Rufous-vented Prinia from Harike Wetland

'Near-threatened' bird species, Rufous-vented Prinia photographed by Narbir Kahlon at Harike Wetland in mid Jan 2010.

Nangal Wetland by Narbir Kahlon

(This photo was sent to me by Navjit Singh on 10 Nov 09 on behalf of Parbhat Bhatti)

(first part - Swaan Nadi)

With the coming Punjab Wetlands Survey in Feb 2010 in mind, we decided to visit Nangal and the Swaan river last Saturday (31 Oct 09). We left Chandigarh at about 5 am with the intention of hitting the Satluj at Kiratpur Sahib at daybreak and we succeeded.

The Canal water is released into the Satluj river bed just upstream of Kiratpur Sahib, What appears to be thousands of cusecs of water is released into the river and offers an incredible sight. As the sun rose, birds began to converge on this stretch to feed; the flow of water was very fast and cormorants were unable to hold their position in the water. They flew upstream landed in the water and a single dive later they found themselves 50 meters downstream, the cormorants braving these waters were mainly the Great and Indian Cormorants.

The spray-washed boulders seemed to be the preferred hunting ground of the Plumbeous Water Redstart and a few Pallas’s Gulls could be seen patrolling this stretch of water. In the bushes adjacent to the railway line, there were some Grey Francolins. A Black Kite was perched on a dry tree nearby. After enjoying the river for a while we proceeded towards Nangal and Anandpur Sahib. While driving down this road we saw some Egyptian Vultures, the juv plumage was a little confusing and this called for a brief stop for verification.

At Nangal, Mr. Prabhat Bhatti was already waiting for us and we proceeded towards Swaan Nadi (river); we decided to drive along the man-made bund made to tame this (at times destructive) river. There were lots of larks on the dusty track mainly the Crested and the Sand Lark. After driving for a while we stopped by a natural pond (Toba) which had a fair share of reeds growing beside it.

Amongst the reeds was a Striated Grassbird its distinctive call making it easy to spot. The pond had some Common Pochards, Common Teals and a Little Grebe. Two Eurasian Marsh Harriers were surveying the Khadar for breakfast circling in the sky.

A short distance away there were two Wool- necked Storks perched on a pole, they seemed to be used to humans, as they allowed me to approach quite close. In the squealchy grassland a few Citrine & Yellow Wagtails and Paddyfield Pipits were seen. A lone shrike brought about a brief discussion on the plumage of grey and long tailed shrikes and it was concluded that it was indeed the Long-tailed Shrike.

Driving along the track we came across a heavily streaked Black (eared) Kite (probably Milvus migrans lineatus), along the waters edge there were a few waders - a Green Sandpiper, Common Redshank, Little stints and Little Ringed Plovers. Little cormorants could be seen harvesting the water for fish and a large Pied Kingfisher was seen perched overlooking a stretch of the Nadi. In the distance we could see Intermediate Egrets feeding in the water and a tree along the bund had a Cattle Egret on it.

A rather aggressive Common Drongo was guarding its area and could be seen chasing away larks, and even Black Kites, this prompted Navjit and Prabhat ji to check out the tree for a nest , but it turned out that it was just in an aggressive frame of mind for no apparent reason.

At the water's edge another heavily streaked wagtail sized bird attracted my attention and after we climbed down the embankment and got a closer view (and a few snaps) we realized it was the Rosy Pipit. A bird I remember seeing a few days earlier near Chatbir but at that time, I had not been able to id it correctly. It was in non breeding plumage and therefore a trickier id.

On the drive back we saw a gull approaching and while I was in the drivers Seat Navjit took a picture it appeared to be either a Yello- legged Gull or a first wintering Pallas’s Gull.

This stretch is home to one pair of Sarus Cranes and Prabhat ji spotted them in the distance. Parking the car on the Bund we approached them on foot but they were rather wary and moved off a short distance as we approached, we were not in a mood to give up and so we followed and I am glad we did, because they led us to a group of Northern Lapwings and a majestic Long- legged Buzzard. I had not seen either of these birds earlier and one could definitely say discount pe lifer.

The Long-legged Buzzard was a mature bird, while perched its distinctive cinnamon tail was clearly visible, in flight the tarsus also indicating it to be the classical Long-legged Buzzard (No difficulty with its Id). The Northern Lapwing is another bird which is one of its kind and is unmistakable in the field with its distinctive plumage and plume/ crest. The fact that Prabhat ji was very familiar with this lapwing was a help, as he was able to identify them from their flight at a distance.

