Look Away First, You Lose!

Blogging has taken a back seat because we're in the process of moving to a new residence. Woodwork, painting, and the like are devouring my evenings. 

We had some intermittent rain, and on a very overcast morning, I ventured to Saul Kere for a short birdwatching trip. Here are some photos from the trip.

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A dense, overcast sky threatened rain, spilling a few drops every now and then.

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Undeterred by the slight rain and overcast skies, the joggers and birdwatchers of Saul Kere continued their pursuits.

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The rain and wind scattered a carpet of gulmohar flowers beneath the tree.

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A brahminy kite circled overhead, searching for fish in the water below.

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...and with a swift dive, it plucked a fish from the water.

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I watched a black-winged stilt couple. One would turn its head for a serious chat, only to be met with the other stilt giving it the cold shoulder. Then, in a blink, the roles would reverse, with the first stilt getting the silent treatment. It was a never-ending game of "look away first, you lose!

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Having gorged itself on a hearty fish, the brahminy kite seemed to be unwinding, its gaze lazily scanning the horizon.

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Rain brings new leaves.

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A grey heron's patience put mine to shame. It waited so long and so still for a fish, I couldn't keep up.

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The great cormorant next to the little egret was like a goth hanging out with a ballerina.

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Another test of patience with a grey heron. Obviously I failed.

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A spotted-dove elegantly perched in the foliage.

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A gaggle of great cormorants, wings spread wide, attempted their best Titanic pose. 

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Always a treat to encounter a red-vented bulbul, especially during their breeding season when the males are particularly vocal.

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With a nervous flick of its tail, a shy white-breasted waterhen emerged and then disappeared.

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The black drongo, known for its mimicry, perched on a branch, calling out in a variety of sounds.

...and then launched itself into a swift dive.

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And then, the showstopper of the day arrived! So close that I had to step back to focus better on this stunning oriental magpie-robin.

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Completely unfazed by my presence, it snatched a lizard.

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Yet another spotted dove! They were everywhere today.

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Last sighting: a white-cheeked barbet.

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Celebrating the Rains at Kannamangala Lake

In the midst of rainy and overcast days, I visited Kannamangala lake to take stock of the birding activity there. The birds seem to be celebrating the refreshing change from the dry days. Here are the pics.

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The rising sun found its perfect perch.

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Dressed in its dazzling breeding finery, an Indian pond heron stood laser-focused on the water below, ready to strike.

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Little egrets seem to catch fish more often with their special way of fishing.

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A Little grebe also bobbed around, trying its luck.

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I spotted another Little Grebe in its breeding feathers. See how its look has changed for breeding season.

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A white-breasted waterhen peeked out from its hiding place, its shyness adding to its charm.

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An Indian spot-billed duck caught a fish.

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The rain washed everything clean, and the Banaba flower, also called Pride of India, bloomed even brighter!

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Two Indian spot-billed ducks stood by the water, about to enter into the water.

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Another one was seen flapping its wings, likely preening its feathers and distributing oils from glands for waterproofing.

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If you've been following my lake visits, you might recall the lone Aylesbury duck who escaped a farm and found a haven here. Months later, it found a partner, and now their three adorable ducklings are venturing out with some Indian spot-billed ducklings, learning the ropes of life on the lake.

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The once-lonely Aylesbury duck now has company! A group of new arrivals at the lake, with plumage resembling Mallards, have joined the scene.

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I settled down to capture a Common Kingfisher couple taking turns fishing. One would snatch a fish and then vanish for about 15 minutes, likely to feed their hungry chicks, before returning for another catch. 

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These Indian spot-billed ducks seem to be enjoying the morning.

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The gulmohar bursts into bloom.

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