“Nearly 110 species of birds, fully or partially dependent on water have been recorded utilizing the tanks in Bangalore. This diversity of birds belongs to 6 avian orders and 25 bird families.” – Dr S. Subramanya, an authority on lakes At Puttenahalli Lake, JP Nagar
we have positively identified 15 species of the 110 (with the help of close-up photographs; otherwise most of the birds were always too far off or reclusive). These include those that belong to the families of coots, cormorants, ducks, herons, jacanas, kingfishers, kites, lapwigs, wagtails.
There are some that we are yet to photograph/identify and we are sure that there are others that we are yet to spot. We have also seen large garden lizards, snakes, snails and loads of fish.
All this means that the water body is offering the birds and other creatures, food and nesting grounds, and restoring the circle of life! About half the lake birds of Bangalore are known to be migratory, escaping the harsh winters of Central Asia and the Arctic. These are generally expected in Bangalore end Sept-April.
We really hope we are lucky enough to see some of them at our lake. If you would like to see for yourselves the gorgeous birds photographed by Sujesh S., do join us at the gazebo at Puttenahalli Lake (near MLR Convention Hall, Brigade Millennium) by 7 a.m. on Saturday, 10th Sept.
Spot-billed duck Pic: Sujesh S.
Purple Swamphens Pic: Sujesh S.
Great Cormorants Pic: Sujesh S.
Purple Heron Pic: Sujesh S.
Bronze-winged Jacana Pic: Sujesh S.
Spotted Bill Duck. Pic: Sujesh S
Bring along your binoculars and drinking water. Prasanna Vynatheya, an avid bird watcher and PNLIT Trustee, will lead the group. The tour may last for about an hour.
Happy bird watching! ⊕
References
Bird Profile of Bangalore Lakes by Dr S. Subramanya
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