After this special encounter we drove onto the Mehatpur road, as we drove past a few ponds by the roadside we saw Common Coots, Common Moorhens, and Purple Moorhens, plenty of Black Ibis but surprisingly no Black-winged Stilt . After paying a 'safe distance' couretsy call to the the other pair of Sarus which lives here we drove back into Nangal.

Courtesy Prabhat ji’s hospitality, we had a hearty brunch of aloo ke Parathe (fogot all about Dr Sudhir Oswal's advice to reduce my waiste line) at Chiefs Resteraunt - a nice scenic spot in the middle of Nangal. While we were having our brunch, we were entertained by a thirsty crow that preferred the filtered water on offer in a jug rather than the blue clear fast flowing water of the nearby canal.

I am given to understand that there is a very large colony of Rose-ringed Parakeets in the NFL forest at Nangal and also a growing healthy population of Rock Pigeons and House Crows. A brief discussion on the culling of no-native species in Dubai followed, the pros and cons of such exercises continued to be discussed as we moved on towards the Nangal Lake for the next session of Birding.

Narbir Kahlon
02 Nov 09

Eurasian Hobby

Surat Singhji Poonia has forwarded this photograph of Eurasian Hobby which he photographed today at Tal Chhapar.

Rufous-breasted and Black-throated Accentors (Morni Hills)

Black-throated Accentor from Morni Hills in Jan 2007 by me. Not abundant, but not uncommon. A winter visitor to the Morni Hills.

Rofous-breasted Accentor was also seen by me in Morni Hills in Jan 2007. Both these species were seen together.

Python snake killed by ignorant men (photo by Parbhat Bhatti)

Parbhat Bhatti has posted this image on birds-chandigarh google group today. This beautiful harmless creature was killed by villagers out of ignorance, today.

Yellow-eyed Pigeons (120+) from Tal Chhapar by S.S. Poonia ji.

It appears that both birds are Isabelline Wheatear.

Mr. S. S. Poonia's photograph - he says there are at least 124 Yellow-eyed Pigeons at Tal Chhapar on 21 Oct 09.

Northern Wheatear (?) by Nikhil Devasar from Tal Chhapar today

Nikhil Devasar records another milestone from Tal Chhapar, Churu, Rajasthan today. A Northern Wheatear (ID not clear, though?). A rare bird in our region. And possibly a first for Tal Chhapar.
Photo by Nikhil Devasar.

It may be a Isabelline Wheatear. ID still not clear, a photo showing the back may be helpful.

Horned Lark in Chandigarh region (Morni Hills) by Narbir Kahlon

This Horned Lark was sighted and photographed by Narbir Kahlon on 15 Oct 09 at Morni Hills, Haryana (near Chandigarh). I do not remember anyone else having record it earlier in Haryana or Morni or Chandigarh. Congrats, Narbir.

Bird images by Surat Singh Poonia from Tal Chhapar

Some of the bird images sent by Surat Singh Poonia, Tal Chhapar, Churu, Rajasthan today. Long-billed Pipit (not sure, though), Oriental Turtle Dove, and some of the 54 Yellow-eyed Pigeons.

Shaheen Falcon (Peregrine) by Narbir Kahlon

This is Shaneen Falcon, seen and photographed near Berwala Bird Safari, Morni Hills, Chandigarh on 10 Oct 09, by Narbir Kahlon in the company of Navjit Singh. Looked like an Oriental Hobby also, but experts identified it as a resident species of Peregrine Falcon known as Shaheen Falcon. I do not remember anyone else having seen or reported it from Chandigarh area in the last 10 years, at least.

Congrats, Narbir.

The miracle birdwatcher - Mr. Surat Singh Poonia

This Range Officer of Tal Chhapar Blackbuck Sanctuary, Churu, Rajasthan has shown us Great Indian Bustard, White-browed Bushchats, Yellow-eyed Pigeons (all globally threatened birds) and Caspian Plover (a first from Rajasthan). And all within a short span of 2 months.

We birders at birds-chandigarh google group congratulate him.

Yellow-eyed Pigeon by Mr S.S. Poonia from Rajasthan

Mr. Surat Singh Poonia, Range Officer, Tal Chhapar Wildlife Sanctuary has sent this photo of a Yellow-eyed Pigeon Columbia eversmanni from the sanctuary, spotted and taken this morning (8th Oct 09).

This is a 'vulnerable species'.

