Sunday, 26 Feb 2012

This time our weekend birding destination was Kaikondanahalli Lake (also referred as Kaikondrahalli Lake or KK Halli Lake). This is on the Sarjapur Road, Near the Total Mall. I have gone passed that lake lot of times. But never paused to have a walk around the lake, as i thought its not a that-good-lake to spend time. My memory, prior to this visit, dates back to the time, when this lake was just another bangalore lake, used as a sewage storage place or a dry dry ground. So, when we (Parikshit) decided on this lake, i did not have any expectations of good sightings of birds around that area. 

But when we reached that place, all my thoughts changed instantly. Thanks to the people living near that lake, whose initiative, along with the BBMP, various environmentalists & other volunteer organizations, because of whom, the situation there has improved a LOT !!!!! (you can read more @ http://www.uwbengaluru.org/kaikondanahalli-lake-update ). We had really good sightings of birds and also could spend lot of time there (not a picnic spot though). we can see lot of people jogging around the lake in the morning, also groups of photographers (like us) trying to get the pictures. 

Following are the pics taken there...

Sun, 19 Feb 2012 

This time was part of the Bangalore BWFC's (Bird Watchers' Field Club) Third Sunday Trail-19th Feb 2012-Jaipurdoddi. This place is in the Bannerghatta Area, after Shivanahalli (or after Ramakrishna Mission School). Following is the exact detail on how to reach that place: 

"Reaching Jaipurdoddi : Take the Bannerghatta Road from the Bangalore City. Cross the Bannerghatta National Park - the road curves to the left at the Bannerghatta Police Station. Proceed further towards Jigani. Halfway, on the right hand side you will see the Ramakrishna Mission, Shivanahalli hoarding. (You will also notice a Swamy Ayyappa temple hoarding). This is Ragihalli Gate Bus Stop.Take a right turn there and drive for about 11 kms. Do not take any side roads (rare and few) that you will come along . Travelling through the Bannerghatta National Park reserved forest, you will have to cross the Ragihalli village to come over to Shivanahalli.Once at Shivanahhalli Village, take the new road on the right which leads to Jaipurdoddi." - Thanks to BWFC for this info. 

Though we have been to this place before, that time, our focus was not this place primarily. This time, Jaipurdoddi was our starting point or the area of focus. Our initial plan was to gather at 6.30am, but always, 30mins buffer time is always taken into account. So, we reached the starting point at 7am. By the way, by "we" here i refer to, Parikshit, Harsha and Me. I joined Parikshit in his car and Harsha was in his brand new (he claims its already old though) bullet, Electra. 

So this time, my primary focus turned out to be on the overall composition, than a tight portrait of the birds. so, it was lil interesting to zoom out a little, and get the perch also in the frame, than going all the way to 500mm. So, following are the pictures taken with Canon 7D & Sigma 150-500, Handheld.

Thanks to Parry/Harsha/BWFC !!!!

Sat, 21Jan2012

When it comes to weekend birding, most of the time, its with Bangalore Birding Group [bngbirds] and if its Saturday, its with Deepa Mohan. Parry [Parikshit] and Me always decide at the last moment, most-of-the-times just before we get to sleep on Friday night, and inform Deepa. And thanks to her, that she never says 'No'.

So, this time the place was Hulimangala, a village on the Bannerghatta-Anekal Road, around 5 kms from Bannerghatta Circle. It has small group of trees (mostly ficus trees) where you can find lots of Rose Ringed Parakeets. There is also a small water body nearby (but since Parry and Me had to come back, we skipped going to the water body), where you can find the regular waterbirds. so, a perfect place for an early morning birding around the Bannerghatta Area.

Thanks to Parry, Deepa and the Gang!!!!!!!!!!