In the Company of Hoskote Birds

Hoskote lake remains a source of continuous wonder, even in the off-season when migratory birds are absent. My recent visit last Sunday was no exception, I managed to capture some lovely birds, bugs and landscapes. Check out the photos!

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Once again, I arrived at the break of dawn, and the sun emerged with a flawless, crisp presence.

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I tried to get a clear shot of the bright sun but couldn't capture the flying birds very well.

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On the branches and leaves, I noticed raindrops from the previous night. Each droplet reflected the sunrise scene in reverse.

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I spotted a large number of barn swallows perched on the electric wires. 

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I tried to get photos of the barn swallows while they were flying.

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I spotted movement on a small plant in the flooded lake, and it turned out to be a pair of common kingfishers.

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I watched the couple closely. The male on the right attempted to strike up a conversation, but the female appeared uninterested.

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After a while, the female made an effort to get the male's attention, but he seemed to be purposefully ignoring her.

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The female kept on trying, but the male wouldn't budge after the initial rejection.

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Then she moved closer to him, but it seemed the male's ego had been stirred, and he quickly flew away.

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Another female kingfisher was watching too, and she quickly flew away, ruining my chance to get some fishing photos. It appears kingfishers might need a refresher on their pick-up lines!

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I spotted a ladybug, but I couldn't identify its specific type, so I'll simply refer to it as a spotted ladybug.

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I also came across a common and easily identifiable Ditch Jewel dragonfly.

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A cluster of water lilies added a touch of natural beauty.

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I was initially attracted to a pied bushchat in the cornfield but was surprised to discover a rose-ringed parakeet camouflaged among the leaves.

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Minutes passed as I maintained my position, hoping to catch a glimpse of the rose-ringed parakeet's next action.

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Then, it suddenly fluttered, revealing the stunning colors of its wings.

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A flock of cattle egrets flew past.

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A paddyfield pipit, feeling like a bit of a misfit without any paddy fields around, chose the next best thing – a cornfield, where it foraged.

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Then, a brown shrike came into view, emitting a call that sounded like a malfunctioning electric razor. Its tail looked quite disorderly.

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A large grey babbler had a stern appearance with its bright yellow eyes, as if it were in a foul mood.

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However, a pied bushchat appeared plump and adorable.

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Seeing the tawny coster butterfly after a five-year hiatus was a pleasant surprise.

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Two female baya weavers looked nice side by side.

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There were plenty of young scaly-breasted munias around, and they were boldly exploring, seemingly oblivious to the camera-wielding predators.

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Adult scaly-breasted munias undergo a stunning transformation from their rather unimpressive juvenile appearance.

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Tricoloured munias were also lively in the morning.

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The last thing I saw that day was a female baya weaver.

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I made my way back to my car parked amidst the world of birds.

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I hope you enjoyed the post. Feel free to leave a comment and share your thoughts!

Linked with Mosaic Monday

Chasing Feathers in Muthanallur

After a relaxing weekend at home, I went birdwatching in Muthanallur on Monday morning because it was a holiday. I had two choices: sit in one spot and hope to see the rare red avadavat or walk around and hope to see other birds. I chose to walk around, and I was lucky to see several other birds. Here are the pics.

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Once again, I embarked on an early morning drive and arrived in Muthanallur just as the sun was rising.

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I observed a Spotted Dove foraging along the trail.

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A White-throated Kingfisher sensed my presence and took flight. I followed its path, and it landed on a palm tree where Baya Weavers were constructing their nests. Although it tried to hide, its bright cobalt blue color was still noticeable in the morning's low light.

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A bunch of morning glory blooms had opened up. It's called the 'mile-a-minute' vine because it can grow incredibly fast—up to 6 inches a day or over 100 feet in one season. This makes it one of the fastest-growing vines in the world.

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I spotted a male Pied Bushchat perched on a wire.

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A flock of Glossy Ibises, forming a wedge in the sky, flew past, and this distinct flight shape is why they are called so when in flight.

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I spotted a Greater Coucal, but it was too distant for my camera lens to capture a clear shot. I waited for it to take flight, hoping to capture a better photo.

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I eventually got some great shots of it in flight.

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An image of the expansive lake, mostly covered in water hyacinth, which aids herons and egrets in their search for food.

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A Cattle Egret discovered an insect amidst the dried water hyacinth.

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I witnessed female Baya Weavers diligently collecting food for their young ones, as they flew about and searched the branches.

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Male Baya Weavers were also actively engaged in collecting food.

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A Grey Heron flew off to find a better spot for fishing among the water hyacinths.

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As the sun warmed up, butterflies began to emerge, and I spotted a Striped Tiger butterfly.

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A Tricolored Munia made an appearance. While it was a beautiful bird, my eyes were still searching for a glimpse of the elusive Red Avadavat.

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Next up was a female Pied Bushchat.

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Followed by a juvenile Red-whiskered Bulbul.

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And then, I also spotted some Rose-ringed Parakeets.

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I also came across a female Scarlet Skimmer dragonfly.

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I also spotted another Tricolored Munia perched on a wire.

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I began walking back and forth along a path that was bordered by reeds on one side and lantana flowers on the other. I could hear the Avadavat's call coming from the reeds, but I still couldn't get a clear sighting.

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As I searched for the Red Avadavats, my attention momentarily shifted to a Plain Tiger butterfly, which was busy nectaring on the lantana flowers.

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I was once again distracted, this time by a Black Drongo and its graceful takeoff.

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As the Avadavats continued to elude me within the reeds, my frustration grew. I decided to take a break from the search and instead watched a Baya Weaver in the midst of nest-building.

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I tried a different angle shot of a tree in an attempt to overcome my frustration.

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After a long wait, numerous unsuccessful and blurry clicks, I eventually managed to capture a somewhat decent picture of the male Red Avadavat.

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That was the cue for me to call it a day. As I walked back to the car, I spotted an Ashy Prinia.

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And so, my birding trip came to an end. I hope you enjoyed reading about it. Feel free to leave a comment.

Linked with Mosaic Monday