9th Oct 09 : Mr S.S. Poonia rang up to tell me that there were 13 of them in the morning of 9th Oct 09.

150+ Ferruginous Pochards arrive at Sukhna, Chandigarh

Wintering ducks have arrived at the Sukhna Lake, Chandigarh.

On 7 Oct 09, Navjit and I visited the lake and were delighted to count 150+ Ferruginous Pochard Aythya nyroca (a near-threatened bird)

Regards
Narbir Kahlon

This seems to the highest number of Ferruginous Pochards in our region. I have never seen more than 20 at one place - Suresh C Sharma.

White-rumped Vultures from Punjab by Mr. S.S. Bajwa

On 4th August 09, a new born male buffalo-calf died next to my farm near Pathankot town in Punjab. Believing it should be free from any harmful substance which might effect the gyps vultures as the calf was from a reliable cattle keeper, I got it placed at a site which was often visited by the birds. I observed that the first day the Egyptian vultures visited the carcass and on the second day the White-rumped Vultures numbering about 50 visited the site.

These two photos were taken on 4th Aug 09.

Regards,

S.S. Bajwa

White-rumped Vulture from Punjab by Mr SS Bajwa

This photo was sent by Mr SS Bajwa from Punjab to birds-chandigarh google group on 28 Sep 09. This is a critically endangered bird.

Birding Highlights from Chandigarh region by Narbir Kahlon

Is it a Paddyfield or Blut-winged Warbler? Photo by Narbir Kahlon from Sukhna, 21 Sep 09.

This is a Variable Wheatear, a winter bird to Chandigarh region. Photo by Narbir Kahlon.

Birding Highlights :

Dr Sudhir Oswal recommended a sizing down of my tremendous girth, so I found the ideal solution i.e. walking on the Sukhna Bund keeping a track of the migrants. While I do walk at a reasonable pace, My eyes are free to wander and I take in the beauties of the lake every morning (Feathered of course ) Every few days I treat myself to a walkabout in the marsh with a camera or a drive down the Saketri road and it seems to be working for me.

On the 21st Sept 2009, Navjit and me indulged in one such trip in the afternoon and were pleasantly surprised to see the Variable wheatear, No confusion this time as it was clearly the Oenanthe picata opistholeuca both males any easy Id of a not so common bird in our area.

We were not so lucky with a warbler in the reeds adjacent to the lotus pond the pictures taken were not too great it could be the Paddy field warbler or the more uncommon Blunt- winged warbler. Call- tchk- tichk. The brow according to Suresh-ji and subsequently me is not contrasting with the Supercillium. I am enclosing the Pics and would be grateful if a positive Id could be made.

The Common stonechat and the Blue throat have also arrived at the Sukhna. The Blue throat is possibly one of the most Photogenic Robins to visit Chandigarh. Plenty of Bee eaters both the green as well as the Blue tailed were out hawking insects.

The lotus pond had its fair share of Pond Herons and Common Moorhens there was one White-breasted Waterhen moving stealthily through the reeds. The shy Purple Heron decided to take wing from its well camouflaged hunting spot and the pied King Fisher was keeping a close eye on its happy hunting ground. On The Main Lake there were two Terns and plenty of confusion on their Id and so after a reference to Bill and other experienced birders all confusion was put to rest with a clear ‘Whiskered Tern’ Id. In the spring migration I had seen them with their bellies dark grey and in autumn they are white on the belly supporting a black beak and red legs closer look at facial markings and you realize why we call it the whiskered tern.

Somebody needs to put the record straight on why the scaly breasted Munias at the lake are still carrying nesting material, do they keep changing the lining (Read linen ) of their nests or are they moving into late nesting?

The drive down to Saketri during which we saw the Wheatears also produced the Yellow-wattled lapwing, The Oriental lark and the Long-billed pipit. This area is being developed as a residential colony and seems to be doomed as a birding destination.

Beyond Saketri the story changes as we move into Chandigarh (Saketri is a Haryana village) The Forest department has taken over the land adjacent to the road. Tree plantation is in full swing and hopefully they will leave some fallow land for the Yellow- wattled lapwings.

There is a turn off at Kaimbwala over a culvert or should I say bridge towards Kansal Forest, the track leads up to a Govt owned tube well. Along this track we came across a couple of European Rollers; by the way where have all the Indian Rollers gone? We only seem to be seeing their European cousins. Chasing some warblers around I happened to photograph what turned out to be the Eurasian Wryneck its distinctive head pattern visible through the acacia branches, the wires were full of Blue tailed bee eaters and the Lantana bushes had a few plain Prinia, Crested Buntings (juv/sub adult) and the Indian Robin .The adjoining trees had the Bayas and two Pied Cuckoo’s still enjoying the Hospitality of this region getting ready for their southward journey to beat the Cold Winter of the North.

