Field Trips

The maximum sighting and discovery of birds and butterflies happens when I go for field trips. This normally starts around 6.00 am in the morning and goes till 12.00 to 2.00 pm in the afternoon. Both butterflies and birds are photographed. These photographs are then edited, cropped to fit the size for uploading. At the same time identification is made. Normally the first step is to upload the image on iNaturalist and look for nomenclature suggestions. In case of confusion I wait till the ID is approved through peer review and rated as Research Grade. In case of delay or confusion, I refer to various resources on Internet and try to complete the identification process. After this the images are uploaded here. There still may be some incorrect identification/ naming which is rectified on review.

Every field trip is filled with excitement; as either a new variety is seen and photographed or a new clearer image or a new perspective is clicked. I share these very interesting sojourns with you.

Field Trip: Wednesday 04 October 2023

Perch Check Dam  village Chotti-Bari Perch

As usual I started around 6.30 in the morning, it was cool and the sun was just coming out. It took me about 20 minutes to reach the base of the dam. A broken rusted gate guards the entrance. It is  from here that the climb up to the top of the dam starts. I decided to stop here. There is a small clearing and a huge Accacia tree. Today the tree was in full bloom with its yellow flowers. Even before I could get down I was greeted with a huge bird chorus and could see hoards of birds jumping flying playing in the Lantana bushes behind the tree. I had'nt accounted for what happened in next 60 minutes. Straight away I started clicking from where I was standing. I could make out Lesser Whitethroats. As I went closer they continued to play and allowed me to click. They were joined by the Indian White eyes. Very flitty and playful. Plain Pirinia and Grey Breasted Pirinia were also there. Then I saw it in the Blue- Verditer Flycatcher. The finger just went berserk on the click button automatically. I clicked till it few away. Now the Green Bee eaters descended and stated their short circular fly-catching flights. I could hear the call and caught a glimpse of Ruby throat but only got a silhouette shot. I moved towards the trees on the right for more more shots of the Indian white eye. I saw something at the far corner, it was a juvenile possibly bushchat. Then I saw a grey bushchat male with all brown plumage. It sat while I patiently clicked. I saw and clicked female Black Redstart and a Siberian stonechat. I heard the call of Lesser Golden back woodpecker. It was right behind in the branches of tree. Got It . The Green Bee Eaters were now diving from the tall trees and White throats were also enjoying the bright sunshine amongst the leaves of those tall trees. 

By now the Accacia tree was demanding my attention. There were several warblers up there and I clicked Western Grey Crowned, Greenish Warbler, Hume's Warbler, Mountain and Common Chiffchaff. I was now  in two minds: to continue here or go up to the dam . I decided to go up and see if I could find some more. The Goldenback woodpecker had come up and I clicked it again. I clicked  a Black Redstart male and the Great Tit. I again saw several Lesser White throats and Greenish warblers. I then saw a Rufous Treepie. I went to a broken down electric light pole, Clinging to  the hanging wire it looked inside for juveniles. It then went to the top of hollow light knocking the pipe trying to scare them out. No luck. It finally flew away. It was getting quiet as the Sun was very hot and all birds had gone into hiding. I waited fort fresh sightings while sipping on my bottle of  fresh lime water. I now realised my fingers were badly hurting from the frenzied clicking of last 60 minutes. I decided to make a move back home. As I drove from the dam towards the village I saw a pair of peacocks feeding on the road. They seemed not to mind the noise of my Jeep, I moved the car to one side and sitting there clicked them from within the car from my seat. Lovely closeups to complete my trip. Just before I reached home I saw this black kite nicely perched in the morning  sun. I had to stop and click it too,

Back home and in time for breakfast at 9.00

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