee-eaters having what looked like a full-on soap opera on a branch. Here’s how the drama unfolded… The first suspect was quickly accused of snack theft…

Bird 1 (middle): “WHO ate my snack?!”

Bird 2 (right): “Not me, promise!”

Bird 3 (left): “Can’t talk… too full…” 

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But soon they decided a group selfie was more important than solving the mystery…

Bird 1 (left): “Okay, group selfie—everyone look cool.”

Bird 2 (middle): “Do I have a feather out of place?”

Bird 3 (right): “How’s my yoga pose? #BranchAsana” 

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Bird 1 (left): “Hey, personal space, buddy!”

Bird 2 (middle): “Why am I always the sandwich?!”

Bird 3 (right): “Relax… it’s cuddle season!”

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“Caught red-beaked! But this snack is mine, ALL mine!”

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Bird in flight: “I’m back with the receipts—WHO ate the last bug?”

Birds on branch: awkward silence

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Bird on the left: “Why are you showing off?”

Bird in flight: “Because SOMEONE has to bring glamour to this branch!”

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Bird (left): “Why am I the only one not in the cuddle pile?”

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Left Drongo: “The counselor said we should face each other.”

Right Drongo: “I am facing you—in spirit.”

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“Sometimes I sit here and wonder… do humans ever argue about who gets the best perch?”

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Indian Silverbill

Bird 1 (far right): "That spot is mine! I saw it first."

Bird 2 (middle): "Seeing is not owning, friend. Besides, this spot has a better view of the lake."

Bird 3 (far left): "Ugh, you two are so dramatic."

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The Lone Bird: "They're still arguing... Don't they know that every blade of grass is a perch in waiting? Why must they limit themselves to a single branch?"

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Rose-ringed parakeet:

"Ready or not, here comes a flying kiss!"

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"Sometimes, you just need to break away from the flock and find your own path."

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Large grey babbler:

"Is the worm really a worm, or is it just a state of mind? And more importantly, is it a tasty state of mind?"

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Ashy prinia:

"Why, yes, I am the alarm clock. You're welcome."

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It looks like these Purple Chrysanthemum are all dressed up and ready for a special occasion!

"Alright everyone, let's look our most magnificent! The sun is out, the breeze is perfect, and we're ready for our close-up!"

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A Message from the Clouds:

Sometimes, the universe just wants you to know it's thinking of you.

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White-browed wagtail says

"That cloud formation is a little predictable. Needs more flair."

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Celosia says

"Guys, just look natural. We're on camera."

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The Zen Jacobin Cuckoo:

"True inner peace is found when you can perfectly balance on two thin strands of wire without falling off. Namaste."

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By the time I left Hoskote, I realized the lake hadn’t just given me birds to watch, it had given me characters, each with their own quirks and voices. Of course, none of them were actually talking, but imagining their banter made the morning feel even more alive. Sometimes birding is about the lifers and rare sightings, and sometimes it’s simply about enjoying the everyday drama of feathers on a branch. Either way, Hoskote never runs out of stories to tell.

Awaiting your comments!