When Hoskote Calls

Weekend mornings have become a little ritual.

Wake up early, pack the camera, skip the overthinking, and head to the place that feels right. This weekend, Hoskote Lake was an easy choice.

I was happy to find the Greater Flamingos still there. I'd seen them during my last visit nearly a month ago, and I was convinced they would have moved on by now. They don't usually stay this long, so it was a pleasant surprise to see them still wading through the lake.

Alongside the flamingos were plenty of familiar birds and a few exciting sightings that made for a wonderful morning in the field.

Here are a few of my favorite shots from the morning.

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The erratic monsoon has begun to breathe life back into Hoskote Lake. Pockets of water have returned, while the exposed lakebed has turned into a lush green grassland.

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A group of Great Cormorants made a low pass across the lake.

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My first stop was the Greater Flamingos. Three of the five juveniles from my previous visit were still there, methodically sweeping their upside-down bills from side to side through the shallow water as they filter-fed. It's a mesmerizing routine that looks more like a choreographed dance than a search for food.

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Every now and then, one would pause to preen, stretch its wings, or simply stand still before returning to its rhythmic feeding routine.

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After feeding for a while, the trio became far more interactive. They stood close together, gently crossing bills, stretching their necks, and occasionally striking elegant poses. Whether it was social bonding or the beginnings of courtship, it was fascinating to watch.

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The breeding season was evident everywhere. After watching the juvenile flamingos, I came across a juvenile Pied Bushchat. Still wearing its mottled juvenile plumage, it made short flights into the grass in search of insects.

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The transformed lakebed has created ideal hunting grounds for a Tawny Eagle. A species that favors open grasslands and scrub, it patiently watched from a dead tree before taking off.

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It seemed to be a morning for young birds. Not long after the juvenile Pied Bushchat, I came across a juvenile White-browed Wagtail. Unlike the striking black-and-white plumage of the adults, this youngster was dressed in soft shades of grey with a subdued white eyebrow.

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One of the more intriguing sightings of the morning was a pair of Red Avadavats collecting nesting material from a recently burned patch. Interestingly, the pair seemed to prefer burnt twigs. Some birds are known to select nesting materials with antimicrobial properties, although it isn't known whether Red Avadavats do this or whether the charred twigs simply happened to be the most accessible choice.

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Breeding activity continued elsewhere as well. A Red-whiskered Bulbul repeatedly visited a fruiting shrub, plucking berries before disappearing into the foliage. It may have been feeding itself, or perhaps delivering food to hungry chicks hidden nearby.

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My focus shifted back to the water, where a pair of Black-winged Stilts caught my eye. They flew low over the surface in perfect synchrony.

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Another welcome sight was a pair of Fulvous Whistling Ducks. Named for their distinctive high-pitched whistling calls rather than the usual quacks, they glided peacefully across the lake, never straying far from one another.

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Before heading back, a White-throated Kingfisher perched quietly among the branches. Despite its name, this adaptable hunter is just as likely to be found away from water, feeding on insects, lizards, frogs, and even small rodents.

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My last sighting of the morning was a male Purple Sunbird in eclipse plumage. Unlike its glossy breeding attire, the eclipse plumage replaces the iridescent purple with olive-brown tones while retaining a bright yellow underside and subtle metallic blue on the wings. The eclipse plumage is a transitional stage between breeding and non-breeding seasons.

As always, Hoskote Lake delivered more than I expected. With the monsoon reshaping the landscape and birds making the most of the season, it was another memorable morning.

Thanks for reading! I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.