Early birds !!

Sometimes miracles happen !! If my brother, my sister-in-law, and me, wake up at 6-30am, it may sound normal to you, but to us, its the 9th wonder (just for info: I'm the 8th wonder) !!
So why did we get up...to go to Hebbal Lake of course.

Hebbal lake has early visitors, birds of hundreds of species, even those that have migrated from Europe and other continents. A group called 'Bangalore-Birds' organizes a bird-watching program every first Sunday of the month. We were there for the birds, and we expected to see lots of crows, eagles, an occasional sparrow, and probably, if we were lucky, a few herons. We did see all of them, but that was just the tip of the iceberg !!

Note: The images used here are from http://images.google.com If I am breaking any laws by using them without permission, please hang me !!
We almost saw 23 species of birds; never realised that these many birds were here, from such far off places, and so close to my house. Bangalore's early mornings probably is something I don't really know much about !!

Subbu, as the man calls himself, is absolutely astounding when it comes to bird identification. He was the one who set up his telescope for us, and helped us learn so much about these Avians. Bird watchers who come there have been doing so from 20 - 30 years, and are so much accomplished in Ornithology, yet they are so simple and noble, and hate to be called as experts. These are some of the birds Subbu helped us identify:

• Purple Herons
• Purple Moore Hens
• Marsh Harrier
• Spot billed ducks
• Pheasant tailed Jassana
• Brahmini Kite
• Whisker Tongue
• Swallows
• Egrets
• Streaked fan tailed warbler
• Pariah Kite
• Jungle Mynah
• Male Koel
• Rufus backed Shrike
• Spotted Doves
• Ashy Prenia
• Red wattled lapping
• White breasted Kingfisher
• Black & Ashy Drongos
• White backed Muniya
• Green Sandpiper

Perhaps the most fulfilling experience was the sight of the white-breasted kingfisher. Its rich colours filled our eyes, and indisputably was the most beautiful bird we had seen.

Lal-bagh and Hebbal Lake are where these group of bird-watchers meet. Next month I'll be there again, sometimes in life, there are things more important than sleep !!