The small pratincole at Arnala Beach

The small pratincole, little pratincole, or small Indian pratincole (Glareola lactea), is a small wader in the pratincole family, Glareolidae.'

The small pratincole is a resident breeder in India, Western Pakistan and southeast Asia. It breeds from December to March on gravel or sand banks in rivers, laying 2-4 eggs in a ground scrape. Breeding areas include small areas in northern Karnataka (along the Hemavathi river[2]) and northern Kerala near Kannur.

This species is only 16.5-18.5 cm in length, with a 15–16 cm wingspan. Because of its small size, the small pratincole can be briefly confused in flight with swifts or swallows.

This bird has short legs, long pointed wings and a short tail. Its short bill is an adaptation to aerial feeding. On the ground, it looks mainly pale grey (hence lactea, milky). The crown of the head is brown.

Ultramarine Fly Catcher inVasai

The Darter and his Lost Kingdom

                                                  

Nirmal lake is still alive with a bevy of avian delight to boast about. At one end of the lake beautification work is on ,on a high pace yet, king of lake,the Oriental Darter did not hesitate to pay homage to his losing kingdom . The lake is still full of birdlife whistling ducks, coots, moorhens , Swamphens ,Ospreys , both bronze winged and pleasant tailed Jakanas somehow are still there in good numbers, fighting for their survival and existence. Not sure they will be there in the next season .By spending only 30 mints I recorded around 34 bird species .

That shows how rich the habitat

                                              Oriental Darter

                                               Osprey

                                               Lesser Whistling Ducks

                                             Grey Headed Swamphen

http://ebird.org/ebird/india/view/checklist?subID=S27351039

Oriental Darter
Nirmal Lake , Vasai
7/2/2016

Dapoli -Bird Paradise

Since long time my colleagues were discussing on visiting some best birding spot nearby Mumbai area, finally we decided to explore places in Konkan region called  Dapoli. We had booked a Gramlakshmi Farmhouse. Gramlaxmi farms at Kudavale , a traditional Konkan farmhouse set in 65 acres of peaceful countryside. The property has four double-sized bedrooms and will accommodate a maximum of 10 people.

We started 2.30 Pm from Mumbai and reached our designation at 9.00 PM. The roads are pretty good with scenic beauty  . We had very good dinner made by caretaker Ravi , all the vegetables were grown in the farm itself .



Day 1:- Birding in Farm area and Kadyavaracha Ganapati, Anjarle .
We decided explore nearby area and Kadyavaracha Ganapati, Anjarle. Without wasting any time we started birding at 6.30 am morning . The whole of farm area was flooded with birds. There are multiple trails around the farm and even walking along the main road is very beneficial for bird-watching. We saw  Whistling trush , Gold-fronted Leafbirds, Malabar-Pied Hornbill, White-cheeked Barbets, Black-hooded Oriole, Golden Oriole, Red-vented and Red-whiskered Bulbuls. We had nice breakfast at farm.
                                                 Brown-headed Barbet

I was  scanning open sky for any raptor . Suddenly I saw one dot in the sky . After closely observation , I realized that it was nothing but Indian Vulture . What a day !!                     Indian Vulture

                    Malabar Pied Hornbill

 

                 
.   SoftShelled Turtle

Chameleon  

                                              Malabar whistling thrush

                                                     . Crested Serpent  Eagle  

                                                 Black Naped Monarch 

Puff-Throated Babbler

After spending some fruitful time , we decided to go to Anjarle beach . We had awesome lunch at Suruchi Hotel and after that spend some time at Anjarle beach .We did manage to spot White bellied sea eagle and spot pair too on top of the tree . Whole day was filled up with lots of excitements and lots of birding activities . We also visited Harne beach and saw fish auction . Surprised to one fisherwoman were sailing flying fish . We returned back to the farm  by 7:30 PM and after a lavish dinner followed by night walk  .

                                                White Bellied Sea Eagle

Day 2:- Birding in Farm area.
Day two started with an early morning trail at 6 AM, we were still waiting for close encounter with Malabar Pied Hornbill . Yesterday we had just glimpse of Pied hornbill . We explored nearby area and suddenly we heard some strange noise . With our sheer surpassed , there was large bird The Great Honbill .  The great hornbill is a large bird with red eyes and very long wing span .The wing beats are heavy and the sound produced by birds in flight can be heard from a distance. This sound has been likened to the puffing of a steam locomotive starting up. We were witnessed the bird with very close distance. The flight of this bird is graceful . What an Epic bird !!

Great Indain HornBill

After spending good time ,we decided to move on and explore some steam area . We are still not seen Stork-billed Kingfisher.  Stork-billed Kingfisher didn't turned up, however spotted Oriental Honey Buzzard , White eyed Buzzard, Crested Serpant Eagle with very close distance .

                                               White Eyed Buzzard

                                            Oriental Honey Buzzard

It was 11.30 AM already and we had to  back to the farm and ready to start our return journey. Our stay was awesome . The whole area of Gramlaskmi Farm is pleasantly awesome . People , Food , room , surrounding were above all . No doubt is that Dapoli is paradise for bird . This place deserves frequest visits . With heavy heart we started our return journey . The great hornbill's wing sound was still drumming into my ears !!