VARTHUR DIARIES: SEPT'14 - Part III

THE GEN-NEXT WEAVERS

After clicking the Munias, as I was walking towards the bus stand, noises coming from the bushes nearby caught my attention. As I went to have a closer look, what I saw was probably the best part of the entire birding trip. Wikipedia mentions that juvenile Baya Weavers are known to leave their nests and disperse to newer locations in the vicinity. What I had come across was in opinion, one such 'Baya Weaver Play School'. I found about six little Weavers there; in fact, the Gen Next was much more approachable than the adults. I was able to get some very good captures; yeah, I love some of the clicks that I have posted here. At the same time, I was careful enough not to attract the attention of predators like Crows and Eagles. After all, the young Weaver can be easy picking for these predators.

For more posts in the series VARTHUR DIARIES: SEPT'14, click here (Link)

VARTHUR DIARIES: SEPT'14 - Part II

THE SCALY-BREASTED MUNIA

After spending about 30 minutes with the weavers, I spotted this pair of Scaly-Breasted Munia as I was heading back to the bus stand. This small yet beautiful bird is native to the Sub-Continent, South-Eastern Asia and Eastern parts of Australia. It seems that Mother Nature has been extremely kind to this little bird; the color combinations and the patterns are brilliant. The head is darker brown while the feathers are much lighter. The underside has a unique pattern in the form of scales that have a black border. The pair that I saw on that day were quite comfortable sharing space with the weavers.

For more posts in the series VARTHUR DIARIES: SEPT'14, click here (Link)

VARTHUR DIARIES: SEPT'14 - Part I

MEETING THE WEAVERS

It was a Sunday morning and I decided to go to the Varthur Lake for birding. The second largest lake in the city is hardly 4 km from our new house and I was expecting to spot several avians here. I was hopeful that like Agara, BTM and Lalbaugh, there would be a jogging track across the circumference of the lake from where I could capture some nice clicks. However, I was in for a shock. After getting down at the bus stand, I kept on walking on the road that goes from Whitefield towards the Varthur Police Station, looking for the entry gate. Though much of this side of the lake was covered with water hyacinth, there was still a lot of water. Sadly though, I could not see any birds. I walked for about 20 minutes with vehicles passing by at break neck speeds and was cursing myself for having come here; I turned back and started walking towards the bus stop.

Not the one to give up so easily, especially on birding trips, I decided to try the other route. After crossing a small temple, I came across several flower and vegetable gardens. Not so surprisingly, there were several birds here. Then came the big moment; I spotted this colony of about ten Baya Weaver nests hanging from some coconut trees along the edge of the lake. It was always my dream to click these amazing creatures against the backdrop of their unique nests. While they may be said to be 'common', finding them, especially in our cities can be very difficult. I had spotted one such colony in November last year on our trip to Hampi but could not spend anytime there since we were to board our bus back to Bangalore in a few hours. Meanwhile, most of the nests in the colony were complete; many of the birds were in fact giving some finishing touches to their marvelous creations. At regular intervals, the birds would go the lake, pick up some straws and then go about weaving their homes using their tiny beaks. I took my time clicking the pictures and admiring the birds. At a short distance, there was another colony of 15 nests. In fact, the location of the trees here was such that, I could get better pictures here.

Baya Weavers are passerine birds common in the Sub-continent and South-Eastern Asia. The females are very similar to House Sparrows and distinguishing the two can be difficult. However, breeding males have a distinct yellow crown that makes them easy to identify. It is the male of the species that takes the onus of building those beautiful nests. After the nest is in, what is referred to as 'helmet stage', the males start courting the ladies. Once a female is impressed, the pair will go on completing their 'home'.

For more posts in the series VARTHUR DIARIES: SEPT'14, click here (Link)

LALBAGH DIARIES: JAN 2014 - II

THE BIRDS AT THE LOTUS PONDS

Indian Pond Heron

A native of the Indian Subcontinent, South and South-East Asia, the Indian Pond Heron is one of the most common birds of the country. From the beaches of Goa to the lakes of Bengaluru to nearby nullahs, you can find them in places with proximity to water. In fact they are generally found in association with egrets. They are generally camera shy. However, this one was pretty brave. It looked like it was enjoying ll the attention it was getting from the several birding enthusiasts who were there.

White Breasted Waterhen

While the Pond Heron was posing for the shutterbugs, the White Breasted Waterhen was in some sort of hurry. It made me dance all around and yet I could not get a decent shot. Like the herons, they are residents of Southern and South-eastern Asia. It can be identified from the white marks on the face, neck and breast. As compared to other members of the Rallidae family, they are dull in color and are relatively less abundant in the city.

