European Bee-eaters at Mayasandra

A friend messaged me saying that a birding group had reported European Bee-eaters at Mayasandra Lake. She followed it up by checking with birders who had already been there and gathered all the necessary details. A plan was made for the very next morning to try our luck with these colourful passage migrants.

Google Maps, being Google Maps, decided to add a small adventure of its own by sending us on a brief detour. But eventually we reached the lake and were instantly rewarded. What followed was a joyful session of watching them perch in neat rows, stretch their wings, preen themselves and launch into short insect hunting sorties. And of course, there were a few other birds that decided to pose for the cameras too.

Here are some frames from that beautiful morning at Mayasandra Lake.

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Despite the detour, we reached just before sunrise, and the crescent moon was still holding on to that beautiful pastel hue before slowly giving way to daylight.

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Soon after, we found the tree with the European Bee-eaters perched silently in the dim morning light, their colours still waiting for the sun to wake them up.

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With the sun rising above the trees, the light changed completely, and so did the mood of the morning.

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Once the light improved, the Bee-eaters became more active. Flights became frequent, perches kept changing and the tree slowly turned into a busy hub of morning activity.

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The lake was still wrapped in morning mist, offering these beautiful mirror-like reflections.

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The groupings were interesting, with some birds huddled close together while others preferred a little personal space.

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Some of the tightest groupings were a joy to watch. Fluffed up, pressed together and perfectly aligned, they looked ready for a group portrait.

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While the Bee-eaters stole the spotlight, this Brown Shrike waited patiently on the sidelines.

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This Booted Warbler gave me a lovely backlit moment, with the early sunlight outlining every feather.

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The young Little Grebes were already becoming independent, swimming around confidently on their own.

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The Grey-headed Swamphen looked in a hurry, while the Spot-billed Duck seemed happy to take it slow.

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A quick dive and a calm return. The White-throated Kingfisher gave us a neat little action sequence.

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And the Bee-eaters continued to pose, preen and shuffle around, giving us many more moments to enjoy.

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Amid all the colour and activity, this quiet Common Sandpiper added a calm shoreline moment.

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A pair of Wood Sandpipers feeding quietly in the shallow water close by.

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This Blyth’s Reed Warbler popped out briefly before disappearing back into the tangle.

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Probably my favourite moment of the day. A Little Grebe family gliding past us like they owned the pond.

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A Coppersmith Barbet perched quietly, adding another burst of colour to the morning.

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From the nearby temple pond, a few water lilies were in full bloom.

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With the light improving, we headed back to the European Bee-eaters. The harsh early glow had softened into warm gold, and the colours finally came alive.

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In between all the colour and chaos, the Indian Robin added a calm little moment to the morning.

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As the sun climbed higher, the European Bee-eater flock moved to a different tree that was bathed in better light. It was a small change in location but a big change in atmosphere. The warm glow brought out every shade in their feathers.

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A juvenile Brahminy Kite stole some attention.

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Not long after, an adult Brahminy Kite cruised past.

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The final frame of the morning belonged to a Blue-tailed Bee-eater. A quiet perch, gentle light and a perfect full stop to a memorable session.

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The European Bee-eaters were the reason we came, and they gave us far more than we expected. Hope you liked the post. Would love to hear your thoughts.