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.