Purple Moorhen

Unlike their cousins, the Purple Moorhen have been gifted with brilliant colors - bluish purple coat and red beak making them irresistible to the eyes. In fact, the best places to spot them in the city are the lakes of Agara and Madivala (BTM). This is because here vast stretches of water is covered with vegetation which is ideal habitat for them. On the contrary, the waters in the Lalbagh lake are free from all kinds of vegetation. Its range stretches over most of the Old World extending up to Australia. This individual in Lalbagh had several hatchlings; the young ones are black in color.

Common Moorhen

A resident breeder of vast regions of Asia, Africa and Europe, the Common Moorhen is not as common as its purple cousin, at least in the city. It is easily recognizable from its frontal red shield. Out of the five sub species, the one found in the mainland is known as the Eurasian Common Moorhen.

Links to all posts in the series:
(1) Lalbagh Diaries: Jan 2014 - I (Link)
(1) Lalbagh Diaries: Jan 2014 - II (Link)
(1) Lalbagh Diaries: Jan 2014 - III(Link)
(1) Lalbagh Diaries: Jan 2014 - IV (Link)
(1) Lalbagh Diaries: Jan 2014 - V (Link)
(1) Lalbagh Diaries: Jan 2014 - VI (Link)

LALBAGH DIARIES: JAN 2014 - I

SNAPSHOTS OF LALBAGH

Before I start with the birding photos, here are some of the other snaps that I clicked on that morning. Considering that Lalbagh consists of three to four different kinds of habitats, each acting as a mini-ecosystem, it is not at all surprising that so many different avian species are found here. The Lotus Pond is the first stop on my birding tours to this place. Besides the numerous water birds, one of the things that I like about the pond are the Lotus flowers. Seeing these pink spots in a sea of green is truly amazing. The National flower is indeed one of Mother Nature's most beautiful creations.

On my earlier two trips, I was never able to complete the walk along the circumference of the Lalbagh lake. I generally end up standing at the bridge, which divides the Lotus Pond from the main lake. In fact, this is a strategic location from where you can spot birds that come to both these water bodies. However, this time, I made sure that I completed the round trip. To be frank, the walk is very tiring and I don't know how Da could complete three rounds. The next two pictures were taken from the western side of the lake. Notice, that the clean waters are good for capturing reflections.

Now, the next picture is one of my favorite. This was clicked as we were walking towards the West gate after having spent over two hours at the lake. All those familiar with the garden will know that the lake is elevated as compared to the other parts of the park. There are steps, with Nandi statues on either side that one has to climb to reach the lake while coming from the direction of the clock. In this photo, the blue sky and the steep slope with sparse grass cover provide the perfect contrast. The empty seat, one of the many that the Tourism department has put up along the lake and the dog add to the charm. Of course, it would have been perfect if there was a couple sitting on the bench. But that is Ok.

And finally, this is a shot of the Lalbagh Lake. Notice the clear waters and the birds on the tree at the centre. It feels so good seeing that the garden right in the middle of the city has been maintained so well. How I wish all other lakes in Bangalore would also get this kind of attention. I wish that Agara and Madivala lakes are cleared of the weeds that are proliferating here at an alarming rate. I wish that people stop visiting the Begur Lake for their morning abulations. I wish that the tiny Iblur lake is given a new lease of life. The list is endless...

Links to all posts in the series:
(1) Lalbagh Diaries: Jan 2014 - I (Link)
(1) Lalbagh Diaries: Jan 2014 - II (Link)
(1) Lalbagh Diaries: Jan 2014 - III(Link)
(1) Lalbagh Diaries: Jan 2014 - IV (Link)
(1) Lalbagh Diaries: Jan 2014 - V (Link)
(1) Lalbagh Diaries: Jan 2014 - VI (Link)

CHILLAR PARTY'S DAY OUT

LALBAGH AND VIDYARTHI BHAVAN

Lalbagh Lake

With Mom and Dad going to Mysore to pick up my cousin who has been posted to Bengaluru  by one of the country's top IT firm, the Chillar party decided to spend the Sunday morning amidst nature at Lalbagh on 5^th January, earlier this year. I and Bhabi had been planning to go there for long. Since the parents, especially Mom was not home, we thought this was the ideal time for the long awaited outing. The three of us had different agendas though - Bhabi wanted to do yoga and then read a book like those foreigners we saw in Hampi who were reading books on boulders in the Tunga river; Da wanted to burn excess calories and I was there only for the birds. Besides, we also wanted to have the famous Masala Dosa (Masal Dose as it is called here) at Vidyarthi Bhavan in Gandhi Market, Basvangudi. This was my third visit in the last five months to what I believe is the most well maintained of all the lakes in the IT city. I was hoping to find some new species to shoot (in line with my New Year's resolution of clicking 40 new avians this year), at least the Pied Kingfisher which had eluded me for long.

