When the Lake Comes Alive

We had planned a birding trip to Saul Kere, though the weather didn’t seem entirely on our side. The night before had been rainy, and at 5 a.m., a message from AK popped up: “It’s drizzling.” Half awake, I checked the forecast, and the ever-optimistic weatherman promised clear skies by 7 a.m. Trusting his confidence, we decided to go ahead.

AK was to pick up CR on the way, and we aimed to meet at the Saul Kere gate by 6:30 a.m. The rain did stop right on schedule, though Google Maps had its own ideas, sending AK and CR on a small detour. A quick location share fixed that, and by the time they arrived, the drizzle had faded, leaving us with calm, overcast skies that turned out to be perfect for birding.

The lake was bustling with life. Kites and egrets were putting on a fine display of fishing skills, while a local dog decided to join the action, catching its own breakfast and stealing the show. Just when we thought the surprises were over, a Gray Francolin couple briefly appeared near the reeds.

What began as a damp and uncertain morning turned into one filled with lively encounters, good company, and rewarding sightings. It was a reminder that patience and a little faith in the forecast can make all the difference.

Here are the pics.

~~~
Our birding day began with a flash of color of a White-throated Kingfisher perched at a distance, scanning the lake for its first catch of the day.

~~~
A juvenile Brahminy Kite glided low over the lake, circling intently as it honed its fishing skills.

~~~
Also on the prowl was a Spot-billed Pelican, gliding gracefully through the water.

~~~
The juvenile Brahminy was the first to score, swooping down with sharp precision and emerging triumphantly with a fish in its talons.

~~~
He immediately flew up to a dense branch above us to secure his prize. Perched high, the young raptor wasted no time, using its sharp beak to tear into the fresh catch clutched tight in its bright yellow talons. 

~~~
Tucked into the fronds of a dry palm was a Greater Coucal. It was a challenging shot as the light was dim, and the angle was all wrong.

~~~
Deep within the tangle, we spotted another White-throated Kingfisher. Unlike the distant one we'd seen earlier, this individual was closer.

~~~
We soon realized the juvenile wasn't entirely on its own. Tucked into the palm fronds nearby was the magnificent adult Brahminy Kite, keeping a watchful eye on its hunting juvenile.

~~~
A Purple-rumped Sunbird was busy collecting nectar from a patch of deep purple flowers. We watched, captivated, as the bird performed aerial acrobatics, hovering with rapidly beating wings to plunge its long, curved bill into the blooms. 

 

~~~
As the air began to warm slightly, we noticed a pair of Oriental Magpie-Robins perched silently on the skeletal branches of a nearby tree. Their black and white plumage stood out sharply against the grey sky.

~~~
We spotted an Indian Pond Heron on a high snag, holding a small insect. It wasn't in a hurry at all, simply savoring its catch like a slow dessert.

~~~
Just then, a magnificent Painted Stork appeared, gliding low over the water before landing on a vivid mound of red bougainvillea.

~~~
This grandeur was soon followed by three Indian Spot-billed Ducks paddling in perfect formation.

~~~
The calm gave way to drama as a Little Egret erupted from the water, its white wings splayed and a splash trailing its yellow legs, it had secured a fish!

~~~
The burst shot confirmed it, the egret had secured a large fish and was already mid-gulp. 

~~~
This white-and-black stray appeared like a thug, clutching a big catfish in its jaws, utterly unconcerned with the serious birding happening around it.

~~~
An Oriental Darter erupted from the water, its wings fully spread.

~~~
From a lush green perch, the Indian Cormorant surveyed the scene, a true blue-eyed beauty.

~~~
High above the water, another Little Egret was caught in a moment of quiet surveillance.

~~~
Watching the Spot-billed Pelicans simply floating about is a sight you never get tired of.

~~~
Along the muddy bank, a stately Grey Heron and a Great Egret stood together, offering a portrait of elegant silence.

~~~
A small Little Grebe cruised quietly near the reeds. 

~~~
Just when we thought the surprises were over, we got a fleeting glimpse of a Gray Francolin couple before it vanished into the reeds.

~~~
The sun was finally out, bringing with it the humidity and warmth that the butterflies love. A Common Tiger butterfly flitted past.

~~~
It was joined by a Blue Tiger which gave a lovely pose.

~~~
The sky was gorgeous too.

~~~
The Bronze-winged Jacana added a touch of royalty, standing amidst the floating green pads with its metallic plumage catching the light.

~~~
The lake's show never stops. By 9:30 am, the pelicans were sky high, moving to their next daytime space. 

~~~
Since the lake closes at 10 am, we had to wrap up. Before we headed to the gate, we were treated to a view of a White-cheeked Barbet.

~~~
As we walked to the gate, we saw an interaction between a Black Drongo and a Pond Heron.

~~~
We passed the beautiful Canna flower, which usually attracts sunbirds if you can wait a bit longer, but today we were almost out of time.

~~~
The Purple Heron was in no hurry, blending beautifully into the tall, lush green vegetation. 

~~~
Then, we caught the last sweet surprise of the morning: a Greater Coucal couple smooching amongst the green bushes. A perfect curtain call to a morning that began in drizzle and ended in delight.

~~~
As we finally walked out of the gate, the drizzle, the detour, and the early doubts all seemed far behind. Saul Kere had once again proved that every outing holds its own quiet magic. You just need to show up and wait for the lake to tell its story.

Comment if you liked the post.