Bar-headed Geese at Hadinaru Lake

Last year, a friend and I visited Hadinaru Lake in February, towards the end of the migratory season. We spent time looking around, unsure of where the Bar-headed Geese were or what their daily routine looked like. This year, we went back together in January, better informed and better prepared.

A 4 am start and a drive of close to 200 km from Bangalore towards Mysore got us to the lake early. This time, we positioned ourselves at the right spot and waited. Around 9 am, the geese began arriving from nearby fields in steady waves, eventually building up to around 400 birds on the water.

These winter visitors from Mongolia spend several months at Hadinaru. As always, the geese were the main draw, but the lake had plenty more to offer. Here are the pictures.

~~~
As we closed in on Hadinaru Lake, the sun appeared right on cue. We slowed down, drove past, turned back, and finally stopped where the road gave us a clear line of sight. A lone tree did the rest, its branches cradling the rising sun for a few seconds, just long enough for us to frame the shot before moving on.

~~~
Still a little closer to the lake, we ran into a peacock at close quarters. The moment it noticed us, it decided distance was the better option and made a hurried retreat through the dry grass.

~~~
The peacock’s escape was enough to send the peahens airborne as well, the whole group lifting off in a sudden burst of wings.

~~~
A fleeting moment, but I managed to catch the peacock in flight.

~~~
Near the lake, a tall tree offered a brief glimpse of a Black-rumped Flameback. After a bit of waiting, it finally showed itself, giving us a clear look.

~~~
At the lake, Indian Spot-billed Ducks were already settled in, moving quietly across the water as the morning unfolded.

~~~
Nearby, a White-throated Kingfisher sat on a bare branch, watching the water with practiced patience.

~~~
A Paddyfield Pipit quietly worked the ground near the lake.

~~~
A Blue-tailed Bee-eater perched briefly before moving on.

~~~
A Common Kingfisher waited patiently above the water.

~~~
We moved to the side of the lake where we had spotted the Bar-headed Geese last year and were greeted by a Brahminy Kite calling from its perch.

~~~
A Plain Prinia paused briefly before slipping back into cover.

~~~
As we waited for the flocks of Bar-headed Geese to arrive, a group of Hindu pilgrims walked past on the road, their own quiet procession mirroring the arrivals we were waiting for.

~~~
A Pheasant-tailed Jacana worked its way through the shallows.

~~~
A Northern Shoveler rested among the lilies.

~~~
A pair of Garganey moved quietly through the reeds.

~~~
A Common Moorhen made its way steadily through the water.

~~~
Finally, around nine, the first Bar-headed Goose flocks arrived.

~~~
I missed the landing and caught the chaos instead.

~~~
Three Bar-headed Geese settling into the lake.

~~~
The numbers kept building as more Bar-headed Geese dropped in.

~~~
A pair of Bar-headed Geese in flight.

~~~
With more birds on the water, the lake finally felt full.

~~~
I kept trying for a clean landing shot, but it never quite came together.

~~~
In between, a flock of cormorants passed through.

~~~
An Asian Openbill flew past.

~~~
Still chasing the perfect landing shot.

~~~
At last, the one I was waiting for.

~~~
Then I shot a few more artistic groupings.

~~~
After a while, the geese drifted away.

~~~
A Whiskered Tern cruised low over the reeds.

~~~
A Common Moorhen, perfectly at home among the lilies.

~~~
Just when the Bar-headed Geese moved off, a new surprise arrived. A small flock of Cotton Pygmy Geese slipped in quietly, as if they had been waiting their turn.

~~~
Among all this action, the local Brahminy Kite also made its presence felt.

~~~
On the way back, we stopped by a nearby lake, drawn in by the sight of water lilies in bloom.

~~~
By the time we headed back, the lake had moved on to its next chapter, as it always does. We bade goodbye to the Bar headed Geese, certain that our paths would cross again next year. 

Hope you liked the photos. Do leave a comment.