Striking a pose: Da & Bhabi

For a change, Da decided to accompany me as I went to the Lotus Pond to click a host of water birds. Not so surprisingly, he got bored soon; you see patience is one of the few virtues which he does not possess. Anyway as he started jogging around the lake, I took my time clicking the different varities of birds that are common here. Unlike the lake, the pond is full of weeds, grasses and other aquatic plants, providing a suitable habitat for egrets, herons, moorhens and coots to live and breed. The sight of bright pink Lotus flowers dotted amongst the surrounding greenery is one to behold. In contrast, the waters of the Lalbagh Lake are sparkling clean; in fact you can even spot fishes nibbling at slices of bread thrown by careless visitors. On any given day, you can see several cormorants and snake birds perched on the many trees in the centre of the lake. Well, I will put up the pictures in the upcoming posts. While I did not find any new avian species, the images clicked on that day have turned to be some of the best since I started bird photography. Meanwhile, having spent over two hours at Lalbagh, we were very hungry and headed to Basvanagudi for breakfast, picking half a kilo of tasty Rose Paneer (Link) for mom on the way.

Balancing Act: Masal Dose at Vidyarthi Bhavan

Located in the heart of the bustling Gandhi Bazaar, it is not difficult to miss Vidyarthi Bhavan, sandwiched between the many shops selling myriad variety of flowers and garlands. However like MTR and Adigas, this tiffin center is one of the most popular eateries in the city. Over the years, it has become one of the most prominent landmarks of Bangalore and boasts of a large fan following. Established in 1943 to cater mainly the student community (as its name suggests), do not get fooled by its modest appearance because on the weekends, hundreds of people come here to gorge on the in house speciality - Masal Dose. On holidays, you have to register your name with the man at the entrance and then... wait for your turn. In fact, we had to stand in the queue for almost 40 minutes before the man in the lungi who was co-ordinating the whole process called out "Pavan". From inside, Vidhyarthi Bhavan resembles a small hotel crowded with people with the ambience being much different from the expensive hotels that have cropped up in the city. The sitting consists of wooden tables and benches whereas walls are are lined with sketches of prominent Kannadigas. The menu is limited and prices are pretty cheap by city standards. We ordered Shira and then Dosa which came five minutes later, one stacked on the top of the other like the Tower of Hanoi. Though the Dosa was very tasty, I still find Mummy's Masala Dosa much better. Does the taste justify the long wait to get into the hotel? In my opinion, No!. We finished breakfast at 11:30 am and reached back home by noon.

On the whole, spending the morning with Da and Bhabi in the lap of nature at Lalbagh, clicking those beautiful winged creatures followed by the pait pooja at one of the most iconic eateries of Bengaluru was quite memorable. Having started the New Year on such a good note, I hope we go for such outings many more times through out the year.


Please note that the last image in the post was clicked by my Bhabi.

ON THE WIRE

THE SPOTTED DOVE

It was a Saturday morning in April 2013 and I got up early to find some birds around my home in Devarachikanahalli, off Bannerghatta Road. As I was walking towards the nullah which was my favorite spot for birding in the locality, I spotted a solitary Spotted Dove perched on a wire. These avians are very common in Bengaluru. In fact, I would regularly see this particular dove at the same spot almost everyday as I walked towards my company shuttle in the mornings. I will write a more detailed post on these birds, their distribution and characteristics very soon. Meanwhile, I hope you like the pictures.

SUNSET AT NGV

THE SUNSET THROUGH MY CAMERA

I took a day off in the first half of the last week due to some work. After accompanying mom to Auchan for grocery shopping, I reached home on time to witness the sunset from our terrace in NGV, Koramangala. The pictures in this post were clicked on 11^th November, 2013.

EK MAIN AUR EK TU

BLACK KITES

Ever since we shifted to NGV, spotting Black Kites has become extremely common, more so because we stay on the top floor. Every day, at about 11 in the morning and at 6 in the evening, I find perched either on the nearby tower or on the water tanks above the terrace. As mentioned earlier, these are some of the birds that are doing very well in the city. Although I personally like their cousins - the Brahminy Kites (Link) more because of their vivid colors and the fact that they remind me of the Western coast, the Black Kites are, without any doubt, very royal and graceful, especially in flight. 

The following photos of one such pair were clicked on 5 ^th November, 2013 while I was at home for Diwali. Amongst all the photos of these avians that I have clicked in the last six months, I like these the most. Hope you like it too.

For more posts on Black Kites, click here (Link)