An early morning long drive took me to Muthanallur lake. It was a satisfying trip despite the length and traffic complexity of the route.
Here are the pics…
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It was quite lovely to see the misty surroundings…
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Almost immediately I saw a Red-vented Bulbul…
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An Ashy Drongo made an appearance in the mist...
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It disappeared as quickly as it appeared…
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In the awkward light, I saw a Chestnut-tailed Starling…
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I met Dr S, a friendly plastic surgeon, who commits his weekends to birdwatching. He took me to an area where he had clear sightings of Red Avadavats the previous week.
On the way, we saw a macro photographer who had spotted a beautiful Golden Tortoise Beetle. Here’s a shot with my telephoto lens…
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A Rose-ringed Parakeet couple in the misty morning…
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We stood near the reed area and waited for the light to improve and the elusive Red Avadavat to appear…
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The Red-whiskered Bulbuls were in a joyous mood and invited our attention by singing continuously…
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The birds were rousing themselves for a hard day's work. A female Indian Robin posed for our cameras…
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I followed a Clamorous Reed Warbler who flitted and darted here and there. It put up quite a show…
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A male Pied Bushchat warmed up to us and came closer…
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We saw several birds while discussing the recent incredible reconstructive surgeries Dr S had been artistically executing. A Red-whiskered Bulbul too seemed to be involved in the construction of a nest…
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A White-throated Kingfisher flashed its cobalt blue and brown colors…
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A White-browed Bulbul looked cute with some yellow on its chin and mustache…
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There were no signs of the Red Avadavat yet. Few birdwatchers joined us for the much anticipated arrival of the Red Avadavat. I got a tad impatient and moved ahead to explore other areas. I saw a Little Grebe making its frequent dive for food…
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I came upon a perfect spider web and its owner, a gentleman called Oriental Spiny Orb-Weaver…
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A large Blue Tiger butterfly posed to give a glimpse of its blue tinged upper wings…
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I saw a wild sugarcane thicket. These plants exhibit exceptional resistance to biotic stresses such as nematodes, fungi, bacteria and other pests and diseases. They are ideal nesting materials for Red Avadavats…
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Soon, a male Red Avadavat made a quick visit to collect nesting material. He didn’t come out in the open…
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I waited for his next visit. This time I got my reward…
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I got a call from Dr S saying he could spot the Red Avadavat. I walked back to the spot and found the Strawberry finch in all its glory. Looked like he was just back from slapping a coat of white paint on the walls of his nest…
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I returned home delighted with my morning out. Hope you liked the post. Please post your thoughts in the comments section below…
