Jigsaw Birding in Hoskote

Last weekend's birding trip to Hoskote was a unique experience, to say the least. It had rained heavily the night before and during the day, which left everything damp and lush. While this made it more challenging to spot birds, it also created a beautiful and atmospheric setting. 

Birding was like trying to solve a jigsaw puzzle, the pieces are all there, but they're hidden in the trees and shrubs. Still, the challenge was part of the fun, and it was rewarding to spot a few birds.

Here are some photos from the trip.

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Large grey babblers were the easy pieces of my birding trip to Hoskote. They were all over the place, hopping around on the ground and foraging for food. This one in particular caught my eye. It was holding something interesting in its beak.

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The birding path was dotted with puddles from the rain. 

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The sky was becoming interesting. The heavy rain clouds of the morning had given way to wispy cirrus clouds and puffy cumulus clouds.

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Far away atop a peepal tree sat a migrant chestnut-tailed starling. It was too far for my lens to get a clear shot.

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A juvenile long-tailed shrike was also seen at a distance. It was perched on a pole, surveying its surroundings with its sharp eyes.

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A raindrop-kissed pink and yellow flower was basking in the morning sun.

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A dazzling peacock pansy butterfly sat perched on a leaf, its wings spread wide. See the pattern on its lower wings resembling a snake's head, and it emits a hissing sound! How cool is the defence mechanism against predators?

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The moon, was still softly glowing in the morning sky.

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Blue sky with white clouds reflected in the calm water.

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A white-throated kingfisher, laser-focused on its prey.

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Then surveying its domain from a new vantage point.

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Two birds are engaged in a territorial dispute. The Grey-headed swamphen has its wings raised, while the Bronze-winged jacana has its feathers ruffled and its head lowered. One is trying to drive the other out of its territory. 

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A Brown shrike landed on a branch, clutching a katydid in its beak. I struggled to capture a clear photo, but I managed to snap these.

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A cyclist, pedaling through the picturesque trail.

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A Large grey babbler, perched on a branch, its piercing yellow eyes surveying its domain.

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The white throated kingfisher was still zipping around in search of food.

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A purple sunbird hops from branch to branch.

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A little egret, a silent sentinel of the marsh, poised to strike.

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I was glad to take a picture of a gray heron and a purple heron, two tall and elegant birds of the wetland, together.

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Purple herons, winged ballerina of the sky, dance through the air with effortless grace.

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The last sighting of the day was a cattle egret.

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Linked with Mosaic Monday

Saul Kere Chronicles

My birdwatching trip to Saul Kere was primarily intended to get an update on the arrival of migratory birds. While the migratory birds had not arrived in their usual numbers, the lake was immensely inviting. Here are the pics.

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Once again, I arrived before sunrise, and to my delight, I spotted a few garganeys. Usually, they arrive in significant numbers from Europe, but these early birds were a charming glimpse into the season ahead.

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After a brief wait, the grand orb finally ascended from the horizon, transitioning from a red hue to a vibrant orange and then to a brilliant yellow ball.

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In my imagination, I tried to burden the crane with the weight of the sun, a desperate act to halt the construction that was disturbing the sanctuary of the lake birds.

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On a nearby tree, two white-throated kingfishers were elegantly perched.

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And a bee-eater and the sun side by side.

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I watched a white-throated kingfisher diving for fish and took these action shots.

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A group of Indian cormorants, also known as Indian shags, were on the move in search of their breakfast.

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The kingfisher dived again, this time snatching a leaf along with its fish.

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A young common moorhen was captured in a brief low flight.

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It took a lot of effort, but I captured a black drongo hiding in the leaves.

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A white-breasted waterhen was taking leisurely, long strides.

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A grey-headed swamphen swam gracefully, offering a shot with nice reflections.

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A spotted dove and a green bee-eater appeared to communicate with each other through their gaze.

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Following that, a pair of green bee-eaters struck a synchronized pose.

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Then, they were joined by a third one, who arrived with a bee.

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A scaly-breasted munia couple engaged in a more affectionate courtship, displaying love rather than the usual ritualistic mounting.

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A purple heron's graceful flight.

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There was no dearth of white-cheeked barbets, as they were actively flying, perching, and excavating nest holes.

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It was a delightful sight to observe the spotted owlet perched a fair distance away, its eyes wide open in a startled gaze.

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A rose-ringed parakeet in flight.

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Once again, a lovey-dovey scaly-breasted munia couple with two envious onlookers.

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Then, I came across a purple-rumped sunbird.

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Joining the cuteness contest was an Indian silverbill.

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Here's a green bee-eater, and, of course, it has a bee.

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Another green bee-eater striking a delightful pose.

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A pale-billed flowerpecker.

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A common tailorbird.

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In a thrilling twist, I encountered a sub-adult paradise flycatcher, a great surprise for any birdwatcher.

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My final observation of the day was this black drongo.

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I hope you enjoyed the post. Feel free to leave a comment below!

Linked with Mosaic Monday