It is needless to say that we saw the Brahminy, Bank and Common mynas in reasonable numbers and a sub adult Shikra along the road. With the sun turning red and visibility dropping we decided to call it a day.

The warbler and the Tern Kept banging around my head all night and so next morning I decided to carry my camera along. I found four terns (same species as the day before), a Black headed Gull, A Grey Heron, the White-breasted Kingfisher, Pond Herons and Common Moorhens on the lotus, the Great egret, the Little egret, Purple Heron, plenty of Spot billed ducks and a flight of the Lesser Whistling Duck. It was also great to see the Yellow bittern (a single bird) at the lotus pond, but the highlight of the morning was the Black bittern in flight. It is a large bird and though I had been wanting a photo record of this bird from Chandigarh for the last 1 year it had eluded me. Out in the sky I could not miss it, and got a good Id shot. I also got a close up of the Asian open bill stork with a shell stuck to its upper mandible. Like this last passage the walk was fast and hurried after all I need to follow doc’s advice (Reducing My girth.)

Narbir Kahlon

Russel's Viper mistaken for a python

While watching birds in a forest patch near Chandigarh, Narbir Kahlon (photo by him) and Navjit Singh came across this Russel's Viper. Navjit mistaking it for a python wanted to catch it by hand... but just in time he realised his mistake. Even Narbir was trying to block the escape way of the snake.

Birders must remain alert in the Chandigarh region particularly as the three deadly snakes - Cobra, Krait and Viper are found here.

Indian Long-billed Vulture - mating

Dear All,

I recently photographed mating behaviour of vultures. This was the first time I observed it. Do you know of any literature on this?

http://www.indiawilds.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1899
I would appreciate all help.
Regards,
Sabyasachi

Variable Wheatear (capistrata) and Mourning Wheatear

(Aloke Gupta's post at birds-chandigarh google group and telephonic affirmation by S.S. Poonia (the man who has made Tal Chhapar the hottest birding spot in the Thar) about the sighting of a Mourning Wheatear generated lot of discussions. However, the wheatear in question turned out tobe a Variable Wheater (capistrata). Krys puts to end to the confusion by his following comemnts:

"First of all I'd like to make the small point that in my field guide Oenanthe lugens is given in square brackets with status symbol X, clearly explained in the introductory section as indicating that the species is extralimital (has not occurred in the Indian Subcontinent). It was only included on the basis that it is a potential vagrant to Pakistan.

In order to be an acceptable new record for the Subcontinent, any sighting must be completely incontrovertible. I'm afraid, my diagnosis is that your bird is a male of the capistrata morph of Oenanthe picata. The rufous wash on the vent I feel is an artefact of the lighting and photography. If you examine the photo attached (originally sent by you) VS-TC(7)-060909-LR (one of the better shots), it shows no such rufous wash at all. The same bird in another shot on the same perch in VS-TC(8)-060909-LR appears to show a rufous wash on the vent, but if you look at this carefully, you will see that it is distinctly asymmetrical and caused by the lighting/shadow and a perhaps a photographic effect called fringing. You can see this fringing if you look at the broken part of the branch the bird is sitting on. The top side of the broken part has a reddish fringe, not actually there in nature, but an effect of fringing.

One of the main differences between lugens and capistrata is that the black bib of lugens is smaller and does not extend onto the upper breast. To show this I am including a composite photo with lugens on the left and capistrata on the right. The patern of your bird is clearly that of capistrat and not lugens.

The best confirmation would be to have a shot showing the spread wings. Lugens shows a prominent whitish panel on the open wing. A good photo of the spread tail would also confirm one way or the other since, although the basic tail pattern is similar, the black on the outer edges of the outer tail feathers on lugens is even with the other outer tail feathers, but on capistrata extends distinctly upwards.

I hope that closes this issue since I don't have time for further consideration of it.

Kind regards

Krys"

--Krys Kazmierczak

OBI Editor

krys@krys.net

imagemaster@orientalbirdimages.org

www.orientalbirdimages.org

Greater Whitethroat

Photograph by Narbir Kahlon, 13 Sep 09, Mirzapur, Chandigarh.