Sylvan Melodies in the Woods | A Birding Diary 💚

Of Wings, Wattles, and World Sparrow Day

The Brahminy Startling | The did-he-do-it bird | The Chessboard-Collared Dove | The Mysterious Male Koel | The Chatak | World Sparrow Day

#intothewildwithrufus

Today we managed to capture some beautiful shots of the Brahminy Starlings – a bevy of lively, vocal birds!

Then we saw a lovely female Sunbird, with her unique, deeply curved bill used for extracting nectar from tubular flowers. The action shot - capturing a sunbird mid-flutter as it investigates a hanging vine was indeed a monumental feat in itself, trueproving their cute hovering nature.

A wonderful portrait of a Spotted Dove follows next. Perched quite stoically on a weathered brick wall, this shot beautifully showcases the distinctive “chessboard” collar of black and white spots on its hindneck.

Then we had the delight of capturing the House Sparrow, which for years was on the wane in this part of India. 

Interestingly, Bihar and Delhi have made the House Sparrow as their State Birds, to raise awareness about its conservation. And yes, coincidentally, 20th March is World Sparrow Day!

The first shot shows the female sparrow, beautifully camouflaged against the green acacia leaves. Then follows the silhouette-style shot on the wire featuring the male sparrow.

Then comes the prize-catch of the mysterious male Asian Koel, peering out from the dense, green foliage! It feels very nice, capturing the often elusive bird we usually hear long before we see them!

We then spotted the Jacobin Cuckoo or the Pied Cuckoo, quite easily identifiable by its crisp black-and-white plumage and its prominent, rakish crest. It is also called the Chatak in Indian mythology.

Then we chanced to get a crisp shot of a Red-wattled Lapwing striding gracefully through the low vegetation! Known as the loud and vigilant watchmen of open habitats, they are unique for their frantic “did-he-do-it” alarm calls!