20/10/2020
Feels good to be back. I recovered from Covid and I am happy to say that I started birding again.
"Baptized to be King"
Common Kingfisher
Nanjangud Outskirts, Mysuru
October 2020
It was a gloomy Sunday when I left my home with my photography backpack. I was disappointed by the fact that Sun wouldn't show up anytime soon. I took a small detour before going to a secret birding spot hoping to get some decent shots of Munias (🤪 PS: Nothing's secret. But no inhumane intervention). Unfortunately, the whole habitat was destroyed. I guess it was the first time I felt heartbroken twice on a single day. As it was a narrow passage, I wasn't able to turn my car and I decided to drive further ahead to find a way to get back. Voila! A new place for birding and I felt like God answered my prayers. A beautiful habitat with a lake for birds, birder to watch and silence to listen to. As soon as I spot many species actively engaging in foraging, hunting, flying around, chasing one another: all I could do was stand perplexed what to look at. Mesmerised by the beauty of Mother Nature, I stood there for a while just to enjoy. I didn't even think of taking my camera out. Hope God heard my another prayer and sun slowly popped out to brighten up the sky. I took out my camera and binocs and took a walk on the bund. I noticed a Ficus tree near the lake and surprisingly found 100s of Yellow-Footed Green Pigeons foraging with many other birds. Wow, what a moment it was. I have never seen such a large number of Yellow-footed ever. Finally, I reached a point where I could observe them better. You know, Mother Nature always surprises you with unexpected spectacles. From nowhere a little fella emerged from the water just to perch right in front of me. "Oh boy, he has guts" - I murmured but eventually ended up admiring the beauty. As he was wet, he tried to shake off the water before preening himself. I could capture this moment and could spot tiny droplets falling. By the way, I forgot to mention that I didn't go to the secret birding spot as I had enough stories to make already. 😅
Have a great day. Nature First